Even with high blood pressure, it is possible to lead a risk-free normal life with treatment
High blood pressure or high blood pressure or hypertension is a well-known disease. If not diagnosed and treated on time, high blood pressure can lead to serious health problems like heart attack and stroke.
Many adults suffer from high blood pressure but are unaware of it. Research has shown that almost half of patients with high blood pressure are unaware that they are suffering from the disease.
Despite having high blood pressure, a person can lead a risk-free normal life with necessary treatment. Apart from this, the risk of developing high blood pressure can be easily reduced by making some lifestyle changes in a healthy person.
Symptoms of high blood pressure
There are usually no symptoms of high blood pressure. The way to know whether the blood pressure is under control or not is to measure the blood pressure regularly. When measuring blood pressure, two numbers are recorded by the sphygmomanometer—
- Systolic pressure: The larger number or higher value between the two readings is the systolic pressure. This pressure is created as blood circulates throughout the body with each beat from the heart.
- Diastolic pressure: The lower or lower number between the two readings is the diastolic pressure. This pressure is created from the blockage of blood vessels against blood circulation.
Blood pressure is measured in millimeters (of mercury) or mmHg. Let's assume your blood pressure is 120/80 mmHg. Then systolic pressure will be 120 and diastolic pressure will be 80.
Blood pressure varies from person to person. What is high or low blood pressure for one person may be normal for another. A blood pressure between 90/60 and 120/80 is considered normal.
High blood pressure is usually called if—
- Blood pressure is always 140/90 or higher
- If blood pressure is 150/90 or higher in people 80 years and older
Causes of high blood pressure
The specific cause of high blood pressure cannot always be identified. However, various factors can increase the risk of this problem. Risks of high blood pressure include—
- Being overweight
- Eating too much salt
- Not having enough vegetables and fruits in the diet
- Excessive drinking
- Having a habit of consuming excess tea, coffee, soft drinks and other caffeinated beverages
- Not getting enough physical activity
- to smoke
- Sleeping less than 6-8 consecutive hours a night
- Age above sixty five years
- Having high blood pressure in close relatives like father, mother, brothers and sisters in the family
Risk of high blood pressure
Blood pressure between 120/80 and 140/90 increases the risk of developing high blood pressure in the future. So it is necessary to take appropriate measures in time to keep blood pressure under control. Otherwise this risk remains, even increasing day by day.
If the blood pressure increases more than normal, it causes excess pressure on the patient's blood vessels, heart, brain, kidneys and eyes. If blood pressure is continuously uncontrolled, the risk of serious and life-threatening diseases increases. For example –
- heart disease
- heart attack
- stroke
- Heart Failure
- Kidney problems
- Decreased blood circulation in the legs (Peripheral Artery Disease). The result can be gangrene or putrefying sores.
- Aortic Aneurysms
- Vascular dementia caused by reduced blood supply to the brain
These risks can also be reduced by modestly lowering blood pressure.
Pressure measurement rules
It is generally recommended that healthy people over 40 have their blood pressure checked at least once every 5 years. However, those at high risk of developing high blood pressure should have their blood pressure measured at least once a year. By keeping blood pressure under control, various serious health complications and death risks can be easily avoided.
The process of measuring blood pressure is very simple. For details on how to measure blood pressure at home, read the article How to understand whether you are suffering from high blood pressure or not. You can learn how to measure blood pressure correctly from the video below.
Ways to lower high blood pressure
If high blood pressure occurs regularly, proper measures should be taken in time to control the blood pressure. Otherwise this risk remains, even increasing day by day.
Doctors suggest two ways to control blood pressure. First, healthy lifestyle changes are advised. Thus, if the blood pressure is not under control, it is recommended to follow a healthy lifestyle along with medication. However, if the pressure is very high at the time of diagnosis, lifestyle changes along with medication are suggested at the beginning.
Making healthy lifestyle changes can reduce your chances of developing high blood pressure. Besides, if you already have high blood pressure, it also helps control it.
Different methods may be effective in controlling blood pressure in different patients. Consult a specialist doctor to know which method is best for you.
Lifestyle changes to reduce high blood pressure
Some healthy lifestyle changes can help prevent high blood pressure and lower high blood pressure. Some of the changes are-
- Reduce the amount of salt in food
- Developing healthy eating habits
- Reduce alcohol consumption
- Lose excess weight
- Exercise regularly
- Avoid drinking excessively caffeinated beverages
- quit smoking
High blood pressure medication
If high blood pressure is diagnosed, the doctor may prescribe one or more medications to control the blood pressure. A patient's blood pressure, age, race and risk factors for other health problems are taken into consideration to choose the right medication.
Medicines are usually available in tablet form and are recommended to be taken once a day. However, if needed, it may be recommended to consume it twice a day.
Many patients may need to take multiple medications in combination to control high blood pressure.
Never do that
Many people stop taking the medicine, or reduce the dose on their own, when they feel physically healthy. This action is totally inappropriate. As a result of this, the blood pressure may increase and lead to various complex and life-threatening health problems including stroke, kidney disease, blindness. Therefore, the medicine should be taken regularly in the correct dosage. In addition to taking medication, it will be much easier to control blood pressure by making healthy changes in lifestyle such as balanced and moderate food, exercise habits, smoking cessation.
Some of the most popular drugs used to treat high blood pressure are—
- ACE inhibitors. Eg: enalapril, lisinopril and ramipril
- Angiotensin II receptor blockers. eg: candesartan, irbesartan, valsartan and olmisartan
- Calcium channel blockers. For example: amlodipine, nifedipine, diltiazem and verapamil
- Diuretics. Eg: indapamide and bendroflumethiazide
- Beta blockers. Eg: atenolol, metoprolol, labetalol, carvedilol and bisoprolol
- Alpha blockers. Eg: Doxazosin
- Other diuretics. Eg: spironolactone and amiloride
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