Q. Why does my doctor insist I take high blood pressure medicine even though I feel fine?
A. High blood pressure, known as hypertension, has been called the silent killer. Most people are unaware they have hypertension unless they are screened. It is estimated 32 percent of American have hypertension, and that number grows to 53 percent for nursing home patients. Without treatment, hypertension can lead to stroke, heart disease and kidney failure. Many patients can be treated with one pill a day, but others may require additional medications. It has been shown weight loss and exercise may lower blood pressure and allow either decreased medication dosages or cessation of medication all together. A yearly blood pressure screening will identity this culprit in its earliest stages and help prevent long-term problems.
— Dr. Kenneth H. Hayman Jr.
TeamHealth Mid South, past president, Chattanooga-Hamilton County Medical Society
Readers: To submit an obesity-related question for a medical doctor, e-mail it to Clint Cooper at ccooper@timesfreepress.com. See this space each week for answers.