Know Your Blood Pressure

We are all familiar with the term “blood pressure”. But, do we know what exactly blood pressure is? High blood pressure which is also known as Hypertension is a common condition in which the long-term force of the blood against artery walls goes high and becomes the reason for heart problems. Blood pressure is determined by the amount of blood pumped by the heart and the amount of resistance to blood flow in the arteries.

Blood Pressure rises when the heart pumps more blood and the arteries become narrow. The measurement of blood pressure has two numbers – top number or systolic pressure and bottom number or diastolic pressure. Hypertension is considered if blood pressure is higher than 140 over 90 mmHg. Most people with high blood pressure don’t show any symptoms but a few people may show signs like nose bleeding and headache.

There are two types of hypertension – Primary Hypertension and Secondary Hypertension.

• Primary hypertension – Though there is no specific reason to develop primary hypertension. But, smoking, family history, sedentary lifestyle, obesity and stress may cause primary hypertension.
• Secondary hypertension – Blood pressure caused by underlying medical conditions is called secondary hypertension. Diseases like kidney problems, adrenal disease, thyroid problems and obstructive sleep apnea can be the reasons.

Risk Factors

High blood pressure has many risk factors, including:-

· Family history

· Obese People

· Physically inactive people

Age

· Tobacco users

· Too much salt consumption

· Too little potassium consumption 

· Drinking excessive alcohol

· Stress

· Pregnancy

Complications

High blood pressure leads to many complications like –

Arteries related complications

· Damaged and narrowed arteries

· Aneurysm

Heart related problems

· Coronary artery disease.

· Enlarged left heart

· Heart failure

Brain related problems

· Transient Ischemic Attack (TIA)

· Stroke

· Dementia

· Mild cognitive impairment

Kidney related complications

· Kidney scarring 

· Kidney failure

Eye related complications

· Retinal blood vessel damage 

· Fluid buildup under the retina

· Nerve injury (optic neuropathy)

Untreated and unmanaged High Blood Pressure may cause blindness, stroke and many life-threatening diseases.

Tips to manage high blood pressure

• Reduce weight
• Quit smoking
• Be active physically
• Manage stress
• Consume healthy diet
• Consume less salt

We, Saraswati Hospitals is here to hold your hand during your tough times. For any assistance visit http://www.saraswatihospitals.com/contact-us/