HYPERTENSION

Have you ever checked your blood pressure? If yes, what was the reading?

Hypertension is no longer a disease associated with old age, young people are also becoming hypertensive these days probably due to our type of diet, alcohol consumption, sedentary lifestyle, and obesity could be some of the predisposing factors of hypertension. It is always good to have your blood pressure checked frequently because hypertension is a ‘silent killer’ and you may never know when it strikes. Blood Pressure is simply measured using a sphygmomanometer with its cuff fitted around your arm and the reading is done.

Blood pressure measurement
Picture from http://www.canester.com.

Hypertension is simply defined as a persistent elevation of blood pressure equal to or greater than 140/100mmHg in an adult of 18 years or above. If not managed properly could damage vital organs ( brain, eyes, heart, and kidney) and result in more complicating conditions. It usually has no symptoms but some people would experience headaches, blurred vision, or tinnitus.
Hypertension could be hereditary but oftentimes our lifestyles put us at risk of developing hypertension. Some disease conditions like diabetes Miletus, chronic kidney disease, e.t.c, drugs e.g corticosteroids, NSAIDs, cocaine, marijuana, e.t.c, are some causes of hypertension.

Hypertension has no cure but can be properly managed with both pharmacological and non-pharmacological approaches.

Non- Pharmacological approach would be lifestyle modifications; Exercise, Weight reduction, dietary Sodium intake reduction, moderation of alcohol consumption, and adoption of Dietary Approach to Stop Hypertension( DASH) eating plan (Eat more fruits and vegetables, consume food with reduced saturated and total fat).

The pharmacological approach involves the use of different classes of antihypertensive drugs. Angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors(e.g lisinopril), beta-blockers( e.g Atenolol), calcium channel blockers( e.g nifedipine), angiotensin receptor blocker( e.g Losartan) and diuretics (e.g spironolactone) are examples of the different classes.

The goal of therapy is to reduce blood pressure to normal and maintain it at that level indirectly reducing cardiovascular and renal morbidity and mortality. The success of this approach is dependent on the patient’s compliance. It is advisable that every individual eats healthy, exercise often, maintains a body mass index of 18.5- 24.9Kg/m2 and always try to adopt a healthy lifestyle.

#stay heathy