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Hypertension, often referred to as high blood pressure, is a chronic condition where the force of blood against your artery walls is consistently too high. This silent killer, as it's often called, can damage your blood vessels over time and increase your risk of heart attack, stroke, and kidney disease. We have compiled all the information that you must know regarding hypertension so that you can take necessary precautions and consult a doctor timely in case the symptoms turn severe. Continue reading the blog till the end as we have also added expert tips to manage and prevent hypertension shared by our experienced cardiologist in Gurugram.
Synopsis
Understanding Blood Pressure
Blood pressure is measured in two numbers:
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Systolic pressure: The top number, indicates the pressure when your heart beats.
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Diastolic pressure: The bottom number, represents the pressure when your heart rests between beats.
A blood pressure (BP) reading of 120/80 mmHg or lower is considered normal. Hypertension is diagnosed when your blood pressure consistently measures above 130/80 mmHg.
Causes of Hypertension
While the exact cause of primary hypertension (the most common type) is unknown, several factors contribute to its development: The reason of high blood pressure may include:
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Age: The risk of hypertension increases with age.
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Family history: A family history of high blood pressure can elevate your risk.
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Obesity: Excess weight puts added strain on your heart and blood vessels.
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Lack of physical activity: Regular exercise helps lower blood pressure.
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Diet: High intake of sodium and low potassium intake can contribute to hypertension.
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Smoking: Smoking damages blood vessels and elevates blood pressure.
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Stress: Chronic stress can elevate blood pressure.
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Chronic conditions: Conditions like kidney disease, sleep apnea, and diabetes can increase the risk.
Symptoms of Hypertension
The insidious nature of hypertension is often referred to as the "silent killer" because it often doesn't cause noticeable blood pressure too high symptoms in its early stages. However, some people may experience:
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Headaches
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Dizziness
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Fatigue
Consult our cardiologist in Gurugram if you are experiencing the above high blood pressure symptoms.
Complications of Hypertension
Uncontrolled hypertension can lead to serious health issues, including:
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Heart attack
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Stroke
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Heart failure
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Kidney damage
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Vision problems
Prevention and Management
While there's no cure for hypertension, several lifestyle changes and medical interventions can help manage it effectively:
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Healthy diet: Reduce sodium intake, increase potassium-rich foods, and focus on fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins.
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Regular exercise: Set a goal for at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise per week.
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Weight management: Losing even a small amount of weight can significantly lower blood pressure.
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Limit alcohol and caffeine: Excessive consumption can elevate blood pressure.
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Quit smoking: Smoking damages blood vessels and increases blood pressure.
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Manage stress: Practice relaxation techniques such as meditation or yoga.
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Medication: If lifestyle changes aren't enough, your doctor may prescribe blood pressure medication.
Regular blood pressure checks are essential for monitoring and managing hypertension. By adopting healthy habits and working closely with your healthcare provider, you can effectively control your blood pressure and reduce your risk of serious complications.
Consult our cardiology hospital in Gurugram if you need treatment for high blood pressure disease.
Conclusion
Hypertension is a manageable condition. With proper care and lifestyle modifications, you can lead a healthy and fulfilling life. Book a consultation with our cardiologist in Gurugram for diagnosis or personalised treatment. You can also explore our blog page to read the latest blogs on nutrition, lifestyle, diseases and treatment for accurate medical information that will help you make a timely decision.
FAQ's
Avoid adding too much table salt to the food. Avoid fried foods, fast foods, packaged foods and salted snacks
People who do not perform any physical activity, people who are obese, and people who consume a high sodium and potassium diet are at higher risk of developing this medical condition. Consuming too much alcohol may also cause hypertension.
Systolic pressure below 120 and diastolic pressure below 80 is considered normal.
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