High blood pressure isn’t a disease, it’s a risk. But it can be managed . . .

BY THE DOC

IT’S a common enough question in the surgery – what is my ideal blood pressure reading? The short answer is that it depends. Most people know BP readings are one number “over” another – 120 over 80, for example.

This is your blood measured against millimetres of mercury – which is what’s going on when that blood pressure machine is strapped around your arm.

The top number represents systolic pressure – the pressure in your arteries when the heart contracts.

The bottom number is the diastolic pressure, the pressure in the arteries when the heart is at rest.

If it’s high then this is known as hypertension, but this itself isn’t an illness.

It’s perhaps better to call it a risk factor for other conditions. In other words if you have hypertension, you’re more likely to develop heart disease, stroke or other conditions.

A BP reading is considered high when it’s above 160/100, and if someone has readings in that range – over a period of time, to make sure – they’ll be offered treatment to bring it down. It sounds straightforward. Depending on your circumstances, you’ll be given a risk score, which is worked out by taking into account factors like age and whether you smoke or not. If your BP is persistently over 140/90, and your score is over 20%, you’ll be offered treatment.

Those with diabetes, kidney disease or who have experienced a heart attack or stroke should also be treated if their BP is over 140/90. They should also aim for a lower “target” BP reading after treatment than everyone else.

But everyone needs to remember lifestyle factors like smoking, diet and exercise.

THE DOC REPLIES How long does it take a scar to fade? I had a thyroid operation six months ago and it still looks quite “raw”.

Scars on delicate areas of the body such as the neck can take a while to settle and fade. Once a doctor or nurse is satisfied there is no infection or leftover stitching then gently massaging the scar each day and adding some moisturiser might well be helpful. In the longer term, cosmetic masking products can be used.

I had a bout of deep vein thrombosis recently. I’m fine now, though my leg still occasionally swells up. Is this normal?

After treatment for deep vein thrombosis (like Warfarin, Rivoroxaban or other types of blood thinning medicine) it is normal for the leg to be slightly swollen. This is because the unaffected veins take time to open up. There is no harm in checking with your doctor that the DVT has not returned. You should do this particularly if you have recently had a long period of immobility, such as on a long-haul flight.

Recently I tried to donate blood but noticed I wouldn’t be allowed to if I had visited certain countries. Why is this?

The Blood Transfusion Service has to be certain that donors are not carrying infections which they could pass on to recipients. For example, after the Ebola outbreak in 2014 people returning from Sierra Leone, where the disease had spread, were obviously not allowed to give blood. There is also a risk that people who have visited countries with a high incidence of Hepatitis or HIV could return home with infections.

I work in an office. Any time I open the window my colleague complains and says she’ll catch a cold. Can a draught really cause a cold?

Believe it ot not, the debate about whether draughts actually cause a cold has been running for hundreds of years. The fresh air helps prevent germs but, on the other hand, allowing yourself to become chilled from a draught increases your vulnerability to catching infection. However, given the conflict with your complaining colleague it sounds as if stress at work is more of an issue for you than catching a bad cold . . !

I get bouts of cystitis at least four or five times a year. Do you have any tips for getting rid of it at home?

The first step is to confirm that you are actually experiencing recurrent bladder infections, so take a urine sample along to your GP or practice nurse. You will then need a further examination and relevant investigations if you do indeed have a recurrent infection. Once potential causes have been ruled out you can look at self-help options – but only after that.

I’ve been experiencing scaling and itching inside my ears. Is it possible I’ve developed psoriasis in my ear canals?

It would be unusual if the only area for psoriasis to take hold would be the ear canals. It is much more likely to be some sort of localised irritation which could be treated with moisturiser or drops. If it doesn’t work then speak to your doctor.

My husband complains of burning feet, even when they feel to me like they’re ice cold to the touch. He is otherwise in good

health.

Burning feet can be caused by nerve damage or poor circulation of blood. These problems should be checked out by your family doctor, particularly if you have a health condition such as diabetes or neuropathy.

I have a prominent blue vein running down my forehead. Other than make-up, is there a way to get rid of it?

The private plastic surgery industry provides numerous treatment options. However, before you embark on expensive therapy you might want your own GP to check that the vein is not associated with any other abnormality first.