New Warning:Even Slightly High Blood Pressure Is Dangerous

A new study by the University of California San Diego shows a substantially greater risk of stroke for many people who have pre-hypertension,a precursor condition to hypertension,or high blood pressure.The study considered 12 previous studies covering more than 500,000 patients.
Pre-hypertension is a blood pressure greater than 120/80,but less than 140/90,which is hypertension proper.Until this new study was published in the journal Neurology,the amount of risk pre-hypertension posed was unclear.For those younger than 65,the study shows,even a slightly high blood pressure of 121/81 increases stroke risk by 22%.A blood pressure of from 130-139/80-89 increased stroke risk nearly 80%.In general,those with a blood pressure of 120-139/80-89,the range for pre-hypertension,had a 55% greater risk of having a stroke than the rest of the population.
The data for those over 65 did not yield the same result-probably because their stroke risk is determined by other factors,such as other medical conditions they may have.
It is also now believed that patients with pre-diabetes,the precursor condition to diabetes,in which the blood sugar is only somewhat elevated,also may be experiencing significant health impacts.It seems that chronic disease is more of a continuum than was previously understood.

Health Uncle:Diabetes Alert

March 24 is Diabetes Alert Day.It's an occasion to warn people about the extent of this chronic illness,and encourage them to be screened for it.At present,around eight percent of Americans have diabetes.Of that number,more than 25% aren't aware of it.As well,some 57 million Americans are pre-diabetic.They have elevated blood glucose levels and,if they don't make lifestyle changes,are greatly at risk of developing the disease,and may even have sustained damage from their early stage of the condition.In one study,11% of pre-diabetics came down with diabetes every year.There is no cure for diabetes.Pre-diabetics have a fair chance of delaying or even preventing the full-blown illness by losing weight,eating less sugar and fat,and exercising.Weight,heredity and age are risk factors for diabetes.Diabetes screening is part of a complete physical.Consider making that appointment today.