Blurred vision, nosebleeds, shortness of breath, chest pain, dizziness. Headaches, anxiety, to name but a few are feelings that occurs when the force of your blood presses against the walls of your blood vessels, the arteries, causing your blood pressure to rise above normal levels. When blood pressure is measured, you get two numerical values: the systolic value which is the upper value and the diastolic value is the lower value. The upper numerical value, also called systolic pressure, is the force of blood in your arteries when your heart beats, and the lower numerical value, diastolic pressure, is the force of blood in your arteries when your heart relaxes between beats.
Hypertension is a chronic disease that is associated with lifestyle. A normal blood pressure value would be a reading of 120/80. A high blood pressure value would be a reading of 140/90 or higher. But there are some situations that can change your blood pressure. If you just woke up from a long sleep, your blood pressure is usually lower, and if you just exercised or ran, your blood pressure is usually higher.
Stroke, heart disease and kidney disease are longterm risks associated with high blood pressure. These risks have been linked to the following unhealthy lifestyles – lack of exercise, Smoking, Alcohol use, stress, diet and Salt. Other causes includes Age, Gender, certain diseases and medications.
Anyone can develop high blood pressure. In Nigeria, high blood pressure is increasing day by day and many people rely more on medication than finding the cause.
Physical Inactivity
if you do not move your body, you are at risk for high blood pressure. Because you don’t move your body, the channels (arteries) through which blood flows narrow over time and form plaque, making blood flow very slow. This situation causes the heart to have to pump harder to distribute blood throughout the body, and this increases your blood pressure.
Obesity
So much fats around the abdomen? That might not be an evidence of good living after all rather a sign to check yourself. Excessive fat deposits on your abdomen can interfere with the reabsorption of salt (sodium) and cause the kidney to keep blood pressure high to maintain salt excretion. If you are overweight, you are at higher risk for high blood pressure as well as stroke or heart disease.
Diets
So much Meats, and bowl fill with high carb meals are a good way to lower or control your blood pressure. Reduce your intake of processed foods. These foods are high in salt and sodium. Get in the habit of including fresh fruits and vegetables in your lifestyle.
Salt
Too much Salt in your meal can also cause Hypertension. Processed foods increases the amount of salt intake because we are unaware of how much salt that is being added in these packed food. Salt makes your Body to hold more water causing your Blood pressure to be high.
Alcohol
Alcohol has never been a good companion for anyone. Too much alcohol can cause your blood channels (arteries) to narrow and your heart to pump more blood. Reducing your alcohol intake can help prevent high blood pressure.
What you can do if you are diagnosed.
Understanding the cause of your high blood pressure is the beginning of the solution. The main risk factors are too much accumulation of body fat caused by physical inactivity, eating too much fat, and drinking alcohol.
Changing your lifestyle
Eating a healthier diet, including food rich in fiber, low-carb choices, fruits and vegetables, can immensely increase the likelihood that you will not suffer complications and other diseases such as stroke, heart failure and heart attack.
Make your own Meal
Avoid processed food and Drink. Cooking for yourself will help you keep track of your salt and calorie intake.
Get a high blood pressure device
Track your readings every day to dictate any new developments so you can inform your doctor in a timely manner. Keeping an eye on your blood pressure results will help you see your improvement.
Talk to your doctor
Sometimes regular lifestyle changes alone don’t help as much as when combined with blood pressure medications. Your doctor will be able to tell you what the best option is for you.
Get in the habit of checking blood pressure
High blood pressure is a silent killer that shows no signs or symptoms. Many people live with high blood pressure without knowing it. Measuring your blood pressure is the only way to determine if you have high blood pressure.
Look for support groups
A group of people who are in the same situation as you. They share ideas and offer support to each other. You won’t feel alone, but empowered knowing you’re not alone.
Can people with high blood pressure live longer?
Significant holistic changes in your lifestyle and treatment by your doctor to get blood levels under controls have been proven to help people to live better with the illness. High blood pressure is a silent killer that shows no signs or symptoms. Many people may be living with high blood pressure without knowing it. Managing your use of salt, processed food, healthy and active lifestyle can help you avoid the complications of high blood pressure.
