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Hypertension (high blood pressure) is one of the most common lifestyle-related diseases which is termed a silent killer as it is asymptomatic. The heart walls exert extra pressure to pump blood. It increases pressure on the artery walls and can lead to other complications. High blood pressure damages the cardiovascular system without showing any signs. Hypertension is BP more than the normal resting blood pressure and may vary among individuals at approximately 120/80 mmHg. It is one of the leading causes of vascular deaths worldwide. High BP is the #1 contributor to heart attacks and strokes globally.
17th of May every year is celebrated as World Hypertension Day to create awareness about the ill effects of hypertension among the masses. Everyone, irrespective of their age, should keep track of their blood pressure. It affects nearly 1/3 of the population in certain age groups; thus, knowing how to control it is vital. Early detection of high blood pressure is essential. So, if your readings are high, it is wise to approach a doctor for proper screening and treatment. Severe hypertension can damage blood vessels and vital organs like the heart, kidneys, eyes, and brain.
Consult the best heart hospital in Mysore if you require diagnosis and treatment for hypertension to reduce the risks of heart disease.
Types of Hypertension
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Primary or Essential
An underlying medical condition is not a reason for high blood pressure.
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Secondary Hypertension
It occurs due to certain kidney diseases, tumours, and endocrine problems.
What are the Key Symptoms of Hypertension?
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Mild hypertension instances hardly show any symptoms. However, severe hypertension symptoms include chest pain, dizziness, headaches, fatigue, blurred vision, shortness of breath, trouble sleeping, etc.
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The blood pressure check-up is a routine for most doctors. You should request a reading if the doctor does not check your blood pressure. The abovementioned symptoms can contribute to other medical conditions, so blood pressure check-ups are essential.
Leading Causes of Hypertension
The factors that could contribute to high blood pressure include the following:
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Older age
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Family history
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Stress
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Other chronic health conditions, such as diabetes and kidney diseases.
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Gestational Hypertension (High BP during pregnancy).
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Lifestyle changes (like a sedentary lifestyle, poor dietary habits, and excessive alcohol & smoking consumption).
Treatment and Prevention of Hypertension
The most important thing about hypertension is the awareness of the disease and the various treatments available for appropriate control because it is silent and sudden because of the ill effects of hypertension on various organs patients’ useful healthcare. Even in the literate population, awareness about hypertension is only about 30%, and out of that only about 50% take proper treatment, and of those, only 50% have good control.
Along with medications prescribed by your cardiologist, changing your lifestyle and managing your diet are the best ways to combat high BP. The cardiologist will treat the issue and bring down your blood pressure via over-the-counter medications if it is due to some other diseases. That will be taken care of accordingly.
Other lifestyle changes include:
Reducing Salt Intake
Limit the amount of sodium in your diet to manage your blood pressure.
Regular Check-ups
Get your medical check-up done annually to keep a check on your BP and the health of other organs which could increase your blood pressure.
Reducing Alcohol & Smoking Consumption
Limiting the intake of alcohol & smoking reduces the risk of heart attack and stroke.
Regular Exercise
Thirty minutes of daily exercise at least 5 days a week, such as walking, swimming, cycling, etc., reduces hypertension.
Healthy Diet
Consuming vegetables, fresh fruits, whole grains, high-fibre foods, and low-fat dairy products can help. Junk food should be avoided as it can have a negative impact.
Weight Management
Maintaining a healthy weight can lower the risk of hypertension.
Manage Stress Levels
Learn to relax and manage stress to lower blood pressure. Meditation, deep breathing exercises, and yoga can show good results.
Educating yourself, the public, and near and dear ones about the treatment and keeping the blood pressure readings under good control to prevent heart attacks, strokes, and other vascular diseases affecting the human population is extremely important. Wishing you a very happy, healthy, and prosperous life ahead on the occasion of World Hypertension Day.
Consult only the top interventional cardiologist in Mysore for the treatment of hypertension to minimise the risks of getting heart disease.
Frequently asked questions regarding the Risks associated with High Bood Pressure
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What is the systolic and diastolic blood pressure?
The systolic blood pressure (the upper reading) is the force of the blood against the artery walls as the heart beats. Diastolic blood pressure (the lower reading) is the force in the arteries while the heart rests.
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What are the health risks associated with high blood pressure?
High blood pressure can cause vision loss, sexual dysfunction, peripheral artery disease (PAD), cardiac issues, etc. Refer to the "High Blood Pressure" blog to get a detailed knowledge of health hazards due to hypertension and its treatment options in Mysore.
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How can I lower the risk of developing high blood pressure?
A healthy lifestyle and a diet full of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and low-fat dairy products diet are important. Keeping your weight under control is one of the most important things.
