MultiCare Health System

Welcome to MultiCare's E-Health Connect Chat. We will get started in about ten minutes.

Today topic is High Blood Pressure and we are interviewing Dr. Qudsia Khan.

Dr. Khan specializes in Internal Medicine with a focus on diabetes, obesity and osteoporosis.

She completed her Residency at Mercy Hospital and Medical Center in Chicago, Illinois. She also attended Professional School at Fatima Jinnah Medical College, Lahore, Pakistan.

As we interview Dr. Khan feel free to submit questions.

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Let's get started..... Dr. Khan, could you explain what hypertension is and what causes it?

Hypertension is high blood pressure. We classify normal blood pressure as less than 120/80.

The most common form of hyeprtnesion which is prevalent in 90% of the population is called essential hypertension. There is no single cause. Combination of genetic facotrs, dietary  habits, smoking, alcohol (more than 2 drinks per day), recreational drugs, oral contraceptive, and steroids.

Who is likely to develop high blood pressure?

Every 1 out of 3 people in the US has high blood pressure. Both men and women are equally at risk to develop high blood pressure. It is more common in African Americans.

How is blood pressure checked?

Office blood pressure monitoring remains the most commonly empoloyed tool to check blood pressure. A cuff is applied at the upper arm close to the level of the heart. There is no data that shows if the numbers are affected if it is done through clothing or on bare skin. Then a stethescope is used to listen for the pulse.

What blood pressure values are considered high?

120-139/80-89 is considered pre-hypertension. Stage 1 hypertension is 140-159/90-99. Stage 2 hypertension is more than 160/more than 100.

What are the symptoms of hypertension?

It is called a silent killer because often times a patient doesn't find out about it until a major event happens like a stroke or heart attack. Specific symptoms can include dizziness, light-headedness, headache, blurry vision, or even vomiting.

When should we start to worry about blood pressure levels?

For the general population, already on medication, we like their blood pressure to be less than 140/90 but the criteria changes for those who are diabetic or who already had a heart attack, less than 130/80. A recent study has questioned the efficacy of tighter control in this patient population.

What can someone do to lower their blood pressure?

Weight reduciton, change in diet, lowering sodium consumption, increased physical activity, moderate alchohol consumption, smoking cessation.

You referenced changing your diet. What kinds of foods are good at lowering blood pressure?

I recommend unprocessed foods, fresh fruits and veggies, low fat dairy, low sodium, high fiber, whole grain and nuts.

What should we be aware of when taking hypertension medication?

First line of high blood pressure medication is a diuretic, or "water pill". This pill works through the kidneys to maintain the water/sodium balance in the body. Need to be careful with dehydration low potassium when taking this type of medication.

How does Birth Control affect blood pressure. You hear about this all the time, but what actually causes that?

The most commonly used birth control is a combination of hormones, estrogen and progesteron,  and because of the general effect of these hormone on the water/sodium balance patients can develop high blood pressure.

We are all out of time for today. Thank you so much Dr. Khan for participating in this chat.

Join us again October 4th at 12pm as we interview Donna Banks, RN, Breast Cancer Coordinator at MultiCare Good Samaritan Hospital as we recognize National Breast Cancer Awareness Month.