High blood pressure usually has no symptom. So the only way to find out if you have it is to get regular blood pressure checks from your health care provider. Your provider will use a gauge, a stethoscope or electronic sensor, and a blood pressure cuff.
Types of food that may help include:
# Fruits, such as kiwi and orange.
# Vegetables, for instance, green leafy vegetables and beets.
# Nuts, for example, pistachios and walnut.
# Oily fish, such as mackerel.
# Spices, such as cinnamon.
Definitions of high blood pressure vary slightly depending on where you live. In the US., healthcare providers define high blood pressure (hypertension) as:
* A top number (systolic blood pressure) of at least 130 mmHg, and/or
* A bottom number (diastolic blood pressure) of at least 80 mmHg.
In Europe, healthcare providers define hypertension as :
* A top number of at least 140 mmHg, and/or
* A bottom number of at least 90 mmHg.
TYPES OF BP:
Primary hypertension
Causes of this more common type of high blood pressure (about 90% of all adult cases in the U.S.) include aging and lifestyle factors like not getting enough exercise.
Secondary hypertension
Causes of this type of high blood pressure include different medical conditions or a medication you’re taking.
CAUSES OF HYPERTENSION
Primary hypertension doesn’t have a single, clear cause. Usually, many factors come together to cause it. Common causes include:
1) Unhealthy eating pattern (including a diet high in sodium).
2) Lack of physical activity.
3) High consumption of beverages containing alcohol.
Secondary hypertension has at least one distinct cause that healthcare providers can identify. Common causes of secondary hypertension include:
1) Certain medications, including immunosuppressants, NSAIDs and oral contraceptives (the pill).
2) Kidney disease.
3) Obstructive sleep apnea.
4) Conn’s syndrome.
5) Recreational drug use (including amphetamines and cocaine)
6) Renal vascular diseases, which are conditions that affect blood flow in your kidneys’ arteries and veins. Renal artery stenosis is a common example.
7) Tobacco use (including smoking, vaping and using smokeless tobacco)
GENETICS
Researchers believe genes play a role in high blood pressure. If one or more of your close biological family members have high blood pressure, you have an increased risk of developing it, too.
COMPLICATIONS
Untreated hypertension may cause :
# Coronary artery disease (CAD)
# Stroke.
# Heart attack.
# Peripheral artery disease.
# Kidney disease and kidney failure.
# Complications during pregnancy.
# Eye damage.
# Vascular dementia.
HOW TO REDUCE STRESS
Get enough sleep. Inadequate or poor-quality sleep can negatively affect your mood, mental alertness, energy level, and physical health.
Learn relaxation techniques. Meditation, progressive muscle relaxation, guided imagery, deep breathing exercises, and yoga are powerful relaxation techniques and stress-buster
Strengthen your social network. Connect with others by taking a class, joining an organization, or participating in a support group.
Hone your time-management skill. The more efficiently you can juggle work and family demands, the lower your stress level.
Try to resolve stressful situations if you can. Don't let stressful situations fester. Hold family problem-solving sessions and use negotiation skills at home and at work.
Nurture yourself. Treat yourself to a massage. Truly savor an experience: for example, eat slowly and really focus on the taste and sensations of each bite. Take a walk or a nap, or listen to your favorite music.
Please ask for help. Don't be afraid to ask for help from your spouse, friends, and neighbors. If stress and anxiety persist, talk to your doctor.
You must be logged in to post a comment.