High blood pressure, often known as hypertension, is a prevalent condition and a serious health risk that most people are unaware of. This blog illustrates some key facts to help you better comprehend this ailment.
WHAT EXACTLY IS HYPERTENSION?
Hypertension is formed from two basic words: hyper (high) and tension (pressure). Hypertension is simply defined as high blood pressure. The force created as the heart contracts and pumps blood through the blood arteries that transport the blood to various regions of the body is referred to as pressure.
While hypertension is neither caused nor caused by excessive emotional strain, data demonstrates that stress and emotional tension do produce a rise in blood pressure, which can be prolonged if it is sustained.
These problems, known as end-organ damage, occur as a result of long-term hypertension. However, victims of hypertension are not aware that they have the condition until these consequences emerge. This is because hypertension has almost no symptoms in its early stages. As a result, it is commonly referred to as the “Silent Killer.
WHAT ARE THE MAIN CAUSES OF HYPERTENSION?
Cardiac output, or the amount of blood pumped by the heart, and total peripheral resistance, or the resistance of the blood arteries through which blood flows, are the two key characteristics that affect blood pressure. Hypertension is therefore the outcome of either increased heart pumping effort or narrowing of blood vessels, resulting in higher resistance to blood flow, or both.
Though no clear-cut cause(s) for the most prevalent kinds of hypertension can be identified, as is the case with other noncommunicable illnesses, we refer to ‘Risk Factors’ rather than causes. These Risk Factors are activities or inactions that raise the likelihood of contracting a disease. Several studies have demonstrated that some variables are directly or indirectly associated with the onset of hypertension. Here are some major factors;
HEREDITARY:
High blood pressure is common in some families and ethnicities. Some hereditary features are thought to predispose some persons to hypertension. High blood pressure, for example, is more common in blacks than in whites.
A family history of hypertension raises the likelihood of developing high blood pressure. Blood pressure should be checked regularly.
HIGH SALT INTAKE:
High blood pressure has been related to a high diet of sodium chloride which is table salt. The illness is more common in civilizations or groups where salt consumption exceeds 5.8 grams per day. Salt consumption may play a particularly critical role in essential hypertension, which is linked to increasing age, black ethnic origin, inherited vulnerability, obesity, and renal failure.
OBESITY:
Obesity can cause hypertension in a variety of ways. For one reason, obesity increases blood output because the heart has to pump more blood to nourish the extra tissues.
LACK OF EXERCISE:
When compared to exceptionally active people, sedentary normal people have a 20 to 50 percent higher chance of having hypertension. Both systolic and diastolic blood pressures are reduced by exercise.
ALCOHOL AND SMOKING:
These are the two most important social variables associated with high blood pressure. Excessive alcohol use (more than two drinks per day) increases the likelihood of hypertension by one and a half to two times.
STRESS:
Although it is difficult to determine the function of stress and other emotional elements in hypertension. It is recognized, however, that stress generates a natural elevation in blood pressure, which can be sustained if the stress becomes chronic (prolonged).
A regular exercise regimen of 30 – 45 minutes daily or 3-5 times a week, such as brisk walking, running, swimming, cycling, and so on, could be extremely beneficial.
To summarise, it is critical to remember that the only method to determine if one’s blood pressure is elevated is to take it often. Normally, your doctor would take care of things for you. A self-operated blood pressure monitor, on the other hand, is critical for a more constant and dependable blood pressure monitoring. Its portability and availability allow you to monitor your blood pressure regularly and report any changes quickly.
Finally, remember the WHO tagline “Know your blood pressure, and if it’s high, get it checked.” A healthy heart adds years to your life.
They say that a stitch in time saves nine.