Village Doctor Opens Door to Readers

 

Having spent many years at sea as a Naval Officer, Winter Harbor physician Dr. Benjamin Newman has announced he will be responding to medical questions from readers in the Fishermen’s Voice. Dr. Newman has taken care of sailors for years and will continue to do so through this monthly column.

Hypertension - The Silent Killer

Lately, I have seen many fishermen who have elevated blood pressure readings. Many know of them know that they have high blood pressure and others have no idea. When I ask a patient with known high blood pressure why they don’t take medicine the usual reply is ‘I feel good, so why should I take medicine?’ This tells me that as healthcare providers, we have failed that patient. Patients need to know the damage done by a disease that rarely has symptoms. The other set of patients that have high blood pressure and don’t know about it are also of a major concern. If left untreated or inadequately controlled, high blood pressure is the major cause of heart attacks, strokes and kidney disease. I would like to address this problem.

High blood pressure, also known as hypertension, is one of the most common problems seen in Family Practice on a daily basis. Lately, I have seen patients who were diagnosed with hypertension years ago, and they were not on medication nor did they make any lifestyle changes. Either they didn't understand the consequences of this disease, or did not feel the need to take medication.

I am often asked what is considered normal blood pressure and what is high blood pressure? The answer to these questions is not as easy as it would seem. We now have ample evidence to suggest that the optimal blood pressure should be 130/80. This is a new standard, and is often difficult to achieve. This standard is based on clear evidence that those who have higher blood pressure are at increased risk for heart disease, strokes, and erectile dysfunction. In the perfect world 130/80 would be an admirable goal for us to achieve, but for some this goal may be impossible to achieve, or may not be the best for a given individual. Only your healthcare team can determine what your optimal blood pressure should be. There are many reasons for high blood pressure, some of which are known, but there are also many unknown factors. What are some of the known causes of high blood pressure? Hypertension is closely related to lifestyle and dietary factors. The lifestyle factors include excessive alcohol consumption, smoking, stress, obesity, and lack of exercise. Some dietary factors include consuming a diet that is high in sodium and low in potassium and magnesium. Dietary recommendations include the consumption of useful foods such as:

•Nuts

• Fruits

• Celery

•Whole grains

•Cold water fish

•Garlic and onions

•Green leafy vegetables

It would be my approach to treat patients with mild to moderate high blood pressure with lifestyle changes and supplements. Some supplements that have been useful in reducing blood pressure include Coenzyme Q10, fish oil, magnesium, and calcium. Exercise has been shown consistently to lower blood pressure. After three months of these changes, if the blood pressure were not normal, I would then consider medication.

It is important to know that high blood pressure is also known as the “silent killer.” Even when the pressure is severely elevated most patients have no symptoms whatsoever. When we treat high blood pressure, we treat it for life. It is extremely rare that once a patient starts medication for high blood pressure they can ever go off. Sometimes we can reduce the dosage, but rarely can we discontinue it. It is not unusual for patients to be on two or three medications to lower their blood pressure to normal values when lifestyle changes and supplements do not produce the changes we want. Remember, untreated or inadequately controlled blood pressure significantly increases your chance of getting a heart attack, stroke, congestive heart failure or kidney disease. Only your healthcare team can provide the individual treatment that you may need. Please take high blood pressure seriously.

We in the medical profession need to emphasize wellness rather than illness. And remember, no one cares more about your health than you and Captain Ben.

As always, may you have fair winds and following seas.

I hope the above helps you and may you have fair winds and following seas, Captain Ben

Dr. Newman will answer medical questions for readers that are emailed or U.S. mailed to the Fishermen’s Voice.

Email: info@fishermensvoice.com Type Dr. Newman in the subject line.

U.S. Mail: The Fishermen’s Voice, P.O. Box 253, Gouldsboro, ME 04607, Attention: Dr. Benjamin Newman.