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P.O. BOX 360 LINDEN, TX 75563 |
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Ward Timber Ltd. |
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Phone: 903-756-7700 Fax: 903-756-8313 E-mail: Brittanie@wardtimber.com |
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Editors: Linda Price Brittanie Lowery
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Last week we had our yearly health fair and I am concerned about the number of young men who have hypertension and do not seem to be concerned. I know it is hard to understand that something that is seemingly not causing you any health problems at the moment can be that serious, but it is. It is not only serious it could cost you your life and leave your family without a father and a husband. The emotional and financial difficulty that would come from this is long term and can be prevented. The following information was obtained from Web MD. ( http://www.webmd.com/hypertension-high-blood-pressure/guide/hypertension-serious-in-young-men) "Young men are less likely than older men to believe they have hypertension and less likely to go back to the doctor," says Daniel Lackland, DrPH, spokesman for the American Society of Hypertension. "Often these are patients whose blood pressure would respond to weight management and other lifestyle changes, but they're less likely to seek treatment." Younger men with high blood pressure typically have high diastolic pressure while older men have high systolic pressure. "In young men, the diastolic pressure rises because the heart is pumping harder," says Lackland. "In older men, the systolic pressure rises and stiffens arteries. "Part of the problem with young men is increased body mass. Ten years ago we wouldn't have seen hypertension in the teens and 20s, but now it's increasing along with rising obesity rates. Lackland, who is professor of epidemiology and medicine at the Medical University of South Carolina in Charleston, says that as with older men, treatment for younger men follows the “Seventh Report of the Joint National Committee on Prevention, Detection, Evaluation, and Treatment of High Blood Pressure” (JNC 7) guidelines for lifestyle changes and medications. The JNC 7 recommends the following lifestyle modifications for people with pre-hypertension as well as hypertension: Weight reduction. Maintain a normal weight with a target body mass index (BMI) of 18.5 to 24.9. This can result in an approximate reduction in systolic blood pressure of 5-20 points per 10 kilograms (22 lbs.) of weight loss, according to the JNC 7. DASH (Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension) eating plan. Adopt a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and low-fat dairy products. Reduce saturated and total fat. This can be expected to drop systolic blood pressure by 8-14 points. Lower salt intake. Reduce dietary sodium to less than 2,400 milligrams or about 1 teaspoon a day. According to the JNC 7, a 1,600-milligram sodium DASH eating plan has effects similar to a single drug therapy. The approximate reduction in systolic blood pressure would be 2-8 points. Aerobic physical activity. Engage in regular physical activity, such as brisk walking, at least 30 minutes per day most days of the week. This can decrease systolic blood pressure by 4-9 points. Moderation of alcohol consumption. Men should limit alcohol to no more than two drinks per day. A standard drink is defined by the type of alcohol. For example, a standard drink, such as a 12-ounce bottle of beer, a 5-ounce glass of wine, or 1.5-ounce shot of 80-proof distilled spirits, has between 11 and 14 grams of alcohol. Limiting the amount of alcohol to this quantity is expected to result in a reduction in systolic blood pressure by 2-4 points. Without treatment, a man at [age] 30 could be facing end-stage renal disease, stroke, or heart attack." Keep yourself healthy and let your children grow up with you around. They’re worth it!! —LP |
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Blood Pressure Level (mmHg)
Normal Systolic 120 Diastolic < 80 Prehypertension Systolic120-139 Diastolic 80-89
High Blood Pressure Stage 1 Hypertension Systolic140–159 Diastolic90–99 Stage 2 Hypertension Systolic >160 or Diastolic >100 |