Hypertension, or high blood pressure, is a common condition in Anguilla. The exact cause of hypertension is not known. In numerous epidemiologic, clinical, and experimental studies, dietary sodium intake has been linked to blood pressure, and a reduction in dietary salt intake has been documented to lower blood pressure.
What is hypertension?
Blood pressure is the force of blood pressing against the walls of your arteries. When it is 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. A pressure greater than 140 for systolic and 90 for diastolic is considered abnormal.
Many Anguillians are known to 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.
Symptoms of high blood pressure
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 does not know he or she have it. Internally, it can quietly damage the heart, lungs, blood vessels, brain and kidneys if left untreated. High blood pressure is a major risk factor for strokes and kidney disease in Anguilla. When you do have symptoms it might be related to an hypertensive crisis where the blood pressure is extremely high. You might have severe headaches, pain in the neck, dizzy spells or present in a coma. The vast majority of individuals with high blood pressure do not have any symptoms. You will only know by having your blood pressure checked by a trained health care professional.
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 race
Individuals of African descent are more likely to develop hypertension — and to develop it at a younger age. Genetic research suggests that individuals of African descent seem to be more sensitive to salt. In people who have a gene that makes them salt-sensitive, just a half-teaspoon of salt can raise blood pressure by 5 mm Hg. Diet and excessive weight can play a role, as well.
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. Most experts recommend eating less than 1,500 milligrams of sodium per day. Individuals are encouraged 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. Most of the sodium we eat comes from packaged, processed, store-bought, and restaurants foods. Only a small amount comes from salt added during cooking and from being added at the table.
There is no doubt that many individuals in Anguilla use large amounts of salt. You can learn to decrease the amount of salt used – this can be developed over a period of time.
Individuals are encouraged to season foods with spices, herbs, lemon and salt-free seasoning blends. Talk to your dietitian/nutritionist or health care provider if you need more information on this.
Living with high blood pressure
Hypertension is often a life-long condition. Lifestyle changes such as exercise and diet play a great role in controlling high blood pressure. It is also 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.
Conclusion
High blood pressure affects many individuals in Anguilla. There is no doubt that individuals with an African descent are more sensitive to salt which is associated with a rise in blood pressure. High blood pressure can be controlled, and reduced intake of salt can help in its control.
Ask Your Doctor is a health education column and is not a substitute for medical advice from your physician. The reader should consult his or her physician for specific information concerning specific medical conditions. While all reasonable efforts have been made to ensure that all information presented is accurate, as research and development in the medical field is ongoing, it is possible that new findings may supersede some data presented.
Dr Brett Hodge is an Obstetrician/Gynaecologist and Family Doctor who has over thirty years in clinical practice. Dr Hodge has a medical practice in The Johnson Building in The Valley (Tel: 264 4975828).
