Hypertension
What is Hypertension
Hypertension, commonly known as “high blood pressure”, is the when the pressure (or force) from the blood pushing on your artery walls is higher than normal. Chronic high blood pressure can potentially lead to cardiovascular damage. Sometimes high blood pressure is called the “silent killer” because when symptoms are noticed, damage has already been done.
Symptoms
Symptoms are usually only noticed when blood pressure is already extremely high, which is one of the reasons the condition is called the “silent killer”.
Symptoms include:
- Severe headaches
- Nosebleeds
- Fatigue or tiredness
- Confusion
- Chest pain
- Trouble seeing
- Difficulty breating
- Irregular heartbeat
- Pounding chest
- Bloody urine
Causes
The most common causes of high blood pressure include:
- Family history
- Smoking
- Obesity
- Bad diets
- Diabetes
- Sedentary lifestyle or lack of exercise
- Stress
- Old age
- Chronic kidney disease
- Thyroid conditions
- Insufficient calcium in diet
- High salt diet
- Frequent drinking of alcohol
- Family history
Prevention
When it comes to high blood pressure, prevention is the best method.
The best ways to help prevent high blood pressure include:
- Eating healthy
- Regular exercise
- Don’t smoke
- Manage stress in a healthy way
- Limite salt and alcohol intake
Diagnosis
Only a doctor or medical professional can accurately diagnose blood pressure. They have access to equipment, and testing needed to make a proper diagnosis, and recommend treatment.
Treatment
Treatment for hypertension usually involve a combination of medication and lifestyle changes, along with close monitoring by a doctor to make sure the condition doesn’t get worse.
When to See a Medical Doctor
If you experience any of the symptoms of hypertension, speak to a doctor immediately. A doctor can accurately diagnose if you have high blood pressure, recommend treatment options, and monitor your condition to make sure it doesn’t get worse.