High Blood Pressure or Hypertension- Blood pressure is the measurement of the force or pressure of the blood against the artery walls. High blood pressure (HBP) or hypertension is when your blood pressure or the pressure of blood against your blood vessels or artery walls is consistently very high that can cause severe health conditions such as heart disease, kidney disease, stroke and even death. Since high blood pressure or hypertension often does not show any obvious symptoms while quietly damaging your body from within and increasing the risk of health problems, it is commonly referred to as ‘silent killer’. Hence, early detection and diagnosis of high blood pressure is of utmost significance in order to treat this condition.
Symptoms of high blood pressure or hypertension
High blood pressure or hypertension has no obvious signs or symptoms. However, there are certain symptoms that people with extreme conditions of hypertension may experience such as:
Severe headaches
Breathing difficulty
Nosebleeds
Fatigue or confusion
Chest pain
Problems in vision
Irregular heartbeat
It is important to note that these signs and symptoms do not appear in everyone with hypertension or these symptoms may show only when the condition is grave or fatalistic. Therefore, you may require immediate medical care if you experience these symptoms. Consult our specialists at Yashoda Hospital & Research Centre if you experience these symptoms instantly.
It is also important to get your blood pressure reading as it is the only possible way to know whether you have high blood pressure or not. This can help prevent or limit damage to your health.
Measuring blood pressure
Blood pressure is determined by the amount of blood your heart pumps and the amount of resistance to the blood flow in your arteries. The more blood your heart pumps and the narrower your arteries, the higher your blood pressure. Your blood pressure reading has two numbers. The top number or the systolic represents the pressure in your arteries when your heartbeats. The bottom number or the diastolic represents the pressure in your arteries when the heart rests between the beats.
If you know that you have high blood pressure, you can talk to our medical specialists who will help you control your blood pressure level.
Causes of high blood pressure or hypertension
Primary hypertension and secondary hypertension are the two types of high blood pressure. Primary hypertension or essential hypertension is the high blood pressure that persists over a long time with an undiscernible cause. On the other hand, secondary hypertension is when high blood pressure is caused by an underlying condition resulting in a sudden rise in blood pressure. Health conditions that can cause secondary hypertension include kidney disease, congenital heart defects, obstructive sleep apnea, and thyroid problems. Side effects of a few medications can also trigger secondary hypertension such as contraceptive pills, pain killers, and cold remedies. The use of illegal drugs can lead to high blood pressure as well.
Risk factors of high blood pressure or hypertension
There are numerous risk factors that can trigger high blood pressure or hypertension:
Ageing
As you grow old, you become more vulnerable to developing the condition of high blood pressure. Women are more likely to develop hypertension post 65 years of age while men are more likely to develop hypertension after reaching 64.
Family history
High blood pressure can also be hereditary. If you have a family history of heart disease(s), you need to tell your doctor about it so that he can help you in the best possible way.
Obesity
Being overweight is one of the most common causes of hypertension as it increases the amount of blood flow through your blood vessels resulting in increase in the pressure on your artery walls.
Sedentary lifestyle
People who are inactive tend to have higher heart rates. The higher your heart rate, the harder your heart must work with each contraction and the stronger the force on your arteries. Moreover, lack of physical activity also increases the risk of being overweight.
Tobacco consumption
Smoking or chewing tobacco can increase your risk of developing hypertension. The chemicals in tobacco can damage the lining of your artery walls which can increase your risk of heart disease.
High intake of salt and sodium
When you take too much sodium and salt in your diet, it can increase your blood pressure as sodium causes the body to retain fluid.
Overindulgence of alcohol
Consuming too much alcohol can damage your heart and your overall health. It is one of the major causes of high blood pressure.
Chronic conditions
Certain chronic conditions also may increase your risk of high blood pressure, including kidney disease, diabetes and sleep apnea.
Stress
There is a positive correlation between stress level and blood pressure. Higher levels of stress can cause an increase in blood pressure.
Pregnancy
Pregnancy can also affect your blood pressure level. Although women with high blood pressure can deliver healthy babies, it can be risky for both the mother and baby if not monitored closely during pregnancy.
Prevention of high blood pressure or hypertension
If you want to reduce the risk of developing high blood pressure or hypertension, follow the following measures.
Eat healthy
Nothing goes wrong with eating a healthy diet. Intake of sodium can trigger hypertension. Add fruits, vegetables, and whole grains to your diet to reduce your intake of sodium and salt.
Maintain a healthy weight
It is pivotal to keep weight in check as being overweight can increase your blood pressure. With a proper diet and exercise, you can maintain a healthy weight and lower your blood pressure level.
Increase physical activities
A sedentary lifestyle and inactive body can increase the risk of hypertension. You need to keep your body busy and active doing exercise and even taking a stroll could be a good idea.
Reduce alcohol intake
Alcohol does no good for your overall health and in particular, can increase your blood pressure level. In order to regulate your blood pressure level, you need to reduce your alcohol consumption level.
Manage your stress
Anxiety and stress can trigger your blood pressure to rise. There are many activities that can help you manage your anxiety. Engage in activities that will relieve your stress such as doing exercises, practicing meditation and performing yoga. Try to get enough sleep as sleeping is one of the best remedies to reduce stress.