m  
Home >Diabetes Related Heart Disease > High Blood Pressure
High Blood Pressure and Diabetes







Do you have diabetes?  Did you know that 2 out of 3 diabetics have high blood
pressure?  This is not a condition to be taken lightly, as it can cause many serious
complications if not kept under control.  If you are a diabetic, it is specially
important to keep your blood pressure in check.  Doing so could help you prevent
many complications associated with diabetes.

Your Blood Pressure

Blood pressure is the force that the blood exerts on the arteries as the heart pumps it
through the body.  Blood pressure varies, depending on what we do.  It rises when
we are exited and it lowers when we are asleep.

High blood pressure or hypertension is when the force of blood against the arteries is
too high.  Blood pressure is measured in two numbers:

Systolic Pressure (Higher Number): Pressure of the blood as the heart is beating.

Diastolic Pressure (Lower Number): Pressure of the blood as the heart is resting in
between beats.

For most diabetics, blood pressure should be kept below 130/80 (130 over 80) to
prevent complications.

Complications Related to High Blood Pressure

Uncontrolled high blood pressure can lead to serious complications, which include:

•        Heart Failure

•        Diabetic Retinopathy (Eye Disease)

•        Stroke

•        Nephropathy (Kidney Disease)

Are there any symptoms?

High blood pressure usually has no symptoms.  Many people find out when they
experience problems with their heart, eyes or kidneys.  If you have diabetes, it is
important that you have your blood pressure checked every time you go to the
doctor, or at least four times a year.  You could also purchase a blood pressure
monitor and keep track of your blood pressure levels at home.  Make sure you stay
in contact with your health care professional about your blood pressure levels.

High Blood Pressure Treatment

Similar to blood glucose control, high blood pressure treatment is mainly based on
making healthy lifestyle choices.  You must follow a healthy diet, exercise regularly
(at least 30 minutes a day), loose weight and keep it off.  It is also recommended to
quit smoking and to reduce alcohol intake.  Discuss with your healthcare
professional what lifestyle changes are best for you, and come up with a plan that
you can follow on a daily basis.

Your doctor may also prescribe medications to help keep your blood pressure levels
at the needed range.  The medications used to treat high blood pressure include
diuretics, beta blockers, alpha blockers, alpha beta blockers, vasodilators, calcium
channel blockers, angiotensin antagonists and ACE inhibitors.

Conclusion

High blood pressure and diabetes are closely related, and the complications
associated with them can be serious.  The good news is that by keeping a close eye
on both, making the needed lifestyle changes and following your doctor’s advice,
you can live a healthy happy life for a long time to come.
Search this site!
Need more tips on controlling your diabetes related high blood pressure?  
Subscribe to our Free Newsletter!

Our free monthly newsletter will provide you with updated diabetes related
information that will inform you of the latest developments in the health industry,
plus more hints and tips on living healthier, happier and longer, winning the battle
over diabetes.  Subscribe today!

We will never distribute, reveal, sell or exchange your email with anyone
Subscribe Me!

Name:
Email Address:
The content in this website is for informational and entertainment purposes only, and it
is in no way meant to diagnose any illness or to replace the recommendations and
directions given by a health care professional.

Site Map       Disclaimer        Privacy Policy         Links       Forum Boards