Identify Symptoms Of High Blood Pressure Correctly: Hypertension or high blood pressure is one of the common fatal diseases that is often undiagnosed and ignored by millions of people around the globe. Medilexicon defines it as the “transitory or sustained elevation of systemic arterial blood pressure to a level likely to induce cardiovascular damage or other adverse consequences.”
It is important to know what makes it important to address hypertension and how one can prevent it.
Why Is Hypertension a Big Problem?
Thirty-one percent of American adults are diagnosed with high blood pressure, and it is estimated that more than 56,000 of them die each year. At the same time, this disease can be acquired by almost everyone, and that includes children.
Another interesting note about hypertension is that it is economically deadly as well. What makes hypertension a social nuisance is apart from causing thousands of death in the country, it is also that disease that drains the government billions of dollars a year. It is reported that in 2010 alone, the US government spent $93.5B on social welfare services such as medication and health care, and days of missed work. Despite government efforts though, hypertension and its complications remain one of the top causes of death in the country.
Taking Blood Pressure Correctly and Diagnose It Correctly
The only way to know if you have high blood pressure is to check it. Hypertension or high blood pressure is known as the silent killer because it is largely symptomless – myths that headaches, facial flushes, and, nosebleeds, and dizziness are often experienced by those undergoing HPB can be inconclusive. You have hypertension if your blood pressure reading is 140/90 mmHg or above. You may be experiencing pre-hypertension if the pressure reads as 120/80 or higher, but below 140/90.
It is ideal to always have your BP monitored by a medical practitioner to ensure that you have the right reading and information. This way, you can correctly address hypertension before it presents you with its complications.
However, if you are experiencing headaches and chest pains, it may be a sign that the pressure of your blood is rising, or it may be a symptom of other related complication. Keep in mind that if you often have these maladies, it is important that you seek advice or treatment from your doctor.
High Blood Pressure and Genes
Genetics play a big role in hypertension, and if your body is laden with certain diseases that you have inherited from your parents, you are at risk in acquiring hypertension later on. Note that hypertension does not spare young children. If you are diagnosed with have congenital heart disease, metabolic disorders, diabetes, or your family has a history of hypertension, you have to take certain precautions against HPB, not only for your sake, but for your kids as well, since they are also at risk of acquiring the same maladies.
Studies show that along with family medical history, your race can also tell if you are at a higher risk of acquiring hypertension. African Americans, according to studies, are exposed to having a bigger chance of getting HPB. The Japanese are one of the races that are least at risk.
Ways To Take Blood Pressure at Home
If you do not have the time to visit your doctor regularly, you may opt to have your BP read at home instead. Note that if you have a history of HBP, you have to read your BP more often. It is ideal that you visit your doctor for a reading at least once a year.
You can purchase home BP monitors or sphygmomanometers for your personal use. Before you use your manual or digital BP monitor, make sure that you are on a quiet place, you have recently emptied your bladder, and you are comfortably seated and relaxed. Keep these conditions in mind to have accurate BP readings.
Exercise and Weight Control
Watching what you eat and controlling your weight are some of the most important steps to avoid hypertension. A regular 30-minute regimen of low-impact and aerobic exercises enables you to maintain a lower BP without having to take a lot of medication. Exercising strengthens your heart and helps blood circulation.
If you wish to exercise, keep in mind that you have to take things one step at a time, especially if you are hypertensive or you have heart problems. Remember to start with warm-ups to help your body prepare for the activity, and do cool down exercises before you finish, so your blood pressure can return to normal.
Why You Get High BP When You Smoke and Drink?
Vices, like smoking and excessive drinking, dramatically increases the risk of acquiring hypertension. The nicotine found in all tobacco products decreases the flow of oxygen to the heart, which makes it work harder. That causes increased heart rate, and of course, elevated blood pressure. At the same time, smoking damages artery linings and other blood vessels.
Excessive alcohol drinking, on the other hand, is another cause of hypertension. Having 3 to 4 drinks a day will gain you additional BP reading points (2-4 systolic, 1-2 diastolic) and going beyond that can be hazardous (5-6 systolic, 2-4 diastolic). However, some beverages provide some health benefits. Just keep in mind to keep consumption in moderation.
How To Lower Blood Pressure
Lowering blood pressure can be as simple as keeping your lifestyle healthy. By limiting alcohol consumption, eating healthy food, exercising daily, avoiding salty food, and quitting smoking, you are removing a lot of potential hazards that will cause your blood pressure to rise. Reducing stress is also important, as stress and anxiety are great factors in hypertension.
There are also medical options to help lower BP readings, such as calcium channel blockers, alpha and beta-blockers, and peripheral vasolidators. However, self-medication can be dangerous, especially if your hypertension is induced by pregnancy or congenital diseases. Before taking any medication, make sure that these are prescribed to you by your own physician to avoid complications.
If you have successfully lowered your BP, make sure that you visit your physician for checkups to avoid hypertension relapse.
