by Michael Barnaby

Cardiovascular diseases are consistently the leading cause of death in Florida, accounting for almost one in every three deaths, with high blood pressure being a major contributing factor.  A recent search engine request using the phrase "hypertension education" returned more than one hundred forty thousand references, clearly demonstrating that the internet offers an almost endless wealth of materials to choose from. But like all else involving the internet, keep in mind that online high blood pressure education and support sites offer varying levels of quality.

You can have high blood pressure without feeling stressed or tense. However, continual stress may lead to permanently elevated blood pressure.

Interactivity is a hallmark and a strength of the internet. Bulletin boards, or peer-to-peer message areas, offer a place to share experiences, facts, opinions, and resources.  There are benefits - messaging with others can bring a comforting feeling that "I am not alone," a sense of hope and an opportunity to become part of a group sharing similar problems. They offer a channel for "venting," and present an opportunity to help others. That said, keep in mind also that internet bulletin boards and newsgroups offer an ideal platform for charlatans and hustlers of all stripes, the touters of miracle cures, questionable opinions and general misinformation.

• The American Heart Association, at http://www.americanheart.org, offers excellent high blood pressure education, including specific areas labeled "A special message for women" and "A special message for African Americans." Wonderful website for both doctor and patient.

• Health.com, http://www.health.com, is presented by the publishers of Health magazine. Although it has a contemporary magazine-like format – departments include food, wellness, beauty and ‘natural remedies’ - Health.com also offers a thorough medical education component. Many people will find its all-over presentation appealing.

• Support-Group.com, at http://www.support-group.com, has been in operation since 1996, and plays host to more than 200 different bulletin boards. Message groups run the gamut from Aarskog Syndrome to Xeroderma Pigmentosum. But be aware that sprinkled among the thousands of peer postings are a substantial number belonging in one of more of the above-mentioned questionable categories.

• The Hypertension Information Center at http://www.mediconsult.com has articles for the layperson, research papers, detailed drug information, and also hosts discussion and support groups.

• The Hypertension Education Foundation, http://www.hypertensionfoundation.org, has a very well-done, 47-page brochure available for viewing online or downloading (adobe .pdf format). The author, Marvin Moser, M.D., is Senior Medical Consultant to the National High Blood Pressure Education Program of the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute.

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