HIGH BLOOD PRESSURE: PATIENTS AND THEIR SPOUSES

Whether or not high blood pressure will create new and serious problems in a marriage depends both on the people involved and on the seriousness of the disease. The adjustments required of a patient with only a slightly elevated pressure are minor and do not really change the rhythm of everyday life, but serious hypertension, perhaps complicated by heart disease or stroke can cause profound changes in personal relationships.

You, whether you are the patient or the partner, can make things either easier or more difficult. Sometimes

serious hypertension compels the stricken partner or both to forgo some of their old favorite activities such as seashore vacations, long car trips, mountain climbing, downhill skiing, or party-going. If this is felt as a major deprivation a formerly good marriage can suffer. This writer has found that almost all couples who were willing to face up to their problems and seek a constructive, mutually satisfactory solution were able to find one. As a matter of fact the disease may even strengthen and deepen their feelings and mutual concern.

The spouse can help through patience, understanding and support, by going along with some of the recommended changes in diet, exercise, smoking, etc. Occasionally the spouse must take the responsibility of seeing that the patient follows doctor's order, without constant reminders and nagging. However, it would be a serious mistake to put the entire burden and responsibility for following the recommended diet, rest, exercise, and medication on the shoulders of the spouse. Of course the patient must contribute to a satisfactory adjustment to changes in their lives by following the recommended treatment, enjoying the things that are allowed, avoiding moodiness, impatience, and irritability. The leisure time activity of the hypertensive woman, whether working and/or running a household, poses a special problem. She should be given a chance for a rest in the middle of the day and regular time off essential to relaxation and rest.

People who have no problems in their marriage may find this advice, which applies to all chronic diseases, both trite and superfluous. But others are grateful if their doctor discusses these possible points of friction. These lines were meant for them.

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Cardio & Blood