Happy World Hypertension Day, dear readers. I hope this greeting meets you well. May is the WHO World Hypertension Awareness Month, and Medivoice, as usual, is here to educate you.
Hypertension, the silent killer is one of the nemesis of the black man and is responsible for about 32% of deaths in Nigeria. At least one person in every family has high blood pressure.
If you’re still wondering, hypertension is a medical condition with a sustained increased systolic blood pressure of at least 140mmHg and diastolic blood pressure of at least 90mmHg. The normal blood pressure ranges from 100-120mmHg for systolic pressure and 60-80mmHg for diastolic pressure.
What are the symptoms of Hypertension?
Hypertension predominantly affects the middle-aged and elderly. However, in recent times, young people have been diagnosed with high blood pressure. Hypertension can be asymptomatic, and most patients discover it incidentally. People with high blood pressure usually experience
- Headache
- Chest pain
- Blurred vision
- Difficulty breathing
- Nosebleed
- Palpitations
- Abnormal heart rhythms
It is possible to have some of these symptoms and not have high blood pressure. It is best to consult your doctor.
The best way to detect high blood pressure is to have a health professional measure your blood pressure. It is a swift and painless procedure. Some individuals have automated devices which they can use to measure their blood pressure themselves. However, a health professional needs to assess the risk and associated conditions.
What are the risk factors for Hypertension?
Several factors are responsible for developing high blood pressure, some are
- High salt diet
- Obesity
- Lack of exercise
- Excess Alcohol intake
- Smoking
- Stress
- Genetic predisposition and Family history
- Use of Oral contraceptives
- Use of steroids
What are the complications of Hypertension?
Complications of high blood pressure can be deadly, if not properly managed. Some include
- Heart attack
- Stroke
- Loss of visions
- Kidney damage
- Aneurysms
Unfortunately, there is no cure for high blood pressure. It requires lifelong management. But worry less, with proper healthy diet management, adherence to medications, and regular clinic follow-ups, people with Hypertension live a normal life with the occurrence of few complications.
Remember, Hypertension is a silent killer and not just for the old. You can also reduce the risk of developing high blood pressure from your youthful days. Adhere to a healthy lifestyle, and a vegetable-rich diet, exercise regularly, avoid smoking, and remember to check your blood pressure regularly. Health, they say, is Wealth!
Till next time, Stay healthy.
Check out other health tips on our blog here
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