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HEALTH FAMILY PROBLEMS RELATIONSHIPS EDUCATION & CAREER Dear What's the Problem, My 53 year old brother is suffering from congestive heart failure caused by variable hypertension. He has had this condition for over three years and is, evidently, quite restricted by it as he gets tired very quickly and very easily. What are the likely long term effects of this disease in someone of his age? I ask because I am 48 years old and I have also been diagnosed with variable hypertension for the last year or so. My doctor seems to be quite relaxed about it and says that it isn't at a level that requires medication. He recommends that I get it checked every six months. However, in light of my recent discovery about my brother, would it be a good idea for me to start taking some form or medication or have my heart checked for thickening? Marianne Monnas, UK Advice: Dr Mark Hamilton *Hypertension is the medical name for high blood pressure, and when Marianne says variable hypertension, I assume that she means that her blood pressure isn't high all the time. So, sometimes when it's measured it's fine, other times it's quite high. *The heart is a muscle and, as we all know, it pumps blood around the body. Congestive heart failure occurs through a variety of causes; disease, old age, etc. and the muscle doesn't function as efficiently as it should and the blood flow becomes a bit sluggish resulting in congestion. This can cause symptoms such as extra bits of fluid building-up in the lungs, the legs and the ankles, and in and around the belly. So, congestive heart failure is basically just a gradual failure in the efficiency of the heart. *The thing about hypertension, or high blood pressure is that if it's left untreated the prognosis is very, very poor. *There are many studies available on this and I'm very keen to get across the point that untreated hypertension will lead to a higher risk of heart disease, heart attacks, strokes and angina. You can then also get kidney diseases, eye problems and problems with the peripheral circulation which can lead to such things as gangrene. So it is extremely important that high blood pressure is monitored and that it is treated if necessary. Because most people don't get any symptoms when they have high blood pressure, they don't feel anything, they're not unwell so that's why it's very important that it's monitored regularly and treated if necessary. *I think at the very least Marianne should be having her blood pressure checked more than every six months. The medications available are very simple, and they're usually very well tolerated by most patients. *There are certain things that you can do for yourself to help bring down your blood pressure and they are very effective and they shouldn't be underestimated. The What's the Problem? website is providing general information only. It should not be treated as a substitute for the medical advice of your own doctor or any other health care professional. The BBC is not responsible or liable for any diagnosis made by a user based on the content of the What's the Problem? website. Always consult your own GP if you're in any way concerned about your health.		FURTHER INFORMATION   Ways to prevent high blood pressure · If you’re carrying a bit of extra weight, try and lose some weight. · If you have a heavy intake of alcohol, that should be cut as well. · Getting regular exercise. Exercise doesn’t have to be very energetic, lifting weights and jogging or walking is perfectly good exercise. · A good balanced, healthy diet - reducing the salt in your food is very important. · Trying to decrease your stress levels if you’re in a very stressful situation such as your job, or your family life, or sometimes just the way you are naturally. · Stopping smoking is very important in helping to reduce the risk of heart disease and strokes.   The BBC is not responsible for the content of external Internet sites