High Blood Pressure

Published on October 20, 2020
Hypertension is one of the main causes of mortality around the world

High Blood Pressure (HBP) is a state in which the force of your blood pushing against the walls of your blood vessels is consistently too high.  Normal blood pressure is less than 120/80mm Hg. If consistent high levels of blood pressure, i.e., 140/90mm Hg or higher, are measured on a daily basis, it is termed as HTN, HT, or hypertension.

If this condition lasts long, there is an urgent need to take preventive measures such as reduced alcohol intake, reduced salt intake, exercise, and weight control.

Facts About Hypertension:

The percentage of HBP prevalence is more in men (47%) than in women (43%).

In 2018, it was reported that almost 45% of adults in the United States of America have hypertension, and 37 million adults suffer from uncontrollable hypertension. More than 494,873 people died because of high blood pressure levels as a primary contributing factor.[1]

The report by the Joint National Committee states that starting from 115/75mm Hg, each 20/10mm Hg rise in blood pressure doubles the chances of cardiovascular diseases.[2]

We are now observing that patients suffering from hypertension are increasing day by day. Hypertension is now known as one of the main causes of mortality around the world.

Effects Of High Blood Pressure On The Body

Hypertension is a quiet killer. It is a serious risk factor and a severe issue to be taken into account. It has numerous adverse effects on the human body and may even end up being fatal if not treated promptly.

Below is a list of severe complications caused by consistently high blood pressure levels:

  • Arterial wall damage

  • Risk of stroke

  • Heart failure

  • Brain damage

  • Coronary Artery Diseases

  • Sexual dysfunction

  • Chest pain

  • Damage to the kidneys

  • Eclampsia

  • Pulmonary edema

  • Damage to the eyes

Living With High Blood Pressure

It is crucial to maintain your blood pressure because hypertension may prove fatal if not treated properly. Although prescribed medication is useful for managing HBP, some types of hypertension can be kept within a normal range by implementing a few key lifestyle changes. Healthy habits can also help reduce the need to use medications and prevent you from experiencing the typical side-effects associated with them. Following are a few ways to live a healthy life while properly managing the problem of hypertension:

  • Lose weight

  • Exercise regularly

  • Eat healthy food

  • Add more plants to your diet

  • Drink plenty of water

  • Increase potassium intake

  • Reduce sodium intake

  • Avoid alcohol as much as possible

  • Quit smoking

  • Limit caffeine intake

  • Try to reduce your stress levels

  • Deep-breathing exercises in fresh air

  • Go for a morning walk regularly

  • Record your readings at home

  • Regularly visit your healthcare provider

Hypertension is a serious clinical condition that requires timely preventive measures and medical intervention to help prevent associated risks and health complications. Keeping your blood pressure value in check plays a significant role in lowering the chances of developing cardiovascular diseases and morbidity.

References:

  1. Facts About Hypertension | cdc.gov. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Published September 8, 2020. Accessed October 20, 2020. https://www.cdc.gov/bloodpressure/facts

  2. Chobanian AV, Bakris GL, Black HR, et al. The Seventh Report of the Joint National Committee on Prevention, Detection, Evaluation, and Treatment of High Blood Pressure: The JNC 7 Report. JAMA. 2003;289(19):2560-2571. doi:10.1001/jama.289.19.2560