What is Hypertension ?

 

Hypertension is the leading cause of heart disease, stroke, and early death. 2024´s theme: “Measure Your Blood Pressure, Control It, Live Longer!”

@TheKnowHow

What is Hypertension?

High blood pressure, also referred to as hypertension, is characterized by a systolic (upper) blood pressure of 140 mm Hg or higher and/or a diastolic (lower) blood pressure of 90 mm Hg or higher. In US guidelines, blood pressure already above 130 / 80 is defined as hypertension grade 1 since 2017 to rise more awareness and initiate early lifestyle changes. Hypertension is the leading cause of arteriosclerosis, heart disease, stroke, kidney difficulties, and early death.

The main challenge is that elevated blood pressure rarely causes any symptoms. Many people suffer from it for a long time before being diagnosed with hypertension, resulting in a missed opportunity to avoid artery, heart, and kidney damage. Hypertension can be avoided, detected early, and managed with a healthy lifestyle, regular blood pressure tests, and medical treatment.

Frequent causes of hypertension

Blood pressure is determined by the stiffness and tightness of the arteries, as well as the volume of blood flowing through them. Aging, a lack of exercise due to a sedentary lifestyle, chronic stress, and smoking all harden our arteries and raise blood pressure.

A high salt intake, particularly in fast food and prepackaged meals, causes retention of water in the body, increases blood volume, and so elevates blood pressure.

Another common cause of hypertension is being overweight or obese. Ever heard of “metabolic syndrome”? This term refers to a set of medical conditions that increase your risk of coronary heart disease, diabetes, stroke, and other serious ailments. It’s caused by abdominal obesity, sometimes known as “having an apple shape.” Extra fat cells in your tummy build hormone- like substances that impair blood sugar and lipid metabolism while raising your blood pressure. Getting rid of this abdominal fat mass is likely to improve your metabolism, decreases blood pressure, and lowers your health risks.

Act against hypertension!

Consuming meals high in potassium, fiber, and protein yet low in salt (sodium) and saturated fat is the first step toward preventing hypertension. Daily physical activity strengthens your arteries and heart while keeping your average blood pressure low. Both lifestyle practices help to prevent or reduce overweight.

Furthermore, you should take efforts to find out your personal blood pressure: According to the UAE Ministry’s national health survey conducted from 2017 to 2018, around 28.8% of inhabitants have high blood pressure. As a result, the ministry devised a nationwide strategy to minimize hypertension prevalence by increasing awareness campaigns and encouraging early identification through regular examination services.

Check with your family doctor, pharmacies, or your company’s occupational health department to get your blood pressure measured.

“Measure Your Blood Pressure Accurately, Control It, Live Longer!”