Selasa, 08 September 2009

Stroke Risk Level in Patients with Hypertension

The influence of hypertension on Organs

Galih Gumelar Helath & Therapi - Hypertension can cause damage to various target organs such as brain, heart, kidney, aorta, perifir blood vessels, and retina. Some are cross-sectional studies show that the target organ damage more closely associated with blood pressure measured during ambulatory 24-hour or Blood Preasure (ABP) than blood pressure while in the clinic.

In normal people, blood pressure followed the circadian pattern, which decreased blood pressure at night and has increased in the morning. Similarly, the majority of hypertension, which also follows the normal circadian pattern (dippers). However, hypertension in non-dippers did not decrease blood pressure at night. Incidence of cardiovascular disease and stroke occur more frequently in people with hypertension non-dippers than dippers hypertension. Target organ damage more closely related to severe patients with high blood pressure at night (non-dippers) than patients with blood pressure normally decreases at night (dippers) 7. For example, studies of Verdecchia and colleagues in a prospective cohort terhadap1100 hypertension, reported mortality rates average higher, both in non-dippers and reverse dippers Dipper instead. Yamamoto research results prove that high blood pressure on ambulatory measurement (ABP), particularly high blood pressure at night and a decrease in blood pressure is less at night, will cause adverse effects (increasing the extent of the lesion) in the quiet of ischemic lesions (silent ischemic lesions), and stroke in patients with symptomatic myocardial lakuner9.

In the meantime, the results of Chaturvedi and colleagues proved that ischemic stroke is more common in the morning (between 06.00 to 12.00). According to Chaturvedi, there are some acceptable explanation why the ischemic stroke occurred in the morning:

Circadian pattern of blood pressure. The pattern of blood pressure rise in the morning (the highest increase occurred in the mid-morning until noon). Increased blood pressure causes increased intraplaque hemorrhage, which will aggravate the stenosis of blood vessels having atherosclerosis.
Increased platelet aggregation occurred in the morning.
Blood viscosity peak in the morning.
TPA activity (endogenous tissue plasminogen activator) is very low in the morning. This will change the balance between thrombosis and fibrinolysis that thrombosis become more dominant.
Role of Hypertension in Stroke Pathogenesis

Normal people have a system of autoregulation of cerebral arteries. If the systemic blood pressure increases, cerebral vessels become vasospasme (voasokonstriksi). Conversely, when the systemic blood pressure decreases, the cerebral vessels will be vasodilatation. Thus, blood flow to the brain remains constant. Despite a decline in systemic blood pressure by 50 mmHg, autoregulation of cerebral arteries is still able to maintain blood flow to the brain remained normal. Limits on systemic blood pressure which can still be addressed by autoregulation was 200 mm Hg for systolic and 110-120 mm Hg for diastolic pressure.

When systemic blood pressure increases, cerebral vessels to constrict. Depending on the degree of constriction of the blood pressure increase. If the blood pressure rise high enough for months or years, will cause the muscle layer hialinisasi on cerebral vessels. As a result, the lumen diameter of blood vessels will become permanent. This is dangerous because of cerebral vessels can not constrict dilated or freely to cope with fluctuations of systemic blood pressure. When a decline in systemic blood pressure perfusion pressure to the brain tissue is not adequate. This will result in cerebral ischemia. Conversely, when there is an increase in systemic blood pressure perfusion pressure in the capillary walls are high. As a result, there hiperemia, edema, and possible bleeding on otak13.

In chronic hypertension can occur mikroaneurisma in diameter and 1 mm. Is known as Mikroaneurisma aneurysm of Charcot-Bouchard and mainly occurs in arteria lentikulostriata. On systemic blood pressure spikes, as people angry or pushing, aneurysms can rupture. Chronic hypertension is one of the causes of endothelial dysfunction of blood vessels.

In normal circumstances, endothelial show dualistic function. These properties simultaneously express and release vasoconstrictor substances (angiotensin II, endotelin-I, thromboxane A-2, and superoxide radicals) and vasodilator (prostaglandin and nitric oxide). These factors cause and prevent cell proliferation of smooth muscle cells of blood vessels in a balanced way. The balance between these antagonistic systems in an optimal control function of blood vessel walls. As a result of endothelial dysfunction, vasoconstriction occurs, the cell proliferation of smooth muscle cells of blood vessels, platelet aggregation, adhesion lekosit, and increased permeability to macromolecules, such as lipoprotein, fibrinogen, and imunoglobulin14. This condition will accelerate the occurrence of atherosclerosis. Atherosclerosis is an important role for the occurrence of myocardial stroke.

Blood pressure reduction in Stroke Prevention In Primary and Secondary

Primary stroke prevention is intended for individuals at high risk for stroke, namely by controlling the risk factors of stroke. Risk factors of stroke can be treated or controlled and is proven to reduce the occurrence of stroke is well-hypertension, smoking, diabetes, carotid artery stenosis are asymptomatic, Sickle cell disease, hyperlipidemia, and arterial fibrillation. Other risk factors that could potentially be controlled is obesity, less physical activity, alcohol, hiperhomosisteinemia, drug abuse (cocaine, amphetamines, and heroin), nutrition (diet less vegetables and fruits), oral contraceptives, hiperkoagulabilitas, chronic infections Chalmydia pneumoniae, and hormon15 replacement therapy.

Klugel and colleagues reported that uncontrolled hypertension is present in 78% cases of ischemic stroke and 85% in cases of stroke hemoragik16. Uncontrolled hypertension is very strong relation with stroke akut17. Overviews of a prospective randomized 14 shows that the decrease in blood pressure 5 mm Hg to 6 mm Hg can reduce the occurrence of stroke 42% 18. The research results Systolic Hypertension in the Eldery Program (Shep) shows the incidence of stroke decreased 36% with antihypertensive treatment (klortahalidon or atenolol) in elderly patients with isolated systolic hypertension (isolated systolic hypertension) 19. The risk of stroke will increase two times each 7.5 mmHg increase in diastolic pressure. Antihypertensives may lower the risk of stroke 38% 20.

The results of meta-analysis conducted by Gueyffier showed that lowering blood pressure with antihypertensive drugs can reduce the risk of stroke ulang21. While the research results from POGRESS (perindopril Against recurrent Protection Study) showed that treatment with perindopril in stroke patients with hypertension can significantly reduce the occurrence of re sroke (risk reduction = 28%, 95% Cl = 17% to 38%, P <0.0001)> 20-25% of the blood pressure on average. Indications of hypertension therapy in acute stroke:

If the diastolic blood pressure> 140 mmHg on two readings 5-minute intervals, give the IV natriun nitroprusid (very emergency).
If the systolic blood pressure> 230 mmHg and or diastolic blood pressure of l21-140 mm Hg on two readings 20 minutes intervals, giving 20 mg iv labetolol for 1-2 minutes. Labetolol dose may be repeated every 10-20 minutes until a satisfactory reduction in blood. After the initial dose, given every labetolol be 6-8 hours if necessary (emergency).
If the systolic blood pressure 180-230 mmHg or diastolic blood pressure 105-120 mmHg, emergency therapy should be postponed without any evidence of intracerebral hemorrhage or heart failure the left ventricle. If the blood pressure stayed at two times the measurement interval of 60 minutes, then 200-300 mg given 2-3 times daily labetolol. Labetolol alternative treatment is nifedipin oral 10 mg every 6 hours or captopril 6,25-12,5 mg every 8 hours (urgency).
Systolic pressure <180>

Blood pressure in the acute phase should not be lowered more than 20%. Decrease blood tekananan average no more than 25% and arterial blood pressure on average.

If the systolic blood pressure over 230 mmHg or diastolic pressure over 140 mmHg on two measurements of blood pressure hoses 5 minutes, give sodium nitroprusid or nitroglycerin drip.
When the systolic pressure 180-230 mmHg or diastolic pressure of 105-140 mmHg, or arterial blood pressure an average of 130 mmHg on two measurements of blood pressure hoses 20 minutes, give injections or enalapril labetolol.
When the systolic pressure less than 180 mm Hg and diastolic blood pressure less than 105 mmHg, antihypertensive drug treatment delayed.

Hypertension drugs given to stroke patients is a drug that does not affect cerebral blood flow. Dyker and colleagues reported that administration of perindopril effectively lower blood pressure without disturbing the brain's blood flow in patients with ischemic stroke akut31. Meanwhile, Walter and his colleagues reported that administration of perindopril in patients with ischemic stroke who are not acute, with stenosis or occlusion of moderate to severe carotid artery intema, decrease blood pressure without a decrease in cerebral blood flow.

Senin, 23 Februari 2009

What Are Colds?

Everyone gets a cold from time to time. Children get more colds than adults.

Colds usually last 1 to 2 weeks. You can catch a cold at any time of year, but they are more common in late winter and early spring.

There is no cure for a cold. Antibiotics will not cure a cold. If you catch a cold, treat the symptoms.

What are the symptoms?

Lots of different viruses cause colds, but the symptoms are usually the same:

  • Runny nose and sneezing
  • Red eyes
  • Sore throat and cough
  • Headaches and body aches

You will probably feel a cold come on over the course of a couple of days. As the cold gets worse, your nose may get stuffy with thicker mucus.

A cold is not the same as the flu. Flu symptoms are worse and come on faster. If you have the flu, you may feel very tired. You may also have a fever and shaking chills, lots of aches and pains, a headache, and a cough.

If you feel like you have a cold all the time, or if cold symptoms last more than 2 weeks, you may have allergies or sinusitis. Call your doctor.

What can you do for a cold?

Good home treatment of a cold can help you feel better. When you get a cold:

  • Get extra rest. Slow down just a little from your usual routine. You don't need to stay home in bed, but try not to expose others to your cold.
  • Drink plenty of fluids. Hot water, herbal tea, or chicken soup will help relieve a stuffy nose and head.
  • Take aspirin, ibuprofen (such as Advil or Motrin), or acetaminophen (such as Tylenol) to relieve aches. Do not give aspirin to anyone younger than 20. It has been linked to Reye's syndrome, a serious illness.
  • Use a humidifier in your bedroom and take hot showers to relieve a stuffy nose and head.
  • If you feel mucus in the back of your throat (postnasal drip), gargle with warm water. This will help make your throat feel better.
  • Use paper tissues, not handkerchiefs. This will help keep your cold from spreading.
  • If your nose does get red and raw, put a dab of petroleum jelly on the sore area.

Don't take cold medicine that uses several drugs to treat different symptoms. For example, don't take medicine that contains both a decongestant for a stuffy nose and a cough medicine. Treat each symptom on its own.

A nasal decongestant spray can help your stuffy nose, but make sure you don't use it for more than 3 days in a row. You could get a "rebound" effect, which makes the mucous membranes in your nose swell up even more.

Do not give cough and cold medicines to a child younger than 2 unless you've checked with the doctor first. If your child’s doctor tells you to give a medicine, be sure to follow what he or she tells you to do. Using saline drops or a humidifier may help thick or dried mucus to drain. To remove mucus from your baby’s nose, use a suction bulb to gently suction the mucus out. This is a safer way to treat your baby's stuffy nose.

When should you call a doctor?

Call your doctor if:

  • You have trouble breathing.
  • You have a fever of 104 ° F (40 ° C) or higher.
  • You have a fever of 101 ° F (38.3 ° C) or higher that has not come down after 12 hours of home treatment. Or you have a fever of 100 ° F (37.8 ° C) to 101 ° F (38.3 ° C) that has not come down after 3 days of home treatment.
  • You have new symptoms that are not part of a cold, like a stiff neck or shortness of breath.
  • You cough up yellow, green, or bloody mucus.
  • Mucus from your nose is thick like pus or is bloody.
  • You have pain in your face, eyes, or teeth that does not get better with home treatment, or you have a red area on your face or around your eyes.
  • Your cold seemed to be getting better after a few days but is now getting worse with new symptoms.

How can you prevent colds?

There are several things you can do to help prevent colds:

  • Wash your hands often.
  • Be extra careful in winter and when you are around people with colds.
  • Keep your hands away from your face. Your nose, eyes, and mouth are the most likely places for germs to enter your body.
  • Eat well, and get plenty of sleep and exercise. This keeps your body strong so it can fight colds.
  • Do not smoke. Smoking makes it easier to get a cold and harder to get rid of one.



Treating Pain When It Becomes a Disease in Its Own Right


Navigating the path to chronic pain control is tricky. For the patient and the doctor, the challenge is that there is no single drug or therapy. A combination of approaches, often coordinated by a team of pain experts, is best.

Chronic pain can begin with an injury or a problem such as a bulging disk in the spine. It can be associated with complex syndromes such as fibromyalgia. Or you may experience it as headaches, back pain, joint pain, nerve pain, or a myriad of other localized symptoms.

But here's the rub: Whatever its origin, chronic pain can become a disease in its own right, requiring special attention and treatment. Theories about why and how this happens are explained in this Health Journey. The good news is that science understands more about chronic pain than ever and recognizes that alternative therapies such as yoga, meditation, and acupuncture play a healing role.

You're not alone! One study estimated that 30% of Americans have experienced some kind of chronic pain. Among them are people whose stories we explore here—inspiring, instructive, wise.