Study: Blood Pressure May Not be Under Your Control
About Michael John ScottMr. Scott is the owner and publisher of Mad Mike's America. He is a U.S. Army veteran, career law enforcement executive, and dog trainer. He is a university professor, and criminal justice consultant, holding several degrees, including a master's in criminal justice and human services. He has completed the requisite coursework toward his doctorate, and is still working on his dissertation.
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I’ve wrestled with hypertension for many, many years, and have found the only thing that really works, even better than medication, is exercise and lots of it.
Curiously I was diagnosed when I was in my thirties. I wasn’t overweight by any stretch of the imagination but I did have a high pressure job and smoked about a pack a day. As a result my blood pressure was often elevated. Once I started a heavy duty exercise program my pressure was at optimal levels within just a few weeks. Now, apparently, there might be more to the reasons for hypertension beyond life style.
(Newser) If you have high blood pressure, you’ve probably always blamed it on those few extra pounds or all that bacon you indulge in—but a new study finds that hypertension may not be completely under your control. Scientists in Sweden discovered a group of nerve cells in the brains of mice that affect blood pressure as well as other cardiovascular activity—and can cause problems if they’re missing, LiveScience reports.
Of course, the extra weight and the bacon are still factors, but if the same cell cluster exists in humans, researchers think it could lead to a new way of treating high blood pressure and other heart problems. Basically, the cells reside in part of the brain that helps regulate involuntary functions including blood pressure, and mice with thyroid hormone problems are missing the cells, which leads to high blood pressure and other problems. The next step: Scientists need to find out whether humans have the same cells.
That being said, there’s always the possibility that your blood pressure is high because you’re fat, smoke, or drink too much without any exercise. So, don’t blame your cells for your condition. Get out there and do something about your blood pressure.
Carol Maietta
January 17, 2013 at 9:39 am
Yes, I always notive that after even just a week of moving more, my BP is better. Thanks for the good reminder.
Michael John Scott
January 17, 2013 at 9:52 am
You’re more than welcome Carol. I think we all need such reminders from time to time.
James Smith
January 17, 2013 at 11:24 am
I have a family history of high blood pressure and have had to take medication for it since I was in my 40′s. Then I was doing even more exercise than I am today. I was teaching 11 or 12 martial arts classes a week plus doing 3 to 4 Nautilus workouts each week. (I owned the facility, so it was clearly mandatory)
It’s good to have my assumption that there is a genetic, even hereditary link involved. I have never been more than about 19 pounds over weight and am now at the same weight or less as when I was in my 40s. Fortunately, it is well under control through medication, diet, and exercise so I consider myself very lucky.