( 3 reviews )
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( 15 of 15 found this review helpful ) Posted: Aug 3 2005
This book is a nice summary of the subject covering the technical background of high blood pressure as well as treatments-including diet and exercise and drug therapy. Although most of us have primary hypertension-caused by hereditary factors, some have secondary hypertension, ie as a symptom of underlying conditions. The book does name the two most common ones: renal artery stenosis (RAS), about 1/100 odds and pheochromocytoma, about 1/1000 odds. Those taking more than three meds to control high blood pressure should be evaluated for these conditions (though some say the odds are so low, the tests are not worth the cost). Most useful is the obesity table and the relationship that to lose wt, your daily calorie intake should be no more than 10 times your weight in pounds or 22 times your weight in kilograms. The book includes a well written overview of drug classes and how they are commonly used, which combinations are preferred. Nearly every commercial medication offered has clinical data showing that it saves lives under some circumstances. Those studies tend to encourage combinations of drugs-even more than does avoidance of unacceptable side effects. The drugs list seems current and up to date. But one should not rely on their brief summaries of side effects. Read your package inserts and research them on line to learn what side effects are potentially a problem with the drugs prescribed for you. The book includes a few recipes and menus, but we seem to get into the same classical paradox. So much is written about healthy diet that its tough to weave a menu that truly sticks to the straight and narrow. We have the usual rabbit food-salads and veggies, served without salt or fat containing sauces blended with minor amounts of fish and chicken. They clearly do not believe in the low carb diet. And heavy fish eaters might want to worry about mercury. Serious healthy eaters will want a more complete heart healthy cookbook, of which there are several. This book is a nice introduction to the subject. It should help most patients who want to communicate better with their doctors and especially understand what it is they are trying to tell you. Index. List of resources and their web addresses.
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( 20 of 24 found this review helpful ) Posted: Aug 28 2001
As an RN I have referred many patients to this as well as other books published by the Mayo Clinic. The material is well written, understandable and offers valuable infomation on many topics surrounding high blood pressure, diet, medications, exercise, as well as alternative therapies.
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( 30 of 34 found this review helpful ) Posted: Mar 19 2001
I stopped smoking 8 months ago, and once I stopped I gained over 20lbs. I went to the doctor for several checks ups in a 2 month period, each time my pressure was taken. Each time it was a little high. I was diagnoised with Hypertension a mild case. In my book any case is enough....I was scared.I wrote to my email book group (RAWSistaz) and one of the members sent me this book. I read this book in 2 hours. The book is 172 pages chock full o information. Each Chapter has bold lettering for clarity. The subtopics listed within the Chapters are easy to locate if your just browsing.This book is for someone who has the disease and for those wanting to know if they are at risk. The Mayo clinic gives tips and suggestions that you can use each day to help you manage your blood pressure.Also included in this wonderful book is the following: Daily menus, 6 step fitness plan, Better way to shop and cook, plus much much more. One of the best things about this book aside from the information you don't need a PHD to understand it nor do you need to know medical jargon.Along with Slim Down Sister, both these books will help me to live healthier, happier and longer.visit http://www.mayohealth.org
