Hypertension.
Hypertension refers to an elevated blood pressure reading. The precise level has
changed over the past years and the consensus of opinion now is that the blood pressure
for a diabetic should be lower than their non-diabetic counterpart. A blood pressure
reading consists of two figures; one is when the heart is contracted and the other
is when it is relaxed. Blood pressure is under the influence of stress, the amount
of salt ingested, the amount of alcohol taken, weight and level of fitness. A few
other factors, such as hormones and renal failure, also come into play. The current
acceptable blood pressure reading is 140 - 135 systolic over 75 diastolic. Persistently
raised blood pressure needs treating as trials such as the UK Prospective Study have
confirmed beyond any doubt that reducing blood pressure is rewarded with a reduction
in all cause death, renal and visual failure.
There is a condition called ‘white coat effect’, in which the blood pressure, especially
the systolic, could be elevated when the patient attends clinic, and your doctor
has ways of detecting this..
Treatment for blood pressure has been shown to protect the kidney against the effects
of diabetes, and this has a double benefit for blood pressure and renal function.
