I am sure a couple of times we’ve heard of a real life experience or a story something in this line “she was just walking and then she slumped” or “He was just jogging and then he slumped” . This has happened to at least a family, a friend, a neighbor or a colleague.
Whilst doing our findings, their medical history has hypertension featured in it.
This isn’t to say that people cannot slump as a result of other medical conditions.
Now what is Hypertension?
Hypertension, commonly known as high blood pressure, is a condition where the force of blood against the walls of the arteries is consistently too high.
Simply put; blood flows through these blood vessels to other organs, and it has a pace it should do this, but when that pace becomes consistently too high there is a problem.
High blood pressure is often called the silent killer for a reason—it creeps in without noticeable symptoms.
It’s funny how this medical condition is always talked about, but a lot of people are still ignorant, or haven’t yet grasped the severity and the implication of this disease.
Understanding Blood Pressure Readings
Blood pressure is measured using two numbers:
🔹The top number known as the Systolic Pressure (SYS)i.e the pressure when your heart beats.
🔹 And the bottom number known as the diastolic Pressure (DIA) i.e the pressure when your heart rests between beats.
A normal blood pressure reading is between 90-120 for the systolic and 60-80 for the diastolic
Photo credit: American Heart Association (AHA)
If it consistently stays at 130/80 mmHg or higher, it is considered hypertension.
Types of Hypertension
There are 2 main types
- Primary or Essential Hypertension: this is the most common type and it develops gradually over time and has no specific cause. But has underlying factors like genetics, race, obesity, alcohol intake etc.
- Secondary Hypertension : this type is caused by an underlying condition like kidney disease, hormonal disorders, pregnancy or certain medications like antidepressants (lofepramine), NSAIDs (ibuprofen), sex enhancers
What Causes Hypertension?
Several factors contribute to high blood pressure, including:
- Unhealthy Diet: High salt intake, processed foods, and a lot of junkies.
- Lack of Exercise : A sedentary lifestyle (staying put in a place over and over again) weakens the heart and blood vessels.
- Stress: Chronic stress leads to elevated blood pressure over time.
- Genetics: A family history of hypertension increases your risk.
- Smoking and Alcohol intake: Both contribute to higher blood pressure levels.
- Race: Black people i.e Africans, African Americans are more predisposed than Asians and caucasians.
Symptoms of Hypertension
For a lot of people there are no visible symptoms, so they go up and about for years without feeling or seeing anything, this is why we always advocate for regular check-ups. However, in severe cases, symptoms may include:
🔺 Headaches
🔺 Dizziness
🔺 Blurred vision
🔺 Chest pain
🔺 Shortness of breath
How to Manage and Prevent Hypertension
- Monitor your blood pressure by regularly checking the readings as it would detect the disease early
- If diagnosed, be drug compliant and adhere to all the lifestyle modifications advised
- Eat a Heart-Healthy Diet by reducing salt intake, eat more fruits, vegetables, and whole grains.
- Exercise Regularly by aiming for at least 30 minutes of moderate activity most days of the week.
- Manage Stress by practicing relaxation techniques such as meditation and deep breathing.
- Limit Alcohol & Quit Smoking as both can worsen hypertension over time.
Complications Of Hypertension
If Left untreated for a while or not properly managed it could result in the following:
✅ Heart failure
✅ Stroke
✅ Kidney disease
✅ Vision loss
✅ Cognitive issues (e.g., dementia)
✅ Sexual dysfunction
✅ Diabetes etc.
Let us stay Healthy Together…………
Photo by Mufid Majnun on Unsplash