Hypertension, also known as high blood pressure, is a common health condition where the force of the blood against your artery walls is too high. If your blood pressure stays high for a long time, it can cause serious health problems, like heart disease and stroke.

How Does Blood Pressure Work?

Blood pressure is a vital metric that measures the heart’s capacity to circulate blood through the
arteries. It is recorded with two numbers:
● Systolic Pressure: Your heart’s beating pressure is shown by the first number.
● Diastolic Pressure: The second number measures the pressure in your arteries when your heart rests between beats.

Normal blood pressure is usually around 120/80 mmHg. When your blood pressure consistently
reads 140/90 mmHg or higher, it’s considered hypertension.

What Causes Hypertension?

Several factors can lead to hypertension:
● Unhealthy Diet: Eating too much salt, fatty foods, and not enough fruits and vegetables.
● Lack of Exercise: Not being physically active can raise your blood pressure.
● Overweight: Overweight: Having excess weight increases cardiac strain.
● Stress: Long-term stress can contribute to high blood pressure.
● Family History: You may be at a higher risk of developing hypertension if either of your parents or close relatives are suffering from it.
● Age: As you get older, your blood vessels lose some of their elasticity, which can increase blood pressure.

Why is Hypertension Dangerous?

Hypertension is often called the “silent killer” because it usually doesn’t have any obvious symptoms, but it can lead to serious health problems over time. These include:
● Heart Disease: High blood pressure can cause your heart to work harder, leading to heart failure or a heart attack.
● Stroke: Hypertension can cause a blood vessel in your brain to burst or become blocked, leading to a stroke.
● Kidney Damage: High blood pressure can cause harm to your kidneys’ blood vessels, which can result in kidney disease.
● Vision Loss: High blood pressure can damage the blood vessels in your eyes, which can cause problems with your eyesight.

How Can You Manage or Prevent Hypertension?

Managing or preventing hypertension is important for maintaining good health. Here are some
simple tips:
● Eat Healthy: Focus on a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean
proteins. Reduce your salt intake.
● Exercise Regularly: Aim for at least 30 minutes of moderate exercise, like walking,
most days of the week.
● Maintain a Healthy Weight: Losing even a small amount of weight can lower your blood
pressure.
● Limit Alcohol: If you drink alcohol, do it moderately.
● Quit Smoking: Smoking increases your blood pressure and harms your heart.
● Manage Stress: Adopt relaxation techniques such as meditation, deep breathing, or yoga.
● Monitor Your Blood Pressure: Regularly check your blood pressure at home or with your doctor to keep track of your health.

When to See a Doctor?

If you have been diagnosed with hypertension or are worried about your blood pressure, see
your doctor regularly. They can provide advice on lifestyle changes, medications, or other
treatments to help manage your blood pressure.

Remember, hypertension is manageable with the right lifestyle changes and medical
care. Controlling your blood pressure can significantly lower your chance of developing major
health issues.