Hypertension or high blood pressure is one of the most common lifestyle diseases. Under this condition, the pressure that the heart exerts to pump blood increases which can lead to other complications. One of the primary reasons for high blood pressure is the narrowing of the arteries. Narrow arteries mean less space for the blood to move freely. High blood pressure over an extended period can mean more health issues.
Symptoms
Hypertension doesn’t develop overnight. It takes years to manifest. In the beginning, one doesn’t notice any signs but that doesn’t mean that this is a period of no damage. The brain, kidneys, eyes, and heart are especially susceptible. Here are some of the symptoms of hypertension.
- Headaches
- Shortness of breath
- Dizziness
- Flushing
- Nose Bleeds
- Blood in urine
- Changes in vision
- Pain in the chest
- Fainting spells
Checking the blood pressure is a routine in most doctors. If your doctor doesn’t take your blood pressure every time, you could request a reading. Most of the above symptoms can be attributed to some other medical conditions. This is why regular blood pressure checkups are important to save oneself from other health issues.
Types of Hypertension
Hypertension is of two kinds.
- Primary
In Primary hypertension, the disease develops over an extended period taking years, sometimes even decades to show any proper symptoms.
- Secondary
Secondary hypertension develops at a far quicker pace and is because of health issues like the onset of certain diseases like kidney disease, endocrine tumors, thyroid issues, etc.
Causes of Hypertension
Many factors could contribute to someone suffering from high blood pressure. These factors are as follows:
- Genetic
Some families just have hypertension as part of their gene pool. If someone- a grandparent, parent or sibling suffer from hypertension, one needs to be doubly attentive to their blood pressure readings. Those who have a high blood pressure patient in the family are incredibly vulnerable to get this medical condition.
- Lifestyle Choices
Our day to day life has an irreversible bearing on our susceptibility towards high blood pressure. Eating a calorie and processed food rich diet, not exercising regularly and having excess weight are all contributors to hypertensive disease.
- Physical Changes
Some other organ malfunctioning could elevate your blood pressure. Ensure that you get an annual medical checkup done every year because that keeps a tab on your blood pressure and the health of other organs.
Treatment of High Blood Pressure
If your blood pressure readings are not in the danger zone, the doctor will suggest lifestyle changes to control your blood pressure. If those two do not help in reducing the readings, you might be put on medications.
If your high blood pressure is because of some other disease, the doctor will treat that issue first to bring down your blood pressure.
Prevention
There is a lot one can do to avoid developing this issue in the first place. In case, you are already suffering from hypertension; the following suggestions will work towards reducing the blood pressure.
- Healthy Diet
A diet rich in fruits and vegetables, lean protein and whole grains is good for the heart. Processed food and junk food should be avoided they have a negative impact on your health.
- Regular Exercise
Exercising for half an hour even two to three times a week shows tremendous benefits towards avoiding or reducing high blood pressure.
- De-Stress
Stress is the worst thing for your heart. Meditation, yoga, deep breathing are all good activities to indulge in towards reducing high blood pressure.
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