High blood pressure, medically known as hypertension is a condition in which your blood pressure remains elevated than normal. Blood pressure is a force that the circulating blood exerts on the arteries- the major blood vessels of the body.
Your heart has four chambers, and two sides. The left side and the right side. The right side of the heart pumps blood to your lungs to receive oxygen, while the left side of your heart receives that blood from the lungs and pumps it to the whole body.
The heart does all this work in two phases. First, the chambers of the heart relax to fill the blood known as diastole. Then, the heart contracts to eject the blood-filled in the chambers, the phase is known as systole.
The normal blood pressure is 120/80 mm of Hg. If your blood pressure reads as 140/90 mm of Hg repeatedly, it indicates that you are hypertensive. If you check it at home, you must consult with a physician soon. So, they prescribe you the right medications on time. It is because hypertension not only increases the risk of cardiac disorders but also puts you at risk of kidney and brain diseases.
Symptoms of Hypertension
Generally, hypertensive people do not have any such symptoms. Therefore, it is often referred to as a silent killer. One may not know about it for even years. However, in some cases, it may show the following symptoms.
- A very fast heartbeat (Tachycardia)
- Chest pain
- Sweating
- Anxiety
- Difficulty sleeping
- Blushing
Risk Factors
The following factors can increase the chances of hypertension.
- Positive family history
- Smoking
- High cholesterol levels in the blood
- Sedentary lifestyle
- Stress and anxiety
- Obesity
- Diabetes
- Age (greater for men over 45 years and women over 55 years)
Causes for Hypertension
Basically, there are two causes for hypertension
Primary or Essential Hypertension
Hypertension that develops without any certain cause is known as primary hypertension. Primary hypertension develops over a period of years.
Secondary Hypertension
Hypertension that develops due to any underlying condition is known as secondary hypertension. The symptoms of secondary hypertension develop suddenly and the rise in blood pressure is more than that in primary hypertension. It can occur due to reasons like;
- Thyroid problems
- Certain defects you’re born with (congenital) in blood vessels
- Certain medications, such as birth control pills, cold remedies, decongestants, over-the-counter pain relievers and some prescription drugs
- Obstructive sleep apnea
- Kidney disease
- Adrenal gland tumors
- Illegal drugs, such as cocaine and amphetamines
Management of Hypertension
Hypertension can be managed by practicing the following measures.
Smoking Cessation
Smoking leads to the hardening of arteries, which in turn can lead to increased pressure that the blood pulls against your blood vessels, leading to increased blood pressure.
Blood Pressure Monitoring
If you are above the age of 45, you should get your blood pressure checked frequently. So, you can keep an eye on it.
Having a diet with Low Cholesterol Levels
Consuming a diet rich in cholesterol can lead to hypercholesterolemia. The excess cholesterol deposits inside the arteries, hindering the normal blood flow, eventually leading to hypertension.
Maintaining a Healthy Weight
You must lose weight if you are overweight according to your body mass index. Shedding some of your pounds may help normalize your blood pressure. However, losing weight can not be substituted with medications. If your healthcare provider has prescribed you medications to lower blood pressure, make sure you take them on time.
Consuming Fewer Sugars
Consuming a few sugars and monitoring blood sugar levels for diabetes prevention is also a measure that can protect you from hypertension. It is because diabetes raises the chances of hypertension. Therefore, preventing one can lower the risk of another.
Measures to avoid Mental Stress
Stress can raise blood pressure. Therefore, you must try stress-relieving exercises like yoga or meditation to lower daily life stresses. Keep yourself calm and think positively. Undue mental stress is not good for your health in any way.
Low Salt Diet
If you are hypertensive or at risk of it, you must consume a diet that is low in sodium. Especially try to cut down raw salt intake in your diet.
Exercising Regularly
Regular exercise helps maintain blood flow and prevents the clogging of arteries. Moreover, it strengthens your heart leading to normalized blood pressure.
Exercises that you can do to lower blood pressure;
- Jogging
- Bicycling
- Swimming
- Household chores, such as mowing the lawn, raking leaves, gardening or scrubbing the floor
- Active sports, such as basketball or tennis
- Climbing stairs
- Walking
- Dancing
Maintaining a Healthy Weight
You must lose weight if you are overweight according to your body mass index. Shedding some of your pounds may help normalize your blood pressure. However, losing weight can not be substituted with medications. If your healthcare provider has prescribed you medications to lower blood pressure, make sure you take them on time.
Conclusion
High blood pressure, when left untreated, can lead to serious life-threatening complications like;
- Artherosclerosis
- Kidney failure
- Heart failure
- Stroke
- Aneurysms
- Hypertensive retinopathies
Hypertension is a condition in which your blood pressure remains above 140/90mm of Hg. If you are diagnosed with it, you must frequently monitor your blood pressure. Also, consult with your health care provider soon. So, they can prescribe the right medications to you. Try to adopt a healthy lifestyle along with the treatment.