High blood pressurE

High blood pressure, or hypertension, occurs when the force of the blood against the walls of your arteries is consistently too high. This condition can lead to serious health problems, such as heart disease, stroke, and kidney damage, if left untreated.

There are two main types:

1. Primary (essential) hypertension: This type develops over time and has no specific identifiable cause.
2. Secondary hypertension: This type is caused by another condition, such as kidney disease, hormone problems, or certain medications.

Symptoms:

High blood pressure often has no noticeable symptoms, which is why it’s important to have it regularly checked. When symptoms do appear, they can include:

• Severe headache
• Shortness of breath
• Nosebleeds
• Chest pain
• Vision problems
• Feeling dizzy or lightheaded

Risk Factors:

• Age (increases as you get older)
• Family history of high blood pressure
• Lack of physical activity
• Poor diet (especially one high in salt)
• Being overweight or obese
• Excessive alcohol consumption
• Chronic stress
• Smoking
• Sleep apnea

Prevention and Management:

1. Lifestyle Changes:

• Eating a balanced diet (e.g., DASH diet: rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins)
• Reducing salt intake
• Regular exercise (at least 150 minutes of moderate activity per week)
• Losing weight if overweight
• Limiting alcohol consumption and quitting smoking

1. Medications:

• Diuretics
• ACE inhibitors
• Angiotensin II receptor blockers (ARBs)
• Beta-blockers
• Calcium channel blockers

1. Regular Monitoring: Keeping track of your blood pressure is essential to manage and prevent complications.

Would you like more information about treatment options or how to monitor blood pressure?