The chance of developing heart, brain, kidney, and other disorders is significantly raised by hypertension, a serious medical condition. Globally, hypertension affects 1.13 billion individuals. The main factor contributing to early deaths globally is hypertension. The reduction of hypertension prevalence by 25% by 2025 is one of the global goals.
It is a hazardous disorder, made all the more perilous by the fact that it frequently has no symptoms. The force of the blood pressing against the vessels as it circulates throughout the body is called blood pressure. It can harm them and the circulatory system as a whole if it is continually too high. It is frequently referred to as the “silent killer” and, if not treated properly, can cause kidney disease, heart failure, eyesight loss, heart attacks, strokes, and heart failure.
A known risk factor for heart attacks and strokes is hypertension. Age, the duration of hypertension, and the degree of blood pressure increase all affect the patient’s absolute risk for having a heart attack or stroke.
Understanding blood pressure
Get your blood pressure checked if you want to find out if you have high blood pressure. It’s crucial to keep an eye on your figures if your doctor discovers increased rates. You can check your blood pressure yourself in many pharmacies, and there are a lot of personal monitors on the market as well.
Systolic pressure, which is the higher number, measures your heart’s blood vessel pressure during each beat, while diastolic pressure, which is the lower number, measures your heart’s resting pressure. If you have hypertensive crisis, which is defined as readings of 180/120 or higher, you should visit a doctor right away.
- Low blood pressure – less than 90/60 mm/Hg
- Normal blood pressure – Less than 140/90 mm/Hg
- Possible hypertension – Between 140-180/between 90-110 mm/Hg
- Severe hypertension – Higher than 180/110 mm/Hg
Preventing and managing high blood pressure
A healthy lifestyle is the most important factor in preventing high blood pressure. After diagnosis, effective care can lower your chance of developing a stroke and other serious cardiovascular diseases.By following these steps, you can reduce your risk of problems or hypertension:
- Keep a healthy weight
- Exercise at least 30 minutes a day
- Eat a healthy diet, drink plenty of water and limit alcohol
- Reduce and manage stress
- Do not smoke
When making lifestyle changes alone is not enough to lower your blood pressure, your doctor may recommend taking medication.
Before beginning a course of treatment, doctor should rule out any further underlying causes because high blood pressure might occasionally have other causes.
