People nowadays are reluctant to check their blood pressure even though it is the leading cause of death and morbidity in adults. The World Health Organization highlighted in its recent global burden of the disease study that increased blood pressure is the leading risk for death and disability globally. One of the major barriers to effective control of high blood pressure ( hypertension ) is simply that people are not aware their blood pressure is high or even have knowledge on the disease. So let's learn more about the disease and how to keep ourselves from getting it.
High blood pressure which is also known as hypertension is defined as high pressure (tension) in the arteries, which are the vessels that carry blood from the heart to the rest of the body. Blood pressure readings are given as two numbers. Normal blood pressure is below 120/80. Blood pressure between 139/89 is called pre-hypertension and a blood pressure of 140/90 or above is considered high while a systolic blood pressure of about 90 to 100 is considered low blood pressure.
So what causes hypertension? There are several factors whose combined effects produce hypertension.They include:
High salt intake or salt sensitivity. This occurs in certain populations such as the elderly, African Americans, people who are obese, or people with kidney (renal) problems.
Genetic predisposition to high blood pressure: People who have one or two parents with hypertension have high blood pressure incidence about twice as high as the general population.
A particular abnormality of the arteries, which results in an increased resistance (stiffness or lack of elasticity) in the tiny arteries (arterioles): This increased peripheral arteriolar stiffness develops in individuals who are also obese, do not exercise, have high salt intake, and are older.
How do you know you have hypertension;
High blood pressure may not have any symptoms and so hypertension has been labeled the silent killer. Some people experience symptoms with their high blood pressure. These symptoms include: Headache Dizziness Shortness of breath Blurred vision Feeling of pulsations in the neck or head Nausea.
What are the potential risks and complications of untreated high blood pressure?
Complications of hypertension are often referred to as end-organ damage because damage to the organs is the end result of chronic (long duration) high blood pressure. High blood pressure increases the risk of developing:
Heart disease: Increased workload on the heart from pushing against the high blood pressure can cause enlargement of the heart muscle, heart failure, coronary artery disease, and cardiac arrhythmias.
Kidney disease: High blood pressure damages the filtration system within the kidneys causing proteins to spill out into the urine. These proteins cause further damage to the kidneys and can lead to kidney failure. Hardening of the arteries (atherosclerosis): Increased pressure through the arteries and arterioles causes damage to the inner walls of the blood vessels, resulting in hardened arteries. Increased risk of aneurysms: Increased pressure can also cause stretching or dilation of the blood vessels, which can result in aneurysms.
Eye damage: The sensitive tissues within the eyes are prone to damage from high blood pressure. Stroke: Both the hardening of the arteries and the dilation of the blood vessels due to high blood pressure can lead to strokes.
The good news about Hypertension is that it can be treated. The goal of treating high blood pressure is to keep the blood pressure below 140/90. Treatments for high blood pressure include: Lifestyle modifications: Quit smoking Lose weight Exercise:
Exercise helps lower blood pressure by helping you lose weight and keeping your heart and blood vessels in good condition. Weight loss achieved through diet and exercise helps control factors such as blood sugar, and other complications of obesity. Avoiding these complications helps lower blood pressure. Consult your doctor before starting any new exercise program. Activities including walking, jogging, biking, or swimming for 30 to 45 minutes per day can help lower blood pressure.
complementary and alternative medicine strategies can help you manage your high blood pressure. Reduce stress. Use relaxation methods such as deep breathing, imagery relaxation, yoga, meditation, and biofeedback. Keep a daily blood pressure chart. Get adequate sleep. Some home remedies, such as garlic, coenzyme Q-10 (CoQ10), calcium, magnesium, fish oil, and flaxseed have been shown in studies to lower blood pressure.
As we have learnt about high blood pressure, lets all do our best to stay away from things that causes it. If we already have it lets do our best to lower it. Don't forget to visit health facilities to check your blood pressure.
Your family needs you and Ghana needs you. Save your life now.
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