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According to experts at the Institute of Medicine, high blood pressure is a neglected disease that needs significantly more attention from both doctors and patients.  David Fleming, an expert at the Institute of Medicine says that “Although hypertension is relatively easy to prevent, simple to diagnose and relatively inexpensive to treat, it remains the second leading cause of death among Americans.”

Experts say that in general, the higher the blood pressure, the greater the health risk.  Uncontrolled hypertension can lead to heart attack, stroke, kidney failure, angina and dementia.

The shocking facts:

1 in 3 American adults suffer from hypertension

1 in 6 will eventually die from its consequences, which include heart disease and stroke

73 million Americans are affected by high blood pressure

65 percent of Americans with hypertension are NOT effectively managing the condition

The Institute of Medicine works with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the topic of hypertension is at the top of their priority list.  Last year, the CDC spent $50 million on hypertension-related outreach.

The Institute of Medicine wants the CDC to go for widespread policy changes rather than more small-scale education efforts. That means increased involvement with government agencies and private institutions. 

Together they want to highlight three specific recommendations that not only could save Americans over $18 million dollars in health costs annually, but save lives too.

1.       A simple reduction in salt intake could cut hypertension rates by 22 percent.

2.       If overweight Americans each lost 10 pounds, the panel predicts a 7 to 8 percent reduction in hypertension.

3.       Work with insurance companies to cut back on co-payments and deductibles for hypertension treatments, which can make medication prohibitively expensive.

Look for upcoming announcements sponsored by the CDC encouraging lifestyle changes, like weight loss and a better diet, which can greatly improve blood pressure.

SOURCE:  http://www.aolnews.com/health/article/americans-ignoring-serious-hypertension-problem-expertswarn/19370053?icid=main|main|dl4|link5|http%3A%2F%2Fwww.aolnews.com%2Fhealth%2Farticle%2Famericans-ignoring-serious-hypertension-problem-experts-warn%2F19370053

Winter brings us holidays, fattening foods, financial stress and the flu bug.  But did you know that winter also brings an increased risk of heart attack?

Here’s the science behind the fact. Your heart has to work extra hard during the winter months.  Cold, dry air causes blood vessels to constrict as the body tries to prevent heat loss, said Dr. Holly Andersen, director of education and outreach at the Ronald O. Perelman Heart Institute of New York-Presbyterian Hospital / Weill Cornell Medical Center. 

Blood vessel constriction is the natural way that your body copes with cold weather, but when combined with a pre existing heart condition or strenuous exercise the constricted blood vessels could be fatal. The narrowing of the blood vessels raises blood pressure and can reduce oxygen flow to the heart.

To protect yourself, pay attention to the symptoms of a heart attack.  According to the American Heart Association the symptoms of a heart attack include pain, discomfort or a squeezing sensation in the chest.  You may also feel pain in the arms, back, neck or jaw, shortness of breath, nausea or a cold sweat.  Women may also experience these painful symptoms, but they are more likely than men to experience shortness of breath, nausea or vomiting.

To lessen your risk heart attack, Anderson has these suggestions for the winter months:

If you’re over the age of 50 and have certain risk factors such as obesity, sedentary, smoking or have had a heart attack in the past, consult a doctor before exercise, including shoveling snow.

Stretch or walk before you begin an exercise.  This will slowly increase oxygen to your heart and not overexert it.

Dress warm. Wear windproof and waterproof outer garments, use many layers, and place a scarf over your mouth and nose to warm up cold air before you breathe it in.  Bundling up will help maintain your body heat so your heart doesn’t have to work extra hard to keep your body warm.

To avoid overexertion, try pushing snow with the shovel rather than lifting it. Also, take frequent breaks while shoveling.

If you’re over the age of 50 and have certain risk factors such as obesity, sedentary, smoking or have had a heart attack in the past, consult a doctor before exercise, including shoveling snow.

SOURCE:  http://news.health.com/2009/12/30/heart-attacks-more-common-winter/