When it comes to children, it would be nice to state what numbers constitute a normal blood pressure reading. Here’s the problem. “Normal” blood pressure numbers change as children grow. It’s further complicated by the fact that high blood pressure tends to be asymptomatic. So what’s a parent to do?
For one thing, be aware that family history is a high risk factor. Since testing is easy, get your child’s blood pressure checked at his or her next doctor visit. Checks can begin as early as infancy for children with conditions like premature birth, heart and kidney problems. These and other medical conditions raise blood pressure for young children up to age 10.
Non-medical causes tend to be lifestyle related. Children on poor diets with little exercise are subject to obesity – a major cause of high blood pressure at any age. To avoid medications, make lifestyle changes with better food and more exercise. This leads to weight loss and may be the only treatment needed. If that doesn’t work, medications ranging from diuretics to beta blockers may be prescribed.
As with any medical condition, the earlier the diagnosis, the easier the treatment.
When it comes to a pending heart attack, there’s not one warning signal that applies to everyone. Men and women share some symptoms like chest pain, indigestion and dizziness. Shortness of breath also applies to both sexes, but in men it often feels like one can’t get enough air even when resting.
The evolution of cardiac surgery has dramatically lessened the risk of going under the knife. These days, some hospitals specialize in heart health only. However, it took a lot of steps to reach this point. Here’s a brief history…
When it comes to heart disease prevention, little has changed. High cholesterol is still a factor, as are smoking and obesity. Now when it comes to keeping your heart healthy, think of these four words – sleep, activity, diet and stress.
The link between oral health and systemic health has been well established through evidence-based research. Brushing and flossing don’t just make your smile look good. When you establish a daily oral health routine, you prevent pathogens that cause conditions like cardiovascular disease and diabetes from entering your system. Poor oral health is also tied in with aspiration pneumonia.
