Baby boomers and high blood pressure

Aboriginal Nurse, The, Dec 1998

Baby boomers represent the largest demographic segment in Canada. The older members of this group are now entering their fifties. People between the ages of 50 and 70 are at greatest risk of developing high blood pressure (also known as hypertension). Hypertension can lead to stroke, kidney problems and heart failure. According to a recent Canada Heart Health Survey, almost half of the people who suffer from hypertension, are unaware that they have it. Many of those who take medication, don't take it property. Explanations for this vary. It might be attributable to the fact that the benefits of taking a daily, lifelong treatment are not immediately evident. Another possibility is that, until now, most high blood pressure drugs have produced side-effects.

On this front, there is good news. Avapro, one of a new class of drugs called angiotensin II receptor blockers (ARBs), represents an important advancement in the treatment of high blood pressure. It's highly effective, virtually side-effect free, and easy to take. As Dr. Denis-Carl Phaneuf, a Cardiologist and Associate Professor of Medicine at the University of Montreal puts it, "A common problem with many blood pressure medications is that when they are not effective, their dose must be increased, but when we increase dosage, we often also increase side effects. This is not the case with Avapro, and that's a major improvement." Ultimately, the goal of treatment is to prevent cardiovascular and kidney disease. This is a lifelong commitment.

If you're an aging boomer, there are many lifestyle changes you can make to combat high blood pressure, starting with losing weight, quitting smoking and reducing the amount of salt you eat. If lifestyle changes alone don't do it, ask your doctor about how the latest class of high blood pressure drugs can help.