Description
High blood pressure, or hypertension, affects about one in four Americans — but this potentially life-threatening condition can exist virtually without symptoms. Now, the latest medical advances that can help prevent the damaging effects of hypertension are compiled in a convenient reference under the authority of the American Medical Association. Here is clear, concise information that can help you to: * Understand all aspects of hypertension: what it is, who is at risk, how it affects the body, and how it is diagnosed * Learn about your cardiovascular system — and how your body controls blood pressure * Discover the treatable causes of hypertension — from certain physical disorders and illnesses to side effects of common medications * Safely monitor your blood pressure, with tips for more accurate readings * Take control of your health with current lifestyle recommendations and nutritional guidelines * Work with your doctor to maintain a drug therapy program, and select the best treatment options * Recognize and deal with hypertensive emergencies. Also included is information about hypertension among pregnant women, African-Americans, children, seniors, and people with diabetes; answers to commonly asked questions; a glossary of related terms; and a directory of addresses and Web sites for up-to-the-minute medical news. You’ll find everything you need to help manage your blood pressure in the American Medical Association Essential Guide to Hypertension. FOREWORD INTRODUCTION 1 – HOW YOUR BODY CONTROLS BLOOD PRESSURE A Cardiovascular Primer Blood Pressure Control What Is High Blood Pressure? 2 – UNDERSTANDING HYPERTENSION Hypertension in the US Who Is at Risk for Hypertension? Essential Hypertension Treatable Causes of Hypertension 3 – HOW HYPERTENSION HURTS YOUR BODY Heart Arteries Kidneys Brain Eyes 4 – DIAGNOSING AND MONITORING BLOOD PRESSURE How Blood Pressure Is Measured Tips to Help Ensure Accurate Blood Pressure Readings Classification of Hypertension Evaluating a Person With Hypertension 5 – TREATMENT PLANNING Working With Your Doctor Available Options Complementary Therapies 6 – STEPS YOU CAN TAKE Lose Weight Become More Active Modify Your Diet Limit Alcohol Use Stop Smoking Reduce Stress in Your Life 7 – MEDICATION FOR HYPERTENSION Starting Your Medication Changes in Medication Overview of Blood Pressure Medications 8 – CHOICES FOR INITIAL DRUG THERAPY Diuretics Beta Blockers Calcium Channel Blockers 9 – OTHER DRUG OPTIONS Angiotensin Converting Enzyme Inhibitors Combination Drugs Alpha Blockers Angiotensin Blockers 10 – SUPPLEMENTAL DRUGS Centrally Acting Drugs Peripherally Acting Drugs Direct Vasodilators 11 – EMERGENCY SITUATIONS What Is a Hypertensive Emergency? Evaluating a Hypertensive Crisis Treating a Hypertensive Emergency 12 – HYPERTENSION DURING PREGNANCY Preexisting Hypertension Changes in Blood Pressure During Pregnancy Other Blood Pressure Concerns for Women 13 – HYPERTENSION IN SPECIAL GROUPS African Americans Older Adults Children 14 – HYPERTENSION AND OTHER DISEASES Diabetes Insulin Resistance Syndrome Vascular Disease Left Ventricular Hypertrophy Kidney Failure Respiratory Disease 15 – HYPERTENSION RESEARCH What Is a Clinical Trial? Questions Asked in Hypertension Studies Should You join a Clinical Trial? Current Hypertension Studies When You Hear About Medical Studies in the News… 16 – COMMON QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS ABOUT HYPERTENSION RESOURCES GLOSSARY INDEX
