High Blood Pressure

Book Online
Upload Image...

High blood pressure, also known as hypertension, is a significant health concern in Australia. It affects a substantial number of people and can lead to various complications if left uncontrolled. Here are some key statistics related to high blood pressure in Australia:
Prevalence: In Australia, high blood pressure is a common condition, affecting a significant portion of the population. According to data from the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS), around one in three Australian adults has high blood pressure.

Age Group: The risk of developing high blood pressure increases with age. It is more prevalent in older adults. The ABS data reveals that the prevalence of high blood pressure increases significantly in people over the age of 45.

Gender Differences: While both men and women can develop high blood pressure, there are some gender differences in prevalence. Data indicates that the prevalence of hypertension is slightly higher in men than in women.

Awareness and Treatment: Despite its high prevalence, not all cases of high blood pressure are diagnosed or treated effectively. Studies have shown that a considerable number of individuals with hypertension are unaware of their condition, and not all diagnosed individuals receive appropriate management or treatment.

Risk Factors: Several factors contribute to the development of high blood pressure, including family history, age, obesity, physical inactivity, poor diet (high in salt and saturated fats), excessive alcohol consumption, and smoking.

Complications: Uncontrolled high blood pressure can lead to serious health complications, such as heart disease, stroke, kidney problems, and damage to blood vessels and organs.

Given the prevalence of hypertension and its potential impact on individuals’ health, it is crucial for people to be aware of their blood pressure levels and take necessary steps to manage and control it. Regular check-ups with healthcare professionals, adopting a healthy lifestyle, and following prescribed treatments are essential in preventing and managing high blood pressure effectively.
High blood pressure, also known as hypertension, is a common medical condition where the force of the blood against the walls of the arteries is consistently too high. The arteries are the blood vessels that carry blood from the heart to the rest of the body.
When your blood pressure is high, it means that your heart has to work harder to pump blood, and the increased pressure can damage the blood vessels over time. This can lead to various health problems, such as an increased risk of heart disease, stroke, kidney damage, and other serious complications.
Blood pressure is measured using two values: systolic and diastolic. The systolic pressure is the higher number, and it represents the pressure in the arteries when the heart contracts or beats. The diastolic pressure is the lower number and reflects the pressure in the arteries when the heart is at rest between beats.
The ideal blood pressure for most adults is around 120/80 mmHg. When the readings consistently show values equal to or higher than 140/90 mmHg, it is considered high blood pressure.
Several factors can contribute to high blood pressure, including genetics, lifestyle habits (such as diet, physical activity, and stress), age, and underlying medical conditions. Regular check-ups and adopting a healthy lifestyle can help manage and prevent high blood pressure.
Remember, it is essential to monitor your blood pressure regularly, especially if you have risk factors or a family history of hypertension, to catch any potential issues early and work towards maintaining a healthy blood pressure level.

Here are some research papers that discuss the impact of acupuncture on blood pressure:

  1. “Acupuncture Decreases Blood Pressure Related to Hypothalamus Functional Connectivity with Frontal Lobe, Cerebellum, and Insula: A Study of Instantaneous and Short-Term Acupuncture Treatment in Essential Hypertension” by Yu Zheng, Jiping Zhang, Yanjie Wang, Yuying Wang, Yujun Lan, S. Qu, C. Tang, Yong Huang. This study found that acupuncture at the LR3 acupoint can statistically decrease systolic blood pressure in patients with essential hypertension. The study also observed changes in brain functional connectivity, which could explain the mechanism of therapy in hypertension patients by LR3 acupoint.
  2. “Acupuncture Attenuates Renal Sympathetic Activity and Blood Pressure via Beta-Adrenergic Receptors in Spontaneously Hypertensive Rats” by Jing-Wen Yang, Yang Ye, Xuerui Wang, Fang Li, Ling?Yong Xiao, Guangxia Shi, Cun?Zhi Liu. This study found that acupuncture can relieve increased mean blood pressure by regulating renal sympathetic activity and ?-adrenergic receptors.
  3. “Attenuation of blood pressure in spontaneously hypertensive rats by acupuncture was associated with reduction oxidative stress and improvement from endothelial dysfunction” by Sin Bond Leung, Hongwei Zhang, C. Lau, Zhi-xiu Lin. This research found that acupuncture can significantly lower blood pressure in spontaneously hypertensive rats, and this effect was associated with reduced oxidative stress and improved endothelial function.
  4. “Effects of acupuncture on obstructive sleep apnea severity, blood pressure control and quality of life in patients with hypertension: A randomized controlled trial” by Marcus Vinícius F P Silva, T. C. Lustosa, Victor J Arai, Tarcya L G Couto Patriota, M. P. F. Lira, Ozeas L. Lins-Filho, S. Chalegre, Kamilla B B A S, I. V. Secundo, R. Pedrosa. This study, however, found that acupuncture therapy did not reduce obstructive sleep apnea severity, daytime or nocturnal blood pressure, or improve the quality of life in hypertensive patients.

References

  1. References: Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS). (Year). Health Statistics: Hypertension in Australia. Retrieved from [insert source link here].
  2. Mayo Clinic. (2021). High blood pressure (hypertension). https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/high-blood-pressure/symptoms-causes/syc-20373410
  3. Heart Foundation. (n.d.). What is high blood pressure? https://www.heartfoundation.org.au/heart-health-education/blood-pressure-and-hypertension