A recent study published in the January edition of the Cardiovascular and Quality Outcomes journal shows that many Americans are unaware of the risks of high blood pressure, or hypertension. Hypertension is treatableand preventable, and with proper management will reduce your risk of getting a stroke or heart attack. Yet according to the study, a full one quarter of the population don’t even realize they have high blood pressure.

Details of the Study

The study indicates that even among people who know they have hypertension, most do not take steps to treat it or make attempts to have it under control. Under the study led by Dr. Uchechukwu Sampson, about 50% of people with hypertension aren’t taking advantage of the medications available to treat it. The latest figures show that one in three American adults have high blood pressure, or readings over 140/90 mm of mercury.

This finding, incidentally, is in accordance with the results of the research done by the U.S. National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute. Along with the findings the Institute also issued guidelines that people with high blood pressure reaching 150/90 should undergo medical treatment. The same report also showed that gender is not a factor, as both men and women are likely to suffer from it, and finally, what the findings indicate is that high blood pressure is now increasingly common.

Symptoms

One of the reasons why people don’t get treatment for high blood pressure is the fact that there are no symptoms. Very often people don’t realize their blood pressure has reached levels of 150/90 and higher and only seek medical attention when they have suffered a stroke or heart attack. Because of this fact, it is recommended that you have your blood pressure checked on a regular basis. In addition to regular checkups you can reduce your risk of hypertension by eating healthy foods, exercising and living a healthy lifestyle. But if you already have high blood you need treatment.

Treatment Options

Felodipine is a medication for treating hypertension, and it works by removing the pressure in your blood vessels so your heart doesn’t have to work as hard. The drug is sold in tablet form and taken once daily. For the drug to work you must take it according to the instructions on the label or as prescribed by your doctor, and do not chew or crush the tablet in your mouth. It must be emphasized that Felodipine will keep your blood pressure under control but it is not a cure for the condition.

It is also very important that you take the drug for as long as your doctor recommends, even if you feel as if your blood pressure is already under control. Felodipine is also used for treating congestive heart failure and Raynaud’s syndrome, but you should not take the drug for that purpose unless it was prescribed by your doctor. This medication may also interact with other drugs like phenobarbital, carbamazepine and ketoconazole, and in addition, Felodipine isn’t for those who are allergic to any ingredients in it.