Life@Blue House

What is Hypertension?

2011-08-24T00:54:00.000-07:00

Hypertension, or high blood pressure, is a common condition that will catch up with most people who live into older age. Blood pressure is the force of blood pressing against the walls of your arteries.

When it's too high, it raises the heart's workload and can cause serious damage to the arteries. Over time, uncontrolled high blood pressure increases the risk of heart disease, stroke, and kidney disease.

Is it a stroke? Think FAST
	F	ACE	Uneaven smile or expression, facial droop, numbness in the face
	A	RM	One arm drifts down, weakness and numbness
	S	PEECH	Slurred, inappropriate words, mute, strange speech.
	T	IME	Time is critical, seek immediate medical assistance

Hypertension Symptoms

High blood pressure is sometimes called a silent killer because it may have no outward symptoms for years. In fact, one in five people with the condition don't know they have it. Internally, it can quietly damage the heart, lungs, blood vessels, brain, and kidneys if left untreated. It's a major risk factor for strokes and heart attacks in Malaysia.

What Causes Hypertension?

Normal blood pressure readings will fall below 120/80, while higher results over time can indicate hypertension. In most cases, the underlying cause of hypertension is unknown. The top number (systolic) shows the pressure when your heart beats. The lower number (diastolic) measures pressure at rest between heartbeats, when the heart refills with blood. Occasionally, kidney or adrenal gland disease can lead to hypertension.

Prehypertension: A Warning Sign

Almost one-quarter of Malaysian have prehypertension. Their blood pressure is consistently just above the normal level -- falling anywhere between 120 and 139 for systolic pressure or 80 to 89 for the diastolic pressure. People in this range have twice the risk of developing heart disease than those with a lower reading. Your doctor may recommend lifestyle changes to help lower your blood pressure.

The Hypertension Danger Zone

You have high blood pressure if readings average140/90 or higher -- for either number -- though you may still have no symptoms. At 180/110 and higher, you may be having a hypertensive crisis. Rest for a few minutes and take your blood pressure again. If it is still very high, seek immediate medical assistance. A hypertensive crisis can lead to a stroke, heart attack, kidney damage, or loss of consciousness. Symptoms of a hypertensive crisis can include a severe headache, anxiety, nosebleeds, and feeling short of breath.

Who Gets High Blood Pressure?

Up to the age of 45, more men have high blood pressure than women. It becomes more common for both men and women as they age, and more women have hypertension by the time they reach 65. You have a greater risk if a close family member has high blood pressure or if you are diabetic. About 60% of people with diabetes have high blood pressure.

Hypertension and Sodium

Sodium, a major component of salt, can raise blood pressure by causing the body to retain fluid, which leads to a greater burden on the heart. The American Heart Association recommends eating less than 1,500 milligrams of sodium per day. You'll need to check food labels and menus carefully. Processed foods contribute up to 75% of our sodium intake. Canned soups and lunch meats are prime suspects.

Hypertension and Stress

Stress can make your blood pressure spike, but there's no evidence that it causes high blood pressure as an ongoing condition. However, stress may affect risk factors for heart disease, so it may have an indirect connection to hypertension. Stress may lead to other unhealthy habits, such as a poor diet, alcohol use, or smoking, which can contribute to high blood pressure and heart disease.

Hypertension and Weight

Being overweight places a strain on your heart and increases your risk of high blood pressure. That is why diets to lower blood pressure are often also designed to control calories. They typically call for cutting fatty foods and added sugars, while increasing fruits, vegetables, lean protein, and fiber. Even losing 10 pounds can make a difference.

Hypertension and Alcohol

Drinking too much alcohol can increase your blood pressure. The guidelines are if you drink alcohol, you should limit the amount to no more than two drinks a day for men, or one a day for women. Defination of a drink as one 12-ounce beer, four ounces of wine, 1.5 ounces of 80-proof spirits, or one ounce of 100-proof spirits.

Hypertension and Caffeine

If caffeine can make you jittery, can it also raise your blood pressure? It might have a temporary effect, but studies haven't shown any link between caffeine and the development of hypertension. You can safely drink one or two cups a day, according to the American Heart Association.

Hypertension and Pregnancy

Gestational hypertension is a kind of high blood pressure that occurs in the second half of pregnancy. Without treatment, it may lead to a serious condition called preeclampsia that endangers both the mother and baby. The condition can limit blood and oxygen flow to the baby and can affect the mother's kidneys and brain. After the baby is born, the mother's blood pressure usually returns to its normal level.

Hypertension and Medicine

Cold and flu medicines that contain decongestants are one of several classes of medicine that can cause your blood pressure to rise. Others include NSAID pain relievers, steroids, diet pills, birth control pills, and some antidepressants. If you have high blood pressure, talk to you doctor about what medicines and supplements you are taking that may affect blood pressure.

'White Coat' Hypertension

Some people only have a high reading in the doctor's office, perhaps because they're nervous. Some will only have blood pressure readings sporadically. Those people may have a higher chance of developing high blood pressure, a recent study shows. To get a more accurate reading, take your blood pressure at home, chart your readings, and share them with your doctor. It is also a good idea to bring in your home monitor in for a check of the device and your technique.

Hypertension and Children

While hypertension is more often a problem for older people, even children can have high blood pressure."Normal" blood pressure varies based on a child's age, height, and sex, so your doctor will need to tell you if there is a concern. Children are at greater risk if they are overweight and have a family history of the illness.

Lifestyle change: The DASH Diet

You may be able to lower your blood pressure by switching to a better diet. The DASH Diet -- Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension -- involves eating more fruits, vegetables, whole-grain foods, low-fat dairy, fish, poultry, and nuts. You should eat less red meat, saturated fats, and sweets. Reducing sodium in your diet can also have a significant effect.

Lifestyle change : Exercise.

Regular exercise helps lower your blood pressure. Adults should get about 150 minutes of moderateintensity exercise every week. That could include gardening, walking briskly, bicycling, or other aerobic exercise. Muscle-strengthening activities are recommended at least two days a week and should work all major muscle groups.

Lifestyle change : Complementary Therapies.

Meditation can put your body into a state of deep rest, which can lower your blood pressure. Yoga, tai chi, and deep breathing also help. These relaxation techniques should be combined with other lifestyle changes, such as diet and exercise. Be aware that herbal therapies may conflict with other medications you take, and some herbs actually raise blood pressure. Tell your doctor if you take herbal or other dietary supplements.

Living with High Blood Pressure

Hypertension is often a life-long condition. It's important to take your medications and continue to monitor your blood pressure. If you keep it under control, you can reduce your risk of stroke, heart disease, and kidney failure.

Prevention is better than cure

Now, here are some ways to avoid having hypertension.

Weight loss and regular exercise such as walking and jogging, really improves blood flow in the body.
Reducing sugar food, fat and sodium (salt).
Avoid smoking and drinking alcohol.
stress reduction through relaxation therapy.
Eat lots of fruits and vegetables.
With adequate sleep and rest.

Car Make / Car Models in Malaysia

2011-08-23T22:41:00.001-07:00

ALFA ROMEO, ASTON MARTIN, AUDI, AUSTIN, AUSTIN MORRIS, BENTLEY, BMW, CHEROKEE, CHEVROLET, CHRYSLER, CITROEN, DAIHATSU, DAIMLER, DATSUN, FERRARI, FIAT, FORD, HOLDEN, HONDA, HYUNDAI, ISUZU, JAGUAR, JEEP, KIA, LADA, LAMBORGHINI, LANCIA, LANDROVER, MAHINDRA, MAZDA,	MERCEDES BENZ, MASERATI, MG, MINI, MITSUBISHI, MITSUOKA, MORGAN SPORTS, NAZA, NISSAN, OPEL, PANTHER LIMA SPORTS, PERODUA, PEUGEOT, PORSCHE, PROTON, RANGEROVER, RENAULT, ROLLSROYCE, ROVER, SAAB, SKODA, SMART, SSYANGYONG, SUBARU, SUZUKI, TD, TOYOTA, VAUXHALL, VOLKSWAGEN, VOLVO
Click Here for best Insurance Coverage for Cars

Insurance and Takaful Brokers in Malaysia

2011-08-23T22:33:00.000-07:00

AAO Global Insurance Brokers Sdn. Bhd.
Affin Insurance Brokers Sdn. Bhd.
Alloy Insurance Brokers Sdn. Bhd.
Anika Insurance Brokers Sdn. Bhd.
Antah Insurance Brokers Sdn. Bhd.
Aon Insurance Brokers (Malaysia) Sdn. Bhd.
BIB Insurance Brokers Sdn. Bhd.
Eastgate Insurance Brokers Sdn. Bhd.
IIB Insurance Brokers Sdn. Bhd.
Insfield Insurance Brokers Sdn. Bhd.
Insurepro Sdn. Bhd.
Jardine Lloyd Thompson Sdn. Bhd.
KSDC Insurance Brokers Sdn. Bhd.
Malene Insurance Brokers Sdn. Bhd.
Marsh Insurance Brokers (M) Sdn. Bhd.
MIT Insurance Brokers Sdn. Bhd. (Previously MIT Perinsima)

MMS (Insurance Brokers) Sdn. Bhd.
Perinsu (Broker Insurans) Sdn. Bhd.
PNSB Insurance Brokers Sdn. Bhd.
Protac Insurance Brokers Sdn. Bhd.
Sepakat Insurance Brokers (M) Sdn. Bhd.
Sime Darby Lockton Insurance Brokers Sdn. Bhd.
SP&G Insurance Brokers Sdn. Bhd.
State Insurance Brokers Sdn .Bhd.
Sterling Insurance Brokers Sdn. Bhd.
Tradewinds International Insurance Brokers Sdn. Bhd.
Transnational Insurance Brokers (M) Sdn. Bhd.
Willis (Malaysia) Sdn. Bhd.
YPM Insurance Brokers (1974) Sdn. Bhd.

Takaful Operators in Malaysia

2011-08-23T22:28:00.001-07:00

AIA Takaful International Bhd
CIMB Aviva Takaful Berhad
Etiqa Takaful Berhad
Hong Leong Tokio Marine Takaful Berhad
HSBC Amanah Takaful (Malaysia) Sdn Bhd

MAA Takaful Berhad
Prudential BSN Takaful Berhad
Syarikat Takaful Malaysia Berhad
Takaful Ikhlas Sdn. Bhd.

General Insurance Companies in Malaysia

2011-08-23T22:25:00.000-07:00

Allianz General Insurance Malaysia Berhad
Ace Synergy Insurance Malaysia Berhad
AmAssurance Berhad
American International Assurance Company, Limited (AIA) - Chartis
Asia Insurance
AXA Affin Assurance Berhad
Berjaya Sampo Insurance Berhad
Commerce Assurance Berhad
Jerneh Insurance Berhad
Kurnia Insurans Malaysia Berhad
Hong Leong Assurance Berhad
ING Insurance Berhad
Lonpac Insurance Berhad
Malaysia National Insurance Berhad (etiqa)
Malaysian Assurance Alliance Berhad (MAA)
Mayban General Assurance Berhad (etiqa)
MCIS Zurich Insurance Berhad

MUI Continental Insurance Berhad
Multi-Purpose Insurans Berhad
Oriental Capital Assurance Berhad
Overseas Assurance Corp. Malaysia Berhad (OAC)
Pacific & Orient Insurance Co. Berhad (P&O)
Pacific Insurance Berhad
Pan Global Insurance Berhad (PGI)
Progressive Insurance Berhad
Prudential Assurance (M) Berhad
QBE Insurance Malaysia Berhad
RHB Insurance Berhad
Royal and Sun Alliance Insurance Malaysia Berhad
Tahan Insurance Malaysia Berhad
Tokio Marine Insurans Malaysia Berhad
Uni.Asia General Insurance Berhad

Life Insurance Companies in Malaysia

2011-08-23T22:17:00.001-07:00

Allianz Life Insurance (M) Berhad
AmAssurance Berhad
American International Assurance Company, Limited (AIA)
TM Asia Life (M) Berhad
AXA Affin Life Insurance Berhad
Commerce Life Assurance Berhad
Great Eastern Life Insurance (M) Berhad
Hannover Life RE
Hong Leong Assurance Berhad (HLA)

ING Insurance Berhad
Malaysia National Insurance Berhad (etiqa)
Malaysian Assurance Alliance Berhad (MAA)
Malaysian Life Reinsurance Group Berhad
Manulife Insurance (M) Berhad
Mayban Life Assurance Berhad (etiqa)
MCIS Zurich Insurance Berhad
Prudential Assurance (M) Berhad
Uni.Asia Life Assurance Berhad

Allianz Powerlink : Medical & Health Insurance All In One Plan

2011-08-23T08:25:00.001-07:00

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