Why you should not ignore or delay in timely diagnosis of hypertension
What is hypertension?
Hypertension is commonly refer to high blood pressure.
About 1 in 3 adults in India has the problem of hypertension or high blood pressure (According to research published in the Indian Heart Journal 2019).
Food habits, lifestyle, past diseases, health history of family members are important measurements to decide the reason for Hypertension. Some physical examination and blood tests might be required, to decide hypertension and diabetes.
Why Hypertension should not be ignored?
We need to understand the role of the heart, to understand the importance of high blood pressure,
In a human body blood leaving the heart and moving in the arteries reaches every part of the body.
The pressure of blood on the arteries is called 'blood pressure'.
Now we need to understand this pressure should remain in a limited rate (well defined range) according to every age, but in some cases it increases, which refers as high blood pressure or hypertension.
How is hypertension diagnosed?
Your blood pressure will be measured by your doctor with a machine called a sphygmomanometer. Blood pressure reading has two parts.
One is upper part which is called systolic blood pressure and other is lower part called diastolic.
What is known as normal blood pressure?
A healthy person blood pressure level should not exceed 140/90 mm Hg in normal cases.
What is high blood pressure?
Anything greater than 140/90 mm Hg considers as High blood pressure.
What are the symptoms of High or increased blood pressure?
Some people can experience following symptoms which indicate high blood pressure :
Severe nose bleeds
Headache
cloudy appearance
Trouble in breathing while walking or running, Chest pain
It is not necessary that all these symptoms appear in every patient, Some patients might not feel any of these symptoms as well. It is recommended that everyone must have their blood pressure checked by a physician at least once in a year.
In case you notice any of these symptoms of hypertension, always better to go to doctor and check you blood pressure level.
This is really important because if you do not treat for long term it could be dangerous.
What can be the cause of hypertension?
It is important to know that long-term untreated hypertension can lead to following:
stroke / paralysis
effect on vision
heart disease
kidney effect
sexual dysfunction in young male
Ability to understand
Effects on memory
One need not to be afraid of High blood pressure, what is really important to treat it in time. All these problems can be resolved and the patient can lead a normal if he or she start the treatment in time.
What is the cause of Hypertension?
Some reasons one could have Hypertension :
Age can be a factor – The chances of high blood pressure increase with your age. Hypertension is seen more in men before the age of 64, while it is more common in women after 65 years.
Lifestyle factors – Lifestyle changes, eating habits (taking processed frequently) and saturated foods.
Family history – If you family members have hypertension, then you are also more likely to have it.
Obesity – Obesity or excess weight, improper BMI can also be the reason for high blood pressure.
Lack of exercise – Sitting for long periods of time without exercising can also increase the risk of high blood pressure, especially in young adults.
Kidney disease – The kidney helps to control blood pressure. Kidney disease can increase the pressure by making it weak.
Stress – This can increase your blood pressure for some time. There is also a risk of hypertension due to the consumption of food and drink or tobacco associated with stress.
Tobacco – Tobacco can not only temporarily raise your blood pressure, but it can also weaken your arteries.
Alcohol consumption very frequently – This can be harmful for your heart and body.
Does eating increase blood pressure?
If the amount of salt in your food is high, then your blood pressure becomes more likely to increase. Processed food such as namkeen, biscuits, have high salt content. It can collect fluid in your body. Similarly, a lack of potassium in the body, which balances the amount of sodium, can also increase your blood pressure.
Misuse of certain medications such as steroids/gym supplements can also increase blood pressure.
We can now understand why a person suffering from high blood pressure is advised to take less salt.
Only 5 mg of salt should be consumed daily (according to WHO).
Your doctor may advise you to take care of 3 things for high blood pressure:
Do not take excess salt in food
Exercise regularly
control your weight
Stop drinking and smoking
Hypertension medicine
Doctor will prescribe medicines considering your blood pressure level, your age and other health factors.
It is very important to take hypertension medicines as a daily basis, because skipping the medicine can lead to many serious conditions such as heart attack or paralysis.
How to control high blood pressure quickly?
Consult with your physician and take medicine as suggested by doctor, reduce weight, remove smoking, and exercise regularly. Most importantly keep salt in limited quantity in the diet. Also fried food (ghee or butter cooked) and processed food should be avoided or taken very less. Must include fresh fruits, green vegetables and seasonal vegetables, salads in the daily diet.
Understanding Blood Pressure: A Comprehensive Guide to Numbers, Ranges, and Lifestyle Modifications
Knowing the numbers and understanding the ranges is key to maintaining heart health. Let's delve into the essentials of systolic and diastolic blood pressure, decipher the readings, and explore lifestyle modifications that can positively impact your cardiovascular well-being.
Systolic and Diastolic Blood Pressure
Systolic Blood Pressure (SBP):
This is the pressure exerted on the vessel walls when the heart beats.
Diastolic Blood Pressure (DBP):
The pressure between beats when the heart relaxes.
Blood Pressure Reading:
120/89 mmHg (millimeters of mercury)
Blood Pressure Ranges
Blood Pressure Category DBP mmHg SBP mmHg
Hypotension < 90 or < 60
Normal Blood Pressure 90-119 or 60-79
Prehypertension 120-139 or 80-89
High Blood Pressure Stage 1 140-159 or 90-99
High Blood Pressure Stage 2 160-179 or 100-109
Hypertensive Crisis 180 or higher or 110 or higher
Lifestyle Modifications to Manage High Blood Pressure
Weight Loss
Recommendation: Maintain normal body weight (body mass index 18.5-24.9 kg/m²).
Approximate SBP Reduction: 5-20 mmHg/10 kg weight loss
Adopt DASH Eating Plan
Recommendation: Consume a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and low-fat dairy products with reduced saturated and total fat.
Approximate SBP Reduction: 8-14 mmHg
Dietary Sodium Reduction
Recommendation: Reduce dietary sodium intake to no more than 100 mmol per day (2.4 g sodium or 6 g sodium chloride).
Approximate SBP Reduction: 2-8 mmHg
Physical Activity
Recommendation: Engage in regular aerobic physical activity such as brisk walking (at least 30 min per day, most days of the week).
Approximate SBP Reduction: 4-9 mmHg
Moderation of Alcohol Consumption
Recommendation: Limit consumption to no more than 2 drinks.
Approximate SBP Reduction: Varied benefits based on moderation.
Understanding these principles empowers you to take charge of your cardiovascular health. Always consult with your healthcare provider to create a personalized plan tailored to your unique needs. Your heart deserves the best care!
Unveiling the Heart's Struggle: Navigating the Depths of Pulmonary Hypertension
In the intricate dance of the heart, pulmonary hypertension (PH) emerges as a formidable partner. Let's decipher the emotional journey through the definitions of PH, understanding the subtle nuances that distinguish its various forms and exploring the challenges faced by the heart in the realms of pre-capillary, post-capillary, and combined post and pre-capillary pressures. Join us as we unravel the mysteries of Exercise PH, where the heart's resilience is tested. This isn't just about medical terms; it's a narrative of the heart's struggle and triumph in the face of pulmonary hypertension.
The Heart's Symphony: Navigating the Haemodynamic Characteristics of Pulmonary Hypertension
Imagine the heart as a symphony conductor, orchestrating the delicate balance of pressures. Pulmonary hypertension (PH) unfolds when the mean pulmonary artery pressure (mPAP) surpasses 20 mmHg. This isn't just a number; it's a rhythm, a beat that signifies the heart's struggle against increased resistance in the pulmonary vessels.
Distinguishing Dance Moves: Pre-capillary, Post-capillary, and Combined Pressures
As the heart dances, it encounters different partners – pre-capillary, post-capillary, and the intricate combination of both. Pre-capillary PH reveals itself when the pulmonary artery wedge pressure (PAWP) stays below 15 mmHg, while post-capillary PH arises when PAWP exceeds 15 mmHg. The combined post and pre-capillary dance, a delicate waltz of pressures, presents its own set of challenges.
IpcPH and CpcPH: The Heart's Balancing Act
In the realm of pulmonary hypertension, the heart navigates through Isolated post-capillary PH (IpcPH) and combined post and pre-capillary PH (CpcPH). IpcPH reveals a heart grappling with elevated PAWP but maintaining a pre-capillary profile. Meanwhile, CpcPH depicts a dual challenge – the heart confronting pressures from both ends, a true balancing act.
Exercise PH: The Heart's Resilience Under the Spotlight
In the narrative of pulmonary hypertension, Exercise PH emerges as a spotlight moment. Here, the heart faces a unique challenge – the mPAP/CO slope between rest and exercise becomes a defining measure. A slope exceeding 3 mmHg/L/min becomes the heart's testament to resilience, a reflection of its ability to adapt and persevere under the stress of physical activity.
Conclusion: A Heart's Tale of Struggle and Triumph
In conclusion, this exploration of pulmonary hypertension isn't just about definitions and haemodynamic characteristics; it's a tale of the heart's struggle and triumph. Each definition, each characteristic, is a chapter in the heart's narrative, revealing the challenges faced and the resilience displayed. Pulmonary hypertension is not just a medical term; it's a story of the heart's dance against the pressures of life.
It is great to take the right food, also it is important for you to exercise daily. Exercise will not only help control your blood pressure but will also affect your stress and weight. Try to sleep on time.
What did you think of this article?
We value your feedback and would love to hear your thoughts on this article.
Write to: hello at watchdoq dot com with questions or comments.
Additional Resources