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Is Blood Pressure Hereditary. Symptoms?
Question: Hi,
As mentioned in your news letter, i wanted to know whether the blood pressure is hereditary or not. My father has a history blood pressure. And is there any symptoms of blood pressure ?
Regards,
XXXXXX
As mentioned in your news letter, i wanted to know whether the blood pressure is hereditary or not. My father has a history blood pressure. And is there any symptoms of blood pressure ?
Regards,
XXXXXX
Dear Mr XXXXXXX
1. Usually there are no symptoms of high blood pressure or hypertension (as we call it medically). It only manifests, when over a period, it has caused significant end organ damage. For example, a brain strokes (paralysis), a heart attack, Kidney failure or a sudden rupture of largest blood vessel of body (aortic dissection). That is why it is also known as SILENT KILLER. There is a common myth that blood pressure causes headache. Either most of the time headache is not because of blood pressure but is only a bystander or it is a reactionary rise in blood pressure (high BP due to pain). High blood pressure can cause headache only at very high pressures (e.g. when diastolic blood pressure (the lower one of the two readings) goes over 120 mmHg).
2. Scientifically speaking "Blood pressure patterns follow familial trends". However, this will be gross extrapolation if we state that every hypertensive father's kid will have hypertension. Whatever data regarding genetic mechanisms of hypertension is available is not sufficient to conclude that this disease (idiopathic or primary hypertension) runs in families. If your father is hypertensive, we cannot predict that you will have or you will not have hypertension with certainty. I would advise you to follow life style measures to avoid developing high. These include low salt intake, optimal weight (Body mass index~23), Moderation of alcohol intake (<60ml of whisky per day), regular exercise and following DASH diet plan.
Hope this helps.
Feel free to discuss more.
Sincerely
Sukhvinder XXXXXXX
1. Usually there are no symptoms of high blood pressure or hypertension (as we call it medically). It only manifests, when over a period, it has caused significant end organ damage. For example, a brain strokes (paralysis), a heart attack, Kidney failure or a sudden rupture of largest blood vessel of body (aortic dissection). That is why it is also known as SILENT KILLER. There is a common myth that blood pressure causes headache. Either most of the time headache is not because of blood pressure but is only a bystander or it is a reactionary rise in blood pressure (high BP due to pain). High blood pressure can cause headache only at very high pressures (e.g. when diastolic blood pressure (the lower one of the two readings) goes over 120 mmHg).
2. Scientifically speaking "Blood pressure patterns follow familial trends". However, this will be gross extrapolation if we state that every hypertensive father's kid will have hypertension. Whatever data regarding genetic mechanisms of hypertension is available is not sufficient to conclude that this disease (idiopathic or primary hypertension) runs in families. If your father is hypertensive, we cannot predict that you will have or you will not have hypertension with certainty. I would advise you to follow life style measures to avoid developing high. These include low salt intake, optimal weight (Body mass index~23), Moderation of alcohol intake (<60ml of whisky per day), regular exercise and following DASH diet plan.
Hope this helps.
Feel free to discuss more.
Sincerely
Sukhvinder XXXXXXX
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Shanthi.E
Sir,
Thanks for your prompt reply.Would you be kind enough to explain what a DASH diet plan is ? Due to my hectic schedule, my eating habit is a mess.
Regards,
XXXXXX
Thanks for your prompt reply.Would you be kind enough to explain what a DASH diet plan is ? Due to my hectic schedule, my eating habit is a mess.
Regards,
XXXXXX
Dear Mr XXXXXXX
DASH means "Dietary approaches to stop hypertension". It includes
1. Low salt diet (No table salt, avoid high salt items like Chutneys, pickles, white bread, soup, Jaljeera, Papad and so called "Churans" (thin powdered mixtures of various condiments) (like Kayam churan). No salt on salads.
2. Diet XXXXXXX in fruits, vegetables and whole grains, Low fat or non-fat dairy products, fish, poultry, lean meat, nuts, seeds and legumes.
3. Low to moderate consumption of fats.
4. Diet XXXXXXX in calcium, magnesium and potassium.
You may consult your dietitian for more detailed diet chart.
Hope this helps.
Sincerely
Sukhvinder XXXXXXX
DASH means "Dietary approaches to stop hypertension". It includes
1. Low salt diet (No table salt, avoid high salt items like Chutneys, pickles, white bread, soup, Jaljeera, Papad and so called "Churans" (thin powdered mixtures of various condiments) (like Kayam churan). No salt on salads.
2. Diet XXXXXXX in fruits, vegetables and whole grains, Low fat or non-fat dairy products, fish, poultry, lean meat, nuts, seeds and legumes.
3. Low to moderate consumption of fats.
4. Diet XXXXXXX in calcium, magnesium and potassium.
You may consult your dietitian for more detailed diet chart.
Hope this helps.
Sincerely
Sukhvinder XXXXXXX
Note: For further queries related to coronary artery disease and prevention, click here.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Vaishalee Punj
Answered by
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