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[[advertisement]] THE PFIZER HEALTHCARE SERIES Q: Do you know the symptoms of high blood pressure? A: Very often none! It's hard to believe that over 35 million Americans can have a dangerous disease...very often without a symptom. But that's what high blood pressure (hypertension) is like. A hidden illness, yet one of the easiest to detect-and to treat. What is the danger of high blood pressure? Untreated, it can affect your brain (stroke), your vision, heart (infarction), blood vessels and kidneys. Who can get high blood pressure? Anyone. Regardless of age, sex, genetic background or race. However, some people are more vulnerable than others. Does age affect blood pressure? Yes. Under 50, hypertension is more common in men. Over 55 or 60, it is more common in women. But more males die from complications than do females. Almost half the American population over 65 has high blood pressure. What about sex and high blood pressure? Males are more likely to have hypertension under 50 years of age and women after 60, but it occurs in both sexes at all ages. Does it run in families? Yes. If a member of your family has high blood pressure, be sure to get yours checked. Is race a factor? All races are susceptible. But statistics show that blacks may be affected at an earlier age and may have higher levels. How about cholesterol level and blood pressure? The risk of heart disease increases if both high blood pressure and high cholesterol are present. Your doctor can test your cholesterol level and interpret the results. For all ages, both sexes and all races Hypertension may be associated with being overweight. (Your doctor will know if you are.) And it's aggravated by high salt intake. What can be done about high blood pressure? Fortunately, plenty. First, have regular checkups. Only your doctor can diagnose hypertension, but you can help head it off. Moderation is the key. Reduction in weight, cholesterol, salt intake, stress, anxiety and smoking is the method. Your doctor has available a wide range of blood pressure-controlling medicines which are among the miracles of modern medicine. Together with improved life-styles, they have helped cut the incidence of one type of fatal stroke in half and reduce deaths due to heart attacks by one-fourth. (In certain cases surgery may be called for.) Obviously you can't be your own doctor. You need a support system. We call it... Partners in Healthcare You are the most important partner. Only you can take the first step and seek the advice of your physician. And it's you who must decide to accept the guidance and counseling of your physician, nurse and pharmacist. When medicines are prescribed, only you can take them as directed. Your doctor interprets the warning signs, orders your tests, and makes the diagnosis. Your physician also prescribes the best medication for you among those available-considering each drug's characteristics-and monitors your progress. All those who discover, develop and distribute medicines complete the partnership. Pfizer's ongoing research brings you essential medicines for a wide range of diseases. Through our development of these and many other medications, we are fulfilling our responsibility as one of your partners in healthcare. For reprints of this Healthcare Series, please write: Pfizer Pharmaceuticals, Post Office Box 3852A, Grand Central Station, New York, N.Y. 10163 Pfizer PHARMACEUTICALS. A PARTNER IN HEALTHCARE [/advertisement]]
