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Hypertension (high blood pressure) is the diagnosis given when readings
consistently rise above normal. It is well known that hypertension can lead to
stroke, heart attack or other illness if left untreated. Referred to as a "silent
killer" because it does not always produce symptoms that alert you to the
problem, hypertension is treatable when diagnosed early.
In many individuals, hypertension can be controlled by altering lifestyle and-
minimizing stress, and by appropriate medication prescribed and monitored
by your doctor. The American Heart Association recommends the following
lifestyle suggestions to prevent or control hypertension:
It is now well known that, for many individuals, blood pressure readings
taken in a doctor' s office or hospital setting might be elevated as a result of
apprehension and anxiety. This response is commonly called "white coat
hypertension." In any case, self-measurement at home supplements your doc-
tor' s readings and provides a more accurate, complete blood pressure history.
In addition, clinical studies have shown that the detection and treatment of
hypertension is improved when patients both consult their physicians and
monitor their own blood pressureat home.
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