Today I will be detailing down on hypertension,the major causes of this disease and how it can be very dangerous to our health.
Hypertension is a health related issue which is as a result of increase in the arterial blood pressure
This condition is mostly seen in adults, though can also occur in every individual.
Systolic blood pressure of above 140 and diastolic of 90 is termed hypertension.
This condition can actually be grouped into primary and secondary causes.
The primary factor could be caused by unspecific factors and genetic condition.
These includes excessive intake of salt, too much alcoholic consumption, smoking and other factors.
In the angle of secondary factors, this could be as a result of underlying diseases like chronic kidney disease, birth control pills, narrowing of the kidney vessels and endocrine disorder.
Among this, life style changes can actually lower blood pressure, this includes abstinence from smoking, regular exercise and decrease in salt consumption.
measurements of blood pressure
Most people finds it difficult to measure a persons blood pressure. Sometimes the measurement seems to be higher or lower than the actual reading.
Checking of blood pressure demands that the person who is meant to be checked should sit down for at least 5 minutes before checking. The blood pressure curve is then placed in his or her upper arm making sure that the hand is in same direction with the heart.
The person should be seated with the back placed on the sit and the two legs on the floor.
Remember, the blood pressure should be done in a quiet room so that the person checking it could hear the Korotkoff sounds for proper measurements.
Do you know that about 1.28 billion adults aged from 30- 79 are having high blood pressure, one funny part of it is that 46 percent of an individual doesn't know they have this disease.
Because of this reason most people do die of hypertension.
WHO response on hypertension
World health organization has made it as a point of duty in helping countries in tackling hypertension.
In 2021, world health organization released a new guidelines that would
help in tackling hypertension
The publication provides evidence-based recommendations for the initiation of treatment of hypertension, and recommended intervals for follow-up. The document also includes target blood pressure to be achieved for control, and information on who, in the health-care system, can initiate treatment.
Looking at the above, you can see that World health organization are trying their possible best to make sure that hypertension is being controlled to avoid any predicament.
Ways we can prevent hypertension
We can prevent ourselves from coming down with this conditions like cardiovascular disease, stroke and kidney damage by maintaining a healthy life. These includes
Reducing salt intake (to less than 5g daily).
Eating more fruit and vegetables.
Being physically active on a regular basis.
Avoiding use of tobacco.
Reducing alcohol consumption.
Limiting the intake of foods high in saturated fats.
Eliminating/reducing trans fats in diet
Maintaining the above and also checking our blood pressure often will help us in reducing the adverse effect of this condition.
Treatment of hypertention
Antihypertensive drugs are the drugs designed to regulate the level of the blood pressure.
This drugs helps in the dilation of the artery making the pressure exerted by the blood to come down.
This drugs includes thiazide-diuretics, calcium channel blockers, angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors (ACE inhibitors), and angiotensin receptor blockers.
conclusion
Constant checking of the blood pressure helps us to understand the level of the blood pressure. It helps you to understand when and when not to take medication.
With the help of regular check, will we be able avoid our chances of having serious complications that might lead to early death.