Heart Attack and Stroke - Are you at Risk?

Jamie Street: https://stocksnap.io/photo/WIG7YVMEDF

Hormones are small substances that deliver messages to different parts of your body.1 These small substances control the way your body responds to a specific situation. For example, when you are feeling stressed, your body will respond by releasing a hormone called adrenaline. Adrenaline will boost your energy levels, blood pressure and keep you alert for a short period of time. It is the reason a mother is able to lift a car off of her child in a moment of panic or the reason you stand a chance in a fight against a bear.2 However, when these hormones stay active for too long, there can be significant damage to your body. Luckily, this can be controlled by taking medications. Aldosterone is a stress hormone that will increase your blood pressure. If your blood pressure is constantly above normal, you are more likely to have a heart attack or stroke.3  In order to keep blood pressure in the normal range, individuals may take a drug called ramipril. Once ramipril is swallowed, it works with the body and stops aldosterone from being set free.4 Like any drug, ramipril has its downsides. It is common for individuals who take ramipril to begin coughing due to the medication. If this does happen however, another medication can be offered as a replacement. These replacement medications are not as effective at controlling blood pressure as ramipril.4

The best way to treat high blood pressure is to not have it in the first place. You can reduce your risk of developing high blood pressure by exercising,  keeping a healthy weight, eating a balanced diet and checking it every once in awhile!5 To check your blood pressure, talk to your doctor or go to your local pharmacy and use their blood pressure cuff. It’s a quick and easy habit to develop in order to keep your body happy and healthy.

References

1 Merriam-Webster. Hormone; 2017. Retrieved from:     https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/hormone

2 Jeff Wise. Yes, You Really Can Lift a Car off a Trapped Child; Psychology Today, November 4rth 2010. Retrieved from: https://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/extreme-fear/201011/yes-you-really-can-lift-car-trapped-child

3 Hypertension Canada. Health Risks Associated With High Blood Pressure; 2017. Retrieved from: https://www.hypertension.ca/en/hypertension/what-do-i-need-to-know/health-risks-associated-with-high-blood-pressure

4 Michael Patrick Adams, Carol Quam Urban. Pharmacology, Connections to Nursing Practice;   Third Edition; January 22nd 2015.

5 Krisha McCoy. 6 Ways to Prevent Hypertension; everyday Health, February 12th 2016. Retrieved from: https://www.everydayhealth.com/hypertension/preventing.aspx\