Health Uncle:What Is Prehypertension-and what should be done about it

Prehypertension is now considered to be an early stage of hypertension,or high blood pressure.In a person with prehypertension,harm may already be being done to their bodies.People with prehypertension,defined as blood pressure from 120-139 systolic or 80-89 diastolic,have no symptoms,yet have twice the risk of developing cardiovascular disease as those with lower blood pressure.They are already at an increased risk of suffering a stroke or heart attack.
Prehypertension has a number of possible causes,such as atherosclerosis;sleep apnea;kidney disease;and thyroid disease.Risk factors for the condition include being overweight;of the male sex;having a family history of high blood pressure;a sedentary lifestyle;high sodium or low potassium intake;tobacco use;alcoholism;and having high cholesterol or diabetes.
Prehypertension with diabetes,kidney or cardiovascular disease may be treated with blood pressure medications.Lifestyle changes alone are typically prescribed for the other patients with prehypertension.Low fat/high fiber diets;more exercise;giving up tobacco;and limiting alcohol are recommended to reduce blood pressure.
In the case of prehypertension,what was once glossed over is now seen as requiring a plan of action to alleviate both the present and future risk of cardiovascular events.

Younger People Suffering Strokes

A recent study in the American Journal of Occupational Therapy shows that a considerable number of the middle-aged are having strokes today.Almost half the 7740 patients in the study,conducted at a St.Louis hospital,are under 65,and 25% of them were under 55.Many of their strokes were mild to moderate,and the victims consequently received no rehabilitation.The American Heart Association believes that many stroke patients generally,and younger patients in particular,are being neglected in this respect.
The risk of heart disease and stroke may be lessened by eating butternut squash.This fall and winter produce has a lot of fiber and potassium in it,with a cup of squash containing about three grams of fiber and more than 10% of the RDA of potassium.It is also high in folate,which data suggest is good for the heart.Campbell Soup makes a butternut squash soup for its V8 line.
Adequate daily intake of potassium for healthy adults 19 and older is 4700 mg a day.Increased potassium intake is associated with a lessened risk of stroke.Potassium may also help prevent kidney stones and osteoporosis.A medium-size banana has 422 mg of potassium,while a baked potato with skin has 926 mg.A half cup of raisins has 598 mg.
Always consult your doctor before taking nutritional supplements or making major dietary changes.Too much potassium can result in bodily harm for some individuals with certain conditions or taking some medications.The publisher is not responsible for readers making poor decisions regarding health,finance or any other matter.Professional advice is suggested before taking any significant steps in your life.