In the wake of the unending wave of diseases plaguing humanity, i can’t help but notice one which has troubled us for centuries. Like a ninja, It has both stealth and precision, killing with one single strike. A disease so precise that it was nicknamed the silent killer.
High blood pressure (Hypertension), is a health condition in which there is a strain on the artery walls by the blood. Blood pressure is determined by the amount of blood pumped by the heart and the amount of force or resistance the blood flow exacts on the arteries. The more narrow the arteries are, the higher the blood pressure and this can lead to heart diseases.
Symptoms of high blood pressure
Some people with high blood pressure (hypertension) don’t even know they have the disease, because it can stay for years without any symptoms, and yet cause damages to blood vessels. Serious cases of this disease can lead to heart attack and even stroke.
Those who show signs or symptoms are usually in severe or critical stages of the disease. Some of these symptoms include; shortness of breath, nose bleeding, sometimes headache.
Causes of high blood pressure
Age: The older you get the more likely you are to get some diseases. Usually those above the age of 50 are faced with the risk of high blood pressure.
Race: High blood pressure affects all races, but it is common among people of African heritage. This could be attributed to the high level of hardship and poverty in these regions of the world.
Heritability: It can be inherited, especially if it runs in the family.
Overweight/obesity: Those who are overweight are likely to suffer from high blood cholesterol, which could lead to arteriosclerosis and in turn high blood pressure . Also the larger you are, the more work exacted on the heart to supply blood to all sections of the body.
Some other health conditions that could lead to hypertension includes; kidney problems, diabetes, thyroid problems, use of hard drugs, smoking, excessive stress, too much salt intake, excessive alcohol intake.
Preventive measures
- Engage in exercises to proper reduce overweight and be physically fit.
2. Eat a healthy diet and avoid potassium deficiency.
3. Always create time for a good rest, it helps relax the body and eases stress.
4. For older people, especially those from 45 years and above, go for medical check ups and monitor your blood pressure from time to time.
5. Avoid situations that will increase your blood pressure such as anger, excessive thinking etc. Especially for older people.
6. Live a healthy lifestyle and avoid ingesting substances that are unhealthy.
Emmalase.
Emmalase