HYPERTENSION: THE SILENT KILLER

 


Hypertension (high blood pressure) is estimated to affect billions of people worldwide. It is often referred to as “the silent killer” because of its symptom-less presentation in majority of cases. In this article, we’ll break down what hypertension is, why it’s dangerous, and what you can do to keep your heart healthy.

 

What Is Hypertension?

Hypertension simply refers to a condition where the pressure within your blood vessels is too high. Numerically, hypertension is diagnosed if, when it is measured on two different days, the systolic blood pressure readings on both days are ≥140 mmHg and/or the diastolic blood pressure readings on both days are ≥90 mmHg.

·       Systolic pressure - refers to the pressure within your blood vessels when your heart beats.

·       Diastolic pressure - pressure within the blood vessels when your heart rests between beats.

When either number is consistently elevated, your heart has to work harder, and over time, this extra stress can lead to serious health problems.

 

Why It’s Called “The Silent Killer”

Hypertension earns its nickname because most people with the condition don’t feel any different, even when their blood pressure is dangerously high. For those with complaints, common symptoms include: severe headaches, chest pain, dizziness, blurred vision or other vision changes, nosebleeds, and abnormal heart rhythm, among others. If left unchecked, hypertension has been found to increase the incidence of:

•            Heart Disease & Heart Attacks

•            Strokes

•            Kidney Failure

 

What Puts You at Risk?

Some factors that increase your risk of developing hypertension include:

•            Non-Modifiable Factors:

o            Age, family history, and genetics. These are things you can’t change, but being aware helps you take extra precautions.

•            Modifiable Factors: these are at the core of preventing hypertension. They include:

o            Diet: High salt intake, processed foods, and too much sugar.

o            Lack of Physical Activity: A sedentary lifestyle weakens your heart.

o            Weight: Excess weight puts extra pressure on your arteries.

o            Stress: Chronic stress can drive up blood pressure.

o            Habits: Smoking and excessive alcohol consumption.

 

How to Prevent and Manage Hypertension

The good news is that many steps to prevent hypertension are within your control. Here are some practical strategies:

•            Adopt a Heart-Healthy Diet: by cutting down on salt, eating more fruits, and veggies and, incorporating whole grains and proteins into diet.

•            Stay Physically Active: even a brisk 30-minute walk daily can make a big difference.

•            Manage Your Weight: maintain a healthy weight through balanced eating and regular exercise.

•            Reduce Stress: practice relaxation techniques like deep breathing, meditation, or yoga.

•            Regular Check-Ups: monitoring your blood pressure regularly helps catch any issues early.

•            Avoid Harmful Habits: quit smoking and limit alcohol consumption.

 

In Conclusion

High blood pressure might not show obvious symptoms, but its effects can be devastating. By understanding hypertension and adopting healthy habits, you can take control of your heart health and reduce the risk of serious complications. Remember, small changes today can lead to a healthier, happier tomorrow.


Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

SLEEP LIKE A BABY: MASTERING SLEEP HYGIENE

Image
Why Can’t You Sleep? Do you ever find yourself staring at the ceiling at 2 AM, wondering why you can’t fall asleep? Or waking up feeling exhausted even after eight hours in bed? You’re not alone! Good sleep isn’t limited to the number of hours you sleep, sleep quality matters too. Poor sleep hygiene is one of the biggest reasons people struggle with rest. In this article, we’ll explore the right way to sleep and small changes that can make a big difference. What is Sleep Hygiene? Sleep hygiene refers to the habits, behaviours and factors in the environment that can be adjusted to improve your night sleep. Think of your body as a phone, without proper charging, it won’t function well. Sleep hygiene is like having the right charger and using it correctly. The overarching aim is to improve sleep quality and ensure you wake up feeling refreshed. The 7-Day Sleep Hygiene Challenge Want better sleep? Try this one tip per day and keep note of your progress. ✅ Day 1: Set a Consis...
Read more

How to Sanitize Your Environment: A Complete Guide for Homes, Offices, Schools, and Healthcare Centers

Introduction Keeping our surroundings clean and germ-free has never been more important. Whether you're managing a home, an office, a school, or a healthcare facility, knowing how to sanitize your environment properly is key to promoting good health and preventing disease. Let’s dive into a simple, practical guide on how to make your spaces safer, healthier, and more welcoming. Why Is Sanitization So Important? Sanitization goes beyond everyday cleaning. While cleaning removes visible dirt and dust, sanitizing kills harmful bacteria, viruses, and pathogens lurking on surfaces. Proper environmental hygiene can reduce the spread of illnesses, boost mental well-being, and even extend the life of your furniture and facilities. In places like schools and healthcare centers, it’s not just recommended — it’s absolutely critical. A Step-by-Step Guide to Sanitizing Your Environment Whether you're tackling your living room or a large classroom, the basics of sanitization remai...
Read more

THE POWER OF HANDWASHING

  THE POWER OF HANDWASHING A Simple Habit That Can Save Lives Have you ever thought of a simple habit to incorporate into your life to protect your health? Handwashing, remains one of the most cost-effective and readily available means to protect ourselves from illness. Why does Handwashing Matter? Our hands are always with us, coming in contact everything like door handles, electronic gadgets, food and sometimes even bodily fluids. Conversely, they can also be exposed to harmful microorganisms along the way predisposing us to diseases like diarrhoea, respiratory illness, and foodborne infections when these microorganisms spread from our hands and gain entrance into the body. Several studies have shown that good hand hygiene can help reduce greatly the rate we fall sick, protecting not just us but also entire communities. How does Handwashing protect you and others? Transfer of microorganism from source of infection to a susceptible host is an important part of the chain of infecti...
Read more