Hypertension is another name for high blood pressure.
Blood pressure is the force exerted by the blood against your artery walls of the blood vessels. The pressure depends on the resistance of the blood vessels. The more blood the heart pumps and the narrower the arteries, higher are your blood pressure.
High blood pressure generally develops over many years. Most people can have high blood pressure (hypertension) for years without any signs or symptoms. Uncontrolled high blood pressure increases various risks for cardiovascular disease, including stroke, heart attack, heart failure.
Blood pressure is written as two numbers. The first (systolic) number represents the pressure in blood vessels when the heart contracts or beats. The second (diastolic) number represents the pressure in the vessels when the heart rests between beats. As per American, Eurpoean and Indian guidelines the blood pressure readings of less than 120/80 mm Hg are considered within the normal range.
Elevated blood pressure is when readings consistently range from 120-129 systolic and less than 80 mm Hg diastolic.
Hypertension Stage 1 is when blood pressure consistently ranges from 130-139 systolic or 80-89 mm Hg diastolic.
Hypertension Stage 2 is when blood pressure consistently ranges at 140/90 mm Hg or higher for 1 or 2 weeks. This reading is considered as high blood pressure.
Keeping blood pressure under control is very important for preserving health thereby reducing the risk of these dangerous conditions.
So it’s always advisable to consult your family doctor and work out to control it.
Most people with hypertension are unaware of the condition as there is no specific warning sign or symptom. For this reason, it is very necessary to keep a check on blood pressure on regular basis.
Some symptoms which occur are early morning headaches, nosebleeds, shortness of breath, vision changes, and buzzing in the ears. As these signs and symptoms aren’t specific, they are left unattended.
Other severe symptoms in high blood pressure are fatigue, nausea, vomiting, confusion, anxiety, chest pain, and muscle tremors.
The only way to detect hypertension is keep a check on blood pressure. Individuals can also measure their own blood pressure using automated devices however, a regular check up by a health professional is important.
The need of the hour is adjustments to be made in daily lifestyle which is the standard, first-line of treatment for hypertension. The following tips can definitely help in managing blood pressure.
1. Regular Physical Excersise
It is recommended
that people should do 150 minutes of moderate intensity,
aerobic exercise every week. Other simple activities which can
be performed are walking, jogging, cycling, or swimming.
2. Stress Reduction
Managing or avoiding stress can
help control blood pressure. Sleeping for 6-8 hours, performing
yoga, meditation, simple breathing exercises to improve
respiration or simply going on long walks are relaxation
techniques that can help relieve stress.
Many people have
the habit of consuming alcohol, smoking, tobacco, and junk food to
cope with stress, which should be avoided as they can blood
pressure and the complications of hypertension.
3. Medications
Regular check-ups and taking medicines on time will certainly
help in maintaining the blood pressure. People with
hypertension may need combination of two or more drugs to
manage their blood pressure.
4. Diet
The best and simple thing to avoid /
manage blood pressure is to follow a healthy diet. The first
and foremost thing to do is to reduce salt intake.
The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends intake of 5gms of salt / day to decrease the risk of hypertension and related health problems.
The U.S. National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI) recommends the DASH diet - DIETARY APPROACHES TO STOP HYPERTENSION for people with high blood pressure.. DASH stands for “Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension.”
People who have high blood pressure or are at high risk of developing high blood pressure should eat as little saturated and total fat as possible. Other things to be included are whole grains, high fiber foods, fruits and vegetables, beans, pulses and nuts, low fat dairy products, skinless poultry and fish.
Avoid trans fats, hydrogenated vegetable oils and animal fats. A balanced diet with correct calorie intake according to the person’s BMI –Body Mass Index is recommended.
5. Investigations to be done
Regular checkups and
follow ups should be done. It helps in maintaining and managing
blood pressure levels. This would definitely help to reduce risks
leading to cardiovascular diseases.
After getting diagnosed with the blood pressure for the first time, the patient has to visit the physician within 15-30 days which is very necessary as it’s the critical phase where in doctor’s advice is very important. Medicine dosage will be set as per the Blood pressure readings and the recommended doses should be taken as prescribed by the consulting doctors.
After that follow up for next 3-6 months should be done on regular basis.. The investigations to be done are creatinine, electrolytes, uric acid, lipid profile, urine routine, FBS, PPBS, ECG.
The reason behind these investigations is not only to take care of blood pressure readings but also to keep a check on the functions of vital organs. To rule out any complications caused to other organs these test are very important to be done and follow up has to be done on regular basis.
We at LIFEBLYSS aim at taking care of people and bringing awareness about hypertension. With small changes in lifestyle and medications, blood pressure can definitely be controlled and maintained.
Do you find the process of getting examined intimidating?
Choosing a right clinic for the matter, Let us take care of
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