High Blood Pressure (Hypertension)

High blood pressure (also called hypertension) is a serious illness that affects nearly 65 million adults in the United States and also affects significant number of people in India .

High blood pressure is often called a "silent killer" because many people have it but don't know it. Over time, people who do not get treated for high blood pressure can get very sick or even die.

The complications of high blood pressure

High blood pressure can cause life-threatening illnesses like kidney problems, stroke, heart failure, blindness, and heart attacks.

People likely to be affected from hypertension

Anyone can have high blood pressure. Some people are more likely to have high blood pressure including:

• African Americans
• People over age 55
• People with a family history of high blood pressure

The chances of hypertension or high blood pressure increase when the people are

• Are overweight
• Eat foods high in salt
• Do not get regular exercise
• Smoke
• Drink alcohol heavily

Signs of high blood pressure

Many people with high blood pressure do not feel sick at first. The only way to know for sure is to get your blood pressure checked by a doctor or other health professional.

Treatment

There are medicines people can take every day to control their high blood pressure. Only your doctor can tell if you need to take medicines. Apart from medicines there is also non-pharmacological therapy will emphasizes on diet management and a moderate degree of physical activity but before starting any physical activity please consult the doctor.

The meaning of blood pressure

When the blood pressure is measured at the doctor’s clinic, it always referred as 2 numbers. Both the numbers are important.

The numerator (first number) is systolic blood pressure which can be defined as the pressure exerted over the walls of the blood vessels when the heart contracts, whereas the denominator (second number) is the pressure on the blood vessels when the heart relaxes.

The blood pressure fluctuates during the day and determines by the activities done. Brief rises in blood pressure are normal, but if the blood pressure remains higher for most of the times then it is risky.

If the blood pressure is often greater than 140/90, then the treatment is indicated.

If your blood pressure is greater than 120/80, and you have other risk factors, like diabetes, you may need treatment.

High blood pressure can affect pregnant women

A few women will get high blood pressure when they are pregnant. When pregnant women get high blood pressure, it is called preeclampsia or toxemia.

Blood pressure can be controlled by

• Check your blood pressure.
• Take your high blood pressure medicine every day if needed.
• Exercise often.
• Eat foods low in salt.
• Lose weight or keep weight at a healthy level.
• Do not smoke.
• Limit alcohol.
• Talk to your doctor regularly about your pressure.