Blood Pressure Fluctuations: 'Warning Sign for Stroke'

Last week we addressed a report from the Institute of Medicine indicating that high blood pressure is not on the minds of the general public. However, in the most recent issue of the Lancet, a different view of hypertension was posted: what if your physician is looking at the wrong BP values? What if there is more to clinic blood pressure, or the measurement that your physician takes, than the average value?

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Report Indicates US Neglects Hypertension

The Institute of Medicine (IOM) released a report last week recommending strategies to address the "neglected disease" of hypertension in the US. Many people do not realize that high blood pressure is one of the leading causes of death in the US, and it is a risk factor for heart attack, stroke, and kidney failure. One in three US adults has hypertension, and less than half of them have it in control, resulting in an estimated cost of $76 billion in 2010.

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Hypertension in China presents similar challenges seen in the U.S.

I recently read an article indicating hypertension - or high blood pressure - as the leading preventable cause of premature deaths in China. As I was reading, it made me realize how similar healthcare issues in China and the U.S. truly are...

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February 5th is National Wear Red Day

Wear Red Day was created to raise awareness about the risk factors of heart disease, specifically for women. It is the #1 killer of American women, even surpassing deaths resulting from all forms of cancer. The Heart Truth provides tools for women to prevent and control risk factors like high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and obesity. Available materials to help women reduce their risk of heart disease include an Action plan, Heart Health Handbook, and a Heart Health Cookbook. To find out more about National Wear Red Day, check out The Heart Truth website and program overview.

®National Wear Red Day is a registered trademark of HHS and AHA. 

10 Factors That Can Affect Blood Pressure Readings

Have you ever visited the doctor's office and discovered your blood pressure was higher than you expected? Most people do not realize their blood pressure is constantly changing minute by minute in response to mood, activity, body position, etc. In fact, simple changes can cause blood pressure to fluctuate between 5 and 40 mmHg. Here is a list of 10 factors that can temporarily cause significant deviations in your blood pressure measurements.

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Survey Shows that Family Physicians Overestimate Their Effectiveness in Treating Hypertension

A recent survey published in BMC Family Practice shows that US internists and family practice physicians mistakenly believe they are adequately treating high blood pressure. All of the surveyed physicians felt like they treated hypertension adequately and many cited the biggest challenge in blood pressure control as patient noncompliance.

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