Hypertension is the medical term for high blood pressure. Unfortunately, it is a condition that is almost entirely asymptomatic. However, if treatment is not received, it can significantly increase the chances of the person developing a stroke or heat attack.
Understanding What Hypertension Is:
It is believed that around 25% of the adult population in this country currently have hypertension but very few are aware of this. This is because it is not so much about knowing the answer to the question “what is hypertension” but rather about getting tested for it. A test is, in fact, the only way to find out whether or not you have it.
Two numbers are used to record blood pressure. First of all, there is systolic pressure, which is the highest of the two numbers. This describes at what force the heart is pumping blood through the body. The second figure is the diastolic pressure, which is the lower of the two numbers. This is the number that shows how much resistance the blood vessels have against the flow of blood. Both of these figures are denoted in mmHg (millimeters of mercury).
So what is hypertension? The following are general guidelines:
– Anyone with blood pressure above 140/90mmHg has high blood pressure.
– Healthy blood pressure is between 90/60mmHg and 120/80mmHg.
– Those who have a blood pressure below 90/60mmHg have low blood pressure.
– Those with reading between 120/80mmHg and 140/90mmHg are classed as “at risk”, and they should take steps to lower their blood pressure.
The Risks of Hypertension:
For those who have hypertension, their blood vessels and heart, as well as many other organs, are under tremendous strain. These include the eyes, kidneys, and brain. Unless it is lowered, high blood pressure can increase the likelihood of the person developing serious medical problems, many of which are life threatening. These include:
– Heart attack
– Heart disease
– Heart failure
– Stroke
– Peripheral arterial disease
– Kidney disease
– Aortic aneurysms
– Vascular dementia
Reducing blood pressure even by a small amount can have a tremendous positive impact.
How to Check Your Blood Pressure:
A blood pressure test is the only way to find out what your current reading is. If you are over the age of 40, you should have a check every five years at least. This is potentially life saving. The test can be completed by your family physician, at many pharmacies, and in some workplaces.
What Causes Hypertension?
Sometimes, there is no clear answer to that question. However, it is known that there are a number of risk factors making it more likely for someone to develop it, including:
– Being over 65
– Being obese or overweight
– Being of Caribbean or African descent
– Having a family history of hypertension
– Eating foods with a lot of salt and insufficient vegetables and fruits
– Not exercising enough
– Drinking too much coffee or caffeine-based beverages, or too much alcohol
– Smoking
– Not sleeping properly
What this means is that making certain healthy lifestyle choices – eating healthy and nutritious foods, staying away from nicotine and alcohol, being active, and sleeping properly – can greatly boost your overall health.
