inherited ≠ untreatable
Hello and welcome to my final Action Project (AP) for my STEAM class, Cure. In this unit we covered preventive care for different types of diseases, as well as the difference between genetic and environmental health problems. We were lucky to have several Field Experiences in this unit and I really enjoyed talking to Dr. Karen Johnson from the Raby Institute. I found this conversation to be very meaningful because Western medicine often focuses on treating symptoms instead of the root cause(s). However, we dove into ways that we can take control of our health by taking care of our minds, bodies, etc. Although we can’t control our genes, the ability to make that choice is empowering for many people. As for our external investigation, we put together a family tree to lay out any diseases in our immediate families (some students did not use their own families). Based on this information, we could calculate the probability of the “patient” having the disease. For this AP, our class has to develop a preventative care plan for the patient and disease. I decided to convey this information in the form of a doctor’s voicemail, as well as a follow-up report with more details.
Follow up email:
Hi again, this is Dr. LA. I left a voicemail about scheduling another appointment in regards to your preventative care plan. If you haven’t listened to it yet, I would do that first before going through the following information. Thank you for reaching out about your concerns with high blood pressure, as it can lead to very serious health complications. While high blood pressure may not always cause symptoms, extreme high blood pressure may provoke headaches, confusion, nose bleeds, pain in the chest, irregular heartbeat, vision issues, etc. These symptoms can be related to high blood pressure or another serious health condition, so it’s important to get them checked out (Web MD).
Whether or not you will be prescribed medication is based on a few factors, and there are several different kinds of medication for high blood pressure. However, lifestyle can play a large part in treating and preventing high blood pressure. It is important to lower sodium and fat intake to prevent strokes, heart diseases, high blood pressure, and many other health complications. This is because sodium consumption, often in the form of salt, prompts the body to carry more water and places more stress on the heart. Suggested sodium intake is generally less than 2,300 milligrams per day (CDC).
As for excess fat consumption, cholesterol levels may increase. And if it builds up in your arteries, less blood can flow through (Blood Pressure UK). Suggested fat intake depends on calorie intake and diet, which can range from 50-200 grams (Health Line). It is important to have balanced sodium and potassium intake, because many people consume too much sodium and not enough potassium. Potassium can help relax the blood vessels (Medical News Today).
Some patients find that taking medication is easier for them and/or lifestyle, but are typically used to treat high blood pressure, not prevent it. Two examples are diuretics and minoxidil. Diuretics promote urination, which intends t0 flush out some of the sodium and fluids in the body. This can decrease blood pressure by lowering blood volume, and is intended for mild hypertension (high blood pressure), but often used with other medication. Diuretic side effects may include loss of potassium, decreased muscular function, dehydration, and breast enlargement for males. Minoxidil intends to relax the wall muscles of arteries, and are often used with other medication(s) to treat severe hypertension. Minoxidil side effects can include excess hair growth and possible weight gain. (Rx List).
Based on your profile I can see you’ve already taken some preventative measures in regards to physical and mental health. Definitely continue to exercise several times a week, as well as going to therapy. Stress levels can impact many parts of the body, but a healthy mind is just as important! My main concerns would be lack of nutrients, specifically potassium, in your diet. To address this, we can set a timeline of goals.
- This week, let’s outline a meal plan with Mom to incorporate potassium and other sources of nutrients. Also, we should identify any sources of excess sodium in your diet.
- By this month, we can work to start cutting back on excess sodium if needed (less fast food, processed foods, etc).
- In six months, let’s schedule a check-up to make sure blood pressure has not increased and there are no other concerns.
I should also mention that smoking, drinking, and not getting enough sleep can negatively impact your health as a whole, not just blood pressure. The intention behind not smoking or drinking is to prevent the nicotine (in cigarettes) and a hormone called renin (in alcohol) from narrowing your blood vessels (AAFP) (Medical News Today). As for sleeping, your blood pressure will decrease during “normal sleep,” so not getting enough sleep causes your blood pressure to stay higher for longer (CDC).
I hope this information is helpful and eases some anxiety about preventing high blood pressure. While there are some issues we inherit from our parents/family, it’s empowering to know that making changes in your lifestyle can save your life. Until next time,
Dr. LA.
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After completing this AP, I felt relieved. It can be scary when the genes that make up who you are can also dictate the diseases or ailments in your life. But the more I learned about blood pressure, the more I felt empowered to make changes in my everyday life. While your genetics make up who you are, the habits and way we take care of ourselves can do a lot of good and a lot of bad. The ability to make that choice warrants control and challenges feelings of helplessness.
Works Cited
Designs, Tree View. “Blood Pressure Calculator.” BP Calculator, https://www.teldoc.org/bp-calculator.
“Fats, Cholesterol and Your Blood Pressure.” Blood Pressure UK - Helping You to Lower Your Blood Pressure, https://www.bloodpressureuk.org/your-blood-pressure/how-to-lower-your-blood-pressure/healthy-eating/fats-and-cholesterol-and-your-blood-pressure/.
“High Blood Pressure Diet: Foods to Eat & to Avoid.” Cleveland Clinic, https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/articles/4249-hypertension-and-nutrition#:~:text=How%20does%20salt%20increase%20blood,your%20heart%20and%20blood%20vessels.
“High Blood Pressure Symptoms - Hypertension Symptoms.” WebMD, WebMD, https://www.webmd.com/hypertension-high-blood-pressure/guide/hypertension-symptoms-high-blood-pressure.
“High Blood Pressure.” American Family Physician, 15 Oct. 2004, https://www.aafp.org/pubs/afp/issues/2004/1015/p1542.html#:~:text=The%20nicotine%20in%20cigarettes%20and,heart%20disease%20and%20heart%20attack.
“How Does Alcohol Affect Blood Pressure?” Medical News Today, MediLexicon International, https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/alcohol-and-blood-pressure#:~:text=Alcohol%20increases%20blood%20levels%20of,blood%20vessels%20increases%20blood%20pressure%20.
“How Does Sleep Affect Your Heart Health?” Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 4 Jan. 2021, https://www.cdc.gov/bloodpressure/sleep.htm#:~:text=High%20blood%20pressure.,a%20longer%20period%20of%20time.&text=High%20blood%20pressure%20is%20one,for%20heart%20disease%20and%20stroke.
“Potassium Deficiency (Hypokalemia): Symptoms and Treatment.” Medical News Today, MediLexicon International, https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/325065#high-blood-pressure.
“Prevent High Blood Pressure.” Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 24 Feb. 2020, https://www.cdc.gov/bloodpressure/prevent.htm.
“Salt.” Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 8 Dec. 2021, https://www.cdc.gov/salt/index.htm#:~:text=The%202020%2D2025%20Dietary%20Guidelines,of%20a%20healthy%20eating%20pattern.
Spritzler, Franziska. “Fat Grams: How Much Fat Should You Eat per Day?” Healthline, Healthline Media, 16 Oct. 2020, https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/how-much-fat-to-eat#TOC_TITLE_HDR_5.
“Top 5 High Blood Pressure Medications: List, Side Effects, Interactions & Warnings.” RxList, https://www.rxlist.com/high_blood_pressure_hypertension_medications/drugs-condition.htm.
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