As we grow older, our body undergoes various changes. While some of these changes are natural, others can lead to the development of diseases.

One such disease that silently creeps into your body, without showing any apparent symptoms, is hypertension or high blood pressure.

Studies have shown that nearly half of all healthy 45-year-olds are at the risk of hypertension. The disease is a leading cause of various heart conditions, including heart failure, stroke, and heart attack.

Hence, it is essential to keep a check on your blood pressure from an early age to avoid any complications in the future.

What is Hypertension?

Hypertension is a chronic medical condition characterized by high blood pressure in the arteries. Blood pressure is the force with which blood flows through the body’s blood vessels.

When the pressure in the arteries is persistently high, it results in hypertension. In most cases, hypertension is asymptomatic, with no visible signs or symptoms. The only way to know whether you have hypertension is by regularly monitoring your blood pressure levels.

Causes of Hypertension

Hypertension can be caused by several factors. Some common causes include:.

Obesity or overweight
Inactivity
Unhealthy diet
Smoking
Stress
Genetics
Ageing
Chronic kidney disease
Thyroid disorders

It is essential to identify these risk factors and take steps to mitigate them to prevent hypertension.

Signs and Symptoms of Hypertension

Hypertension is usually asymptomatic, and people often go undiagnosed for years. However, in some cases, severe hypertension can lead to noticeable symptoms. These include:.

Headaches (particularly in the morning)
Shortness of breath
Dizziness
Nosebleeds
Chest pain
Visual changes

It is vital to monitor your blood pressure regularly, as untreated hypertension can lead to several complications, including heart failure, stroke, kidney failure, and vision loss.

Detecting Hypertension

The only way to detect hypertension is by measuring your blood pressure levels. Measuring blood pressure is simple, and you can easily do it at home using a blood pressure monitor.

You can also get your blood pressure checked by a healthcare professional.

According to the American Heart Association, a standard blood pressure reading is below 120/80 mmHg. However, if your blood pressure consistently reads above this, you may have hypertension.

You should visit a healthcare professional to get a proper diagnosis and treatment for hypertension.

Preventing Hypertension

Preventing hypertension is much easier than treating it. Some measures that you can take to prevent hypertension include:.

Maintaining a healthy weight
Exercising regularly
Eating a healthy diet low in salt
Limiting alcohol consumption
Quitting smoking
Managing stress

Avoiding processed foods and foods high in sodium can also help prevent hypertension.

Treating Hypertension

If you are diagnosed with hypertension, your healthcare professional may recommend certain lifestyle changes and medication to lower your blood pressure. Lifestyle changes may include:.

Exercising regularly
Eating a healthy diet low in salt and high-fiber
Quitting smoking
Limiting alcohol intake
Managing stress

If lifestyle changes are not effective in lowering your blood pressure, your healthcare professional may prescribe medication to control your blood pressure. Hypertension medications may include:.

Diuretics
ACE inhibitors
Calcium channel blockers
Beta-blockers
Angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs)
Renin inhibitors

Your healthcare professional will advise you on the best course of action based on the severity of your hypertension and your overall health status.

Conclusion

Hypertension is a silent killer that can have severe complications if left untreated. It is essential to monitor your blood pressure regularly, and take necessary measures to prevent hypertension.

Adopting a healthy lifestyle, managing stress, and visiting your healthcare professional for regular checkups can go a long way in preventing hypertension.