Retired Physicians Organization of the Harris County Medical

Retired Physicians Organization of the Harris County Medical Society Audio-visual equipment provided through a grant by Texas Medical Association Foundation

High blood pressure The silent killer

SYMPTOMS Almost always NONE Occasionally headaches, dizziness, nosebleeds

HOW TO KNOW ? Check your blood pressure regularly

WHAT IS HYPERTENSION ? When your heart pumps (systolic) over 135 is high When your heart relaxes between beats over 85 is high

WHAT CAUSES HYPERTENSION ? Two types 1. Primary (essential) hypertension No known cause but high family incidence Comes on slowly over years

2. SECONDARY HYPERTENSION § § § Kidney problems Adrenal gland tumors Congenital blood vessel problems Medicines - birth control pills Decongestants cold remedies some prescription drugs Illegal drugs, cocaine, speed

What are the risk factors ?

AGE Blood pressure increases as we grow older

SEX High blood pressure is more common in men than in women

RACE Afro-Americans get it younger and more severely than whites

FAMILY Strong tendency to run in families

WEIGHT Being overweight or obese overworks the heart and increases blood pressure

INACTIVITY Leads to higher heart rates and Increased work for the heart Aerobic exercise conditions your heart

NICOTINE All tobacco products raise blood pressure Even second hand smoke

SALT Too much salt is a killer

ALCOHOL One or two drinks per day max

STRESS Temporarily raises BP

OTHER CONDITIONS �Diabetes, �High cholesterol, �Kidney disease, �Sleep apnea.

COMPLICATIONS � Heart attack or stroke � Aneurysm � Heart failure � Kidney failure � Blood vessels in the eye � Metabolic syndrome � Memory loss due to damage to arteries in the brain

DIAGNOSIS � Need to check blood pressure regularly � Monitor at pharmacy or home BP monitor � Physical examination � Simple blood tests and urine test

TREATMENT Almost always successful if: � Diet, exercise, weight control � Find the right combination of meds for you, takes time and teamwork � Many types of medicine, and right combination takes cooperation between you and doctor

PREVENT COMPLICATIONS Take proper care of yourself

DIABETES

TYPES � Type 1 Starts early in life � Type 2 Develops in adults

SYMPTOMS (Usually there are no symptoms) � Excessive thirst � Excessive urination � Excessive hunger � Weight loss � Fatigue � Slow healing of sores � Infections

INCREASED LIKELIHOOD � � � Family history Weight Inactivity Age Can occur during pregnancy Race - black, Hispanic, native American

COMPLICATIONS � Heart and blood vessel disease � Nerve damage (neuropathy) � Kidney damage (nephropathy) � Eye damage (retinopathy) � Foot damage (gangrene) � Skin and mouth damage � Osteoporosis � Alzheimer’s disease � Hearing problems

CAN IT BE PREVENTED? ? Maybe, if. . .

PREVENTION OF COMPLICATIONS DIET DIET

Good foods with very little sugar

Foods to limit

FOODS TO AVOID � Sugar �Sugar � Cookies and candies � Ice cream

PREVENTION OF COMPLICATIONS Aerobic exercise (sustained exercise raising your pulse )

MEDICATIONS �Pills to increase your own insulin �Pills to make you more sensitive to insulin �Insulin injections(many types)

TAKE CARE OF YOURSELF �Diet �Exercise �Keep track of your blood sugar �Regular doctor visits �Regular testing for complications

HOW TO BE TAKEN CARE OF PROPERLY Between 50, 000 & 100, 000 die in U. S. hospitals each year as the result of medical errors.

MEDICAL ERRORS CAN OCCUR ANYWHERE IN THE HEALTH CARE SYSTEM: § § § § Hospitals. Clinics. Outpatient Surgery Centers. Doctors' Offices. Nursing Homes. Pharmacies. Patients' Homes.

ERRORS CAN INVOLVE: � Medicines. � Surgery. � Diagnosis. � Equipment. � Lab reports.

WHO IS RESPONSIBLE FOR YOUR WELL BEING?

YOU ARE!

The single most important way you can help to prevent errors is to be an active member of your health care team.

Make sure that all of your doctors know about everything you are taking: this includes prescription and over-the-counter medicines, and dietary supplements such as vitamins and herbs.

Make sure your doctor knows about any allergies and adverse reactions you have had to medicines

When your doctor writes you a prescription, make sure you can read it!

ASK FOR INFORMATION ABOUT YOUR MEDICINES � What is the medicine for? � How am I supposed to take it, and for how long? � What side effects are likely? What do I do if they occur? � Is this medicine safe to take with other medicines or dietary supplements I am taking? � What food, drink, or activities should I avoid while taking this medicine?

Double check again when you get your medicine from the drug store. Make sure that you get a written sheet from the drug store

If you have lab work make sure that you are told the results

When you go to see your doctor take someone responsible with you. Write down questions you have before you go to the doctor’s office. Take a pen and paper with you to write down what the doctor tells you.

What should you say when a doctor says “Do you understand? ”