HIGH BLOOD PRESSURE

ILLNESS INSIGHTS BY DR. JIM RYBACKI

The high blood pressure attacked his arteries and they got sick.

You never hear about high blood pressure like this, but I need to tell you what really happens. My Dad neglected his pressure and it was his downfall. Increased blood pressure is like letting someone hit the INSIDE (endothelium) of the arteries with a hammer. This is why the more recent blood pressure guidelines (like diabetes) have a pre-hypertension level. Starting treatment EARLY can save your life.

I’m here at the American College of Cardiology meeting on April 1, 2016. we joke about April Fools. You are a fool if you have high blood pressure and don’t take every step to control it. I will be blogging about the results of the HOPE trial tomorrow as it may redefine how blood pressure is addressed in people with moderate risk.

The problem behind a high blood pressure attack is partly cholesterol, partly increased water, partly hardening of the arteries(calcium buildup or arteriosclerosis), partly STRESS, and the chemicals that go with it and needs to be controlled NOW.

High blood pressure destroys your circulation and puts your brain, heart, kidneys, feelings, vision, and your very life at risk for severe and expensive changes that might possibly end it. Unfortunately, a high-pressure attack usually doesn’t have any signs or symptoms unless the pressure level is very high. Sometimes combination treatment is required to get things on track and certainly to avoid a second heart attack.

Be sure to talk to your doctor and pharmacist about all the pills you take and talk to your doc about drug safety, side effects, and potentially harmful drug interactions. Take a deep breath, and I’ll help you navigate through what can often be a confusing combination of medical news, the latest treatments, the FDA-removing drugs from the market, new guidelines, research, and the ever-changing world of prescription drugs!

I am Dr. James Rybacki [author of The Essential Guide to Prescription Drugs] and YOUR personal advocate and guide through the confusing – and potentially dangerous – world of illness, prescription drugs, over-the-counter drugs (OTC), herbs, and herbal supplements!  My videos, information packets, newsletters, and books will explain medical terminology, treatment options, and drug use/safety in clear, easy-to-understand language.

While other sites provide drug information, I go beyond the basics and concentrate on possible drug interactions, minor AND serious potential side effects, and safety of the drug with pregnant or nursing women—in short, more than 40 categories of information in the Essential Guide to Prescription Drug profiles. Patient and family-centered care are key concepts I believe in and I give you the information you NEED to take control of your health and the health of your family! Remember, your involvement in your own treatment and recovery WILL make a difference! Insist that YOU and YOUR Family are the centers of the medical team– become an informed, educated patient!

I’ll show you how and keep you up to date as the research and medicines change!

All the best,

Dr. Jim

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