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Hypertension: New Research and Findings

Approximately 72 million, or one in three people, in the United States have high blood pressure, also known as hypertension. Over 30 percent of people who suffer from hypertension don’t even know they have this condition.

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Hypertension research is discovering more about hypertension and hypertension treatment every day. Some of the most compelling recent findings include:

a new way to control hypertension
new information on the effects of omega-3 fatty acids on hypertension
new information on the relationship between growth problems before birth and the development of hypertension
new treatment processes.

Controlling Hypertension

British scientists have recently asserted that oxidation, which has been proven to play an important role in normal cell function, can also affect the body’s ability to regulate blood pressure. In the body, oxidation refers to the process in which oxygen reacts with the body’s cells to give them energy and help them reproduce in a healthy manner.

While in the past oxidation was seen as harmful, understanding that this process is actually beneficial to the body can aid researchers in finding new drugs to treat hypertension. As a result, this new research may open doors that can help people more effective manage and treat high blood pressure.

Effects of Diet on Hypertension

Studies have found that people who eat foods and/or take supplements high in omega-3 fatty acids can lower their blood pressure. Here are some foods that are good sources of omega-3 fatty acids:

canola oil
herring
mackerel
salmon
soybean oil
trout
walnuts.

Keep in mind that omega-3 fatty acids are not the only treatment for blood pressure. Along with eating a proper diet, those suffering from hypertension should also exercise and may need to take prescription medications.

Effects of Growth Problems Before Birth

Studies have proven that children with growth problems before birth are at a higher risk of developing hypertension than children without fetal growth problems.

As a result, doctors will closely monitor children who have had these growth problems for high blood pressure to prevent them from developing more serious health complications. Severe side effects of hypertension may include:

atherosclerosis (hardening of the arteries)
heart attack
kidney failure
loss of vision
stroke.

Children who do have hypertension can be prescribed special diets, regular exercise and certain medications. Obesity and smoking raise the risk for hypertension, so these should be avoided in children and teens with high blood pressure.

Treatment Processes of Hypertension

One recent high blood pressure study has found that those with hypertension should begin the treatment process with a diuretic, a substance that stimulates the production and excretion of urine from the body. Along with promoting healthy kidney and urinary tract functioning, diuretics have been proven to lower blood pressure and prevent:

heart attack
heart failure
stroke.

For those who can’t take diuretics, doctors may prescribe calcium channel blockers or ACE inhibitors. People who have angina should take a calcium channel blocker along with a diuretic.

Other Hypertension Statistics and Facts

Here are some other interesting facts and statistics related to hypertension:

Having hypertension increases people’s risk for heart disease and stroke.
In 2002, hypertension killed almost 50,000 people in the United States.
One in three Americans have high blood pressure.
Two in five African Americans have hypertension.
While one in five Hispanics suffers from hypertension, only one in six Asians has hypertension.

Hypertension is a serious condition, especially when it’s left untreated. Consequently, getting regular screenings for hypertension is important to staying healthy and preventing serious hypertension complications from arising.

Resources

Center for Disease Control and Prevention (2006). Hypertension Fact Sheet. Retrieved August 29, 2007, from the CDC Web site: http://www.cdc.gov/DHDSP/library/fs_bloodpressure.htm.

Medline Plus (2007). High Blood Pressure. Retrieved August 29, 2007, from the Medline Plus Web site: http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/highbloodpressure.html#cat24.

National Institutes of Health (n.d.). High Blood Pressure in the United States. Retrieved August 29, 2007, from the NIH Web site: http://hp2010.nhlbihin.net/mission/abouthbp/abouthbp.htm.

News-Medical.net (2007). New way to control hypertension may lead to more effective drugs. Retrieved August 29, 2007, from the News-Medical.net Web site: http://www.news-medical.net/?id=29120.

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