There are various health problems that can turn into severe conditions if ignored, and one of the most common ones is high blood pressure.
Understanding High Blood Pressure
High blood pressure, also known as hypertension, is a common health problem affecting millions worldwide.
It happens when the pressure exerted by your blood on your blood vessels is too high, resulting in various health issues, including heart disease and stroke.
Most people are unaware that they have high blood pressure since there are no apparent symptoms, which makes regular blood pressure monitoring crucial.
It is often called the ‘silent killer’ since it can damage your arteries and heart without showing any warning signs.
How is High Blood Pressure Diagnosed?
High blood pressure is diagnosed by measuring your blood pressure reading with a blood pressure monitor that checks two numbers:.
- Systolic blood pressure – the pressure when the heart beats
- Diastolic blood pressure – the pressure when the heart rests between beats
The standard range for a healthy adult is 120/80 mmHg or below. Anything above 140/90 mmHg indicates high blood pressure.
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A blood pressure reading between these two numbers indicates prehypertension, which means that you are at risk of developing high blood pressure.
What Causes High Blood Pressure?
Several factors contribute to high blood pressure, including:.
- Genetics: Hypertension tends to run in families.
- Diet: Consuming a diet high in salt, fat, and sugar increases your risk of high blood pressure.
- Inactivity: A sedentary lifestyle and lack of exercise can lead to high blood pressure.
- Obesity: Being overweight or obese increases your chances of developing hypertension.
- Smoking: Smoking affects the blood vessels and causes high blood pressure.
- Alcohol: Regular heavy drinking can cause hypertension.
- Medical conditions: Certain medical conditions can increase your blood pressure, such as diabetes and kidney disease.
Why is High Blood Pressure Dangerous?
High blood pressure can lead to various health issues:.
- Heart disease: High blood pressure is a leading cause of heart disease because it forces your heart to work harder to pump blood.
- Stroke: High blood pressure can cause blood clots, leading to a stroke.
- Brain function: High blood pressure can damage the blood vessels in the brain, leading to cognitive impairment and dementia.
- Kidney damage: High blood pressure can damage the kidneys over time, leading to kidney failure.
How is High Blood Pressure Treated?
Fortunately, there are many ways to treat high blood pressure, including:.
- Lifestyle changes: Eating a healthy diet, exercising regularly, and quitting smoking can significantly lower your blood pressure.
- Medications: Several medications can help control high blood pressure, including diuretics, ACE inhibitors, and calcium channel blockers.
- Monitoring your blood pressure: Regular monitoring of your blood pressure is crucial to ensure that it stays in a healthy range.
The Bottom Line
High blood pressure is a common health problem that can lead to severe complications, including heart disease, stroke, and kidney failure.
However, with the right lifestyle changes and medication, it is possible to manage hypertension and prevent these severe conditions from occurring.
