How to Prevent Hypertension? Your Guide to Understand it Better
Table of Contents Help Others Discover – Click to Share! Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Table of Contents Monique, in her regular office routine, suddenly started to feel fatigued, experience a pounding headache, difficulty in breathing and her heart seemed to race whenever she moved quickly. Her co-worker noticed her discomfort, ran to help her, and even talked about her “never-ending stress,” but it wasn’t until she visited her doctor for a routine check-up that she received a wake-up call. “Monique, based on your results, it seems you’re showing signs of hypertension,” her doctor said. Hypertension, also known as high blood pressure, is one of the most common non-communicable diseases (NCDs) and a leading cause of cardiovascular illnesses. According to the WHO, globally, one in three adults suffers from hypertension at present. As per a WHO report published in 2023, it was estimated that 1.3 billion people worldwide are affected with hypertension. Shockingly, an estimated 54% of adults are diagnosed with hypertension, which significantly increases the risk of heart, brain, kidney, and other diseases. 21% of people with hypertension have their condition adequately controlled, and 42% are receiving treatment. These gaps in disease awareness and treatment result in high-risk that affect individuals as well as put a burden on healthcare facilities. Managing high blood pressure is simpler than it seems when you focus on a healthy diet, an active lifestyle, and regular blood pressure monitoring. With Cellmaflex, you can easily stay on top of your health – whether it’s booking online appointments or managing medical records online at your fingertips. No more worrying about missing steps in your hypertension management. Read on to learn more about hypertension and boost your understanding of how to take control of your health today! What is Hypertension? Hypertension, or high blood pressure, happens when your blood pushes too hard against the artery walls. This constant pressure is like a wear-and-tear process on your arteries, gradually damaging them over time. If ignored, you can be in a trap of serious problems like heart attacks and strokes. One thing about high blood pressure is that it’s often called a “silent killer.” Why? Because most of the time, you won’t feel any symptoms, even though the damage is happening inside your body. It’s like a hidden problem, silently causing trouble. So, how do we measure this pressure? It’s done by taking your blood pressure (BP), which involves two numbers: The top number (systolic): This measures the pressure in your arteries when your heart beats and squeezes blood out. The bottom number (diastolic): This measures the pressure in your arteries when your heart relaxes between beats. The measurements are in millimeters of mercury (mmHg). By understanding your blood pressure numbers and what they mean, you can take steps on how to prevent hypertension and protect your health. What is a Hypertensive Crisis? A hypertensive crisis is a sudden, dangerous spike in your blood pressure. It means your blood pressure has rapidly increased to 180/120 or higher, compared to an average level of around 120/80. This requires immediate medical attention. Without treatment, a hypertensive crisis can cause serious harm to your body and can even be life-threatening. What are Hypertensive crisis complications? A hypertensive crisis can be dangerous and cause serious complications. A few of the hypertensive crisis complications include: Pulmonary Edema (Fluid buildup in lungs, making breathing difficult.) Hypertensive encephalopathy (Swelling in the brain that can lead to confusion, headaches, and even seizures.) Heart failure Heart attack Aortic dissection Stroke Bleeding around your brain or brain damage It’s important to remember that this is a medical emergency and needs instant attention to prevent these potentially devastating hypertensive crisis complications. Causes of Hypertension Two main factors determine your blood pressure: the amount of blood your heart pumps and how easily that blood flows through your arteries. If your heart pumps a large volume of blood or if your arteries are narrow, your blood pressure will be higher. There are 2 main types: Primary Hypertension (Essential Hypertension): This is the most common type, and for most adults, there isn’t a single, identifiable cause. It develops gradually over time, and factors like plaque buildup in the arteries (atherosclerosis) can increase your risk. Secondary Hypertension: This type has a specific underlying cause, such as a medical condition or specific medications. It often appears suddenly and can cause higher blood pressure than the primary type. Some potential causes include: Kidney problems Adrenal gland issues Thyroid conditions Sleep apnea Certain medications (even some over-the-counter ones) Illegal drug use Problems with your blood vessels What are Some Essential Hypertension Symptoms? People don’t experience any noticeable symptoms. But when blood pressure gets high, it can cause a variety of warning signs, like severe headaches, blurry vision, and chest pain. If your blood pressure is extremely high (180/120 or higher), you may experience a range of Hypertension symptoms, such as: Pounding headaches Chest pain Dizziness Difficulty breathing Feeling sick to your stomach Blurred vision Anxiety or confusion Buzzing in the ears Nosebleeds Irregular heartbeat If you have any of these symptoms and high blood pressure, seek medical help immediately. The only way to know for sure if you have high blood pressure is to have it measured by a health professional. This is a quick and painless process. While you can check your blood pressure at home, seeing a doctor or nurse to assess your overall risk and check for any related health conditions is essential. How to Prevent Hypertension? Taking care of your health can be your initial step towards how to prevent hypertension. Here’s what you can do: Eat a balanced diet: Avoid salt, and eat plenty of fruits, veggies, and whole grains. The DASH diet is a great example of an eating plan designed for this purpose. Get moving: Aim to achieve at least 2.5 hours of moderate or 1 hour of intense exercise per week. Activities like brisk walking or jogging get your heart pumping and help lower blood pressure. Watch your weight: Extra weight strains your heart and blood vessels. Keeping a healthy weight (ideal BMI) can help manage your blood pressure and protect
