The cardiovascular system, heart and blood vessels, is a pump system designed to provide adequate circulation to all tissues. The heart constantly beats in a rhythmic pattern. The blood vessels leading away from the heart, called arteries, are dilated or contracted by smooth muscle surrounding them to squeeze blood out toward tissues. Blood is returned to the heart by a passive system through the veins. Valves in veins allow the blood to flow in one direction as it returns to the heart. The contraction of skeletal muscle massages the blood back toward the heart. The pressure in the arteries to maintain circulation is what is measured when your blood pressure is taken. The systolic (higher) pressure measures the pressure in the system when the heart contracts. The diastolic pressure measures the remaining pressure in the system when the ventricles are filling back up with blood in between contractions.

The optimal pressure for this system is 120 or less systolic and 80 or less diastolic. Normal blood pressure refers to 130 or less over 85 or less. High normal is defined as 130-139 over 85-89. Stage 1 hypertension as 140-159 over 90-99, Stage 2 as 160-179 over 100-109 and Stage 3 as 180 or higher over 110 or higher. Hypertension causes the heart to work against a greater work load which puts more strain on the heart. Over time the heart can be damaged by this extra work load.

Diet and exercise are usual first treatments for hypertension. Reducing sodium in the diet can help lower blood pressure, so limit your use of salt. In addition, olive oil has recently been proven to lower blood pressure. Regular exercise helps maintain a healthy cardiovascular system. Your heart and the muscles surrounding the arteries are like any other muscles, they are strengthened by regular exercise. Medication may be necessary to control hypertension. The usual first line medications are diuretics which work by reducing the fluid volume in the bloodstream. Some common diuretics are HCTZ, furosemide, and triamterene. Other first choice medications include beta blocking agents such as atenolol, propranolol, and metopropranolol. These work by reducing nervous stimulation of the muscles surrounding the arteries and relaxing them to dilate the blood vessel. Alternative medications include calcium channel blockers, alpha/beta antagonists, angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors, and angiotensin II receptor antagonists. These all work by varying mechanisms to relax the muscles around the blood vessels.

All medications have potential side effects and effects on other systems. It is wise to know the classification of any medication you are taking and the potential side effects. At Taos Pharmacy we will counsel you regarding your medications, monitor your blood pressure, and advise you of nutritional supplements to compliment your therapy.

We want to assure that your therapy is achieving the desired goals and target blood pressures.

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