Hypertension is basically a condition in which the blood flow against the artery walls is high.
High blood pressure is also nicknamed the silent killer. You may live for year’s with hypertension without knowing because the symptoms may not be obvious. However, the damage that happens to your system is deadly. Many of us assume the signs and any seek treatment when it’s too late.
Hypertention an it’s complications is the 4th leading cause of deaths worldwide amounting to 20% of all deaths. This statistics indicate that this is a problem that need addressing.
In most cases, the presenting sign of high blood pressure is headache. One may assume it’s a normal headache and get the easily accessible pain relievers in the nearest shop or chemist. However, after taking the drugs, the headache will still come back. Why? We treated the sign and not the cause of the headache.
Without the proper management, the complications of hypertension are often life threatening. Some of the complications include, but not limited to;
-heart failure
-heart attack
-kidney failure
-celebrovascular accident( stroke) among others.
Other signs and symptoms include;
*changes in vision,
*dizziness,
*chest pains,
*shortness of breath,
*fatigue,
*Seizure,
*nosebleeds.
Normal Bp-<120/<80mmhg Pre- hypertension -120/80 to 139/89mmhg Stage 1-145/90 to 159/99mmhg Stage 2->160/>100mmhg
Some of the risk factors believed cause hypertension include, but not limited to;
-environmental/physical stress
-Obesity-BMI>30kg/m².
-High fats intake
-High sodium(salt) intake
-Genetics- hypertension in the family.
-Age
-Cigarette smoking-damages blood vessels.
-Alcohol intake- non- moderated.
-physical inactivity.
It is worth noting that;
-Visiting your health care provide in case of any health concern, however minor it may seem, is very important.
-The drugs given to you are meant to keep your blood pressure in the normal range to prevent complications.
-Taking your drugs daily and attending scheduled clinics is for your own good. Therefore, you should make sure you follow-up.Failure to take your meds gives room for the disease to progress to dangerous stages.
Until next time, have a nice evening.
Merry Christmas 🎄.
Metropolitan 