By Priceline Pharmacy Ulverstone
Hypertension, or high blood pressure, is a risk factor in many diseases, such as heart attack, kidney failure and stroke. Hypertension often doesn’t show any symptoms, so regular check-ups are important.
Leading a healthy lifestyle is one of the best ways to both treat and prevent hypertension
As the heart pumps blood around the body, blood pressure is the amount of force exerted on the artery walls by the pumping blood. High blood pressure (hypertension) means that your blood is pumping with more force than normal through your arteries.
The added stress on the arteries can speed up the clogging of arteries with fatty plaques (known as atherosclerosis). Atherosclerosis contributes to many illnesses, such as heart attack and stroke. Other risk factors for atherosclerosis include cigarette smoking, and high blood cholesterol.
Older people may experience a change in their blood pressure pattern due to their arteries coming more rigid (less elastic). Hypertension usually produces no symptoms. This means most people don’t even realise they have it. You should have your blood pressure checked regularly.
How blood pressure is measured
Hypertension can be mild, moderate or severe. Your blood pressure is naturally higher when you are exerting yourself, such as during physical exercise. It is only a concern if your blood pressure is high when you are at rest, because this means your heart is overworked and your arteries have extra stress in their walls.
Blood pressure readings are a combination of two measurements. These are:
Systolic – is the highest pressure against the arteries as the heart pumps. The normal systolic pressure is usually between 110 and 130mmHg.
Diastolic – is the pressure against the arteries as the heart relaxes and fills with blood. The normal diastolic pressure is usually between 70 and 80mmHg.
High blood pressure over a period of time can contribute to many illnesses, including heart attack, heart failure, kidney disease and stroke. An unhealthy lifestyle can cause hypertension, and some of the factors which can contribute to high blood pressure include hereditary factors, obesity, lack of exercise, a diet high in salt, heavy drinking, and kidney disease. The effects of high blood pressure on the arteries are worsened by cigarette smoking, high levels of saturated fat in the diet, and high blood cholesterol, and diabetes.
Making healthier choices
Two out of five people can successfully lower their blood pressure by making adjustments to their lifestyle. Some healthy lifestyle choices include maintaining your weight within the healthy range; eating a high-fibre, low-fat and low-salt diet. Also, by giving up smoking, limiting alcohol consumption, and exercising regularly.
Antihypertensive medications (also known as “blood pressure medications”)
In most cases, it is necessary to take antihypertensive medications as well (at low doses). The dose may be gradually increased if needed. A second or third drug may be added to achieve good blood pressure control. Any drug treatment for hypertension needs to be monitored carefully by your doctor. You should never alter the dose of your antihypertensive medication or stop taking it without consulting with your doctor. Medications don’t cure the condition, and most of the people who need to take antihypertensive drugs will do so for the rest of their lives.