100 questions & answers about high blood pressure

Preface

Part I. The Basics

Questions 1-22 provide background information regarding blood pressure and hypertension, including

What is hypertension?

What causes hypertension?

What happens to my blood pressure when I am sleeping?

Part II. Lifestyle/Exercise

Questions 23-41 explore a number of inquiries about day-to-day life with high blood pressure, such as

What kinds of lifestyle changes do I need to make if I have hypertension?

How does stress affect my blood pressure, and by how much?

Does acupuncture lower blood pressure?

Part III. Dietary

Questions 42-46 cover special dietary concerns you may have regarding your blood pressure, such as

Does alcohol lower blood pressure?

My neighbor takes fish oil capsules to reduce her blood pressure. Do they work?

I was told not to eat grapefruit or drink grapefruit juice because of the type of blood pressure medicine I take. Why is that?

Part IV. Medication-Related

Questions 47-75 discuss matters surrounding medical treatments available to patients with hypertension, including

How will I know when I need to start taking blood pressure medication, especially if my blood pressure fluctuates?

I don't like swallowing pills. What can I do to get my medicine down?

How does a doctor decide which medication to give to someone with high blood pressure?

Part V. Doctor/Provider Issues

Questions 76-86 are concerned with issues between you and your doctor/provider, such as

What do I do when different doctors tell me to take different medications?

How can I have confidence that my doctor will listen to me if I have side effects?

My upper arm is relatively large, so my doctor takes my blood pressure near my wrist. Is that accurate?

Part VI. High Blood Pressure & Other Health Problems/Issues

Questions 87-99 explore a variety of other health concerns that are linked to your hypertension, including

Why do blood pressure readings have to be even lower than the readings for other people with hypertension when I have diabetes?

I have bad allergies. What can I take for them that will not interfere with my blood pressure?

How does high blood pressure affect the kidneys?

I am nursing my new baby now. What medications can I take

for my blood pressure while nursing?

Appendix

Glossary

Index