Hypertension (high blood pressure)is when the pressure in yiur blood vessel is too high (140/90mmhg or higher).It is common but can be serious if not treated . People with high blood pressure may not feel symptoms.The only way to know is to get your blood pressure checked .
Things that increase the risk of having high blood pressure include;
*Older age
*Genetics
*Being overweight or obese
*Not being physically active
*High salt diet
*Drinking too much alcohol
Lifestyle changes like eating a healthier diet,quitting tobacco and being more active can help lower blood pressure.Blood pressure is written as two numbers.The first (systolic)number represent the pressure in blood vessels wheen the heart contract or beat .The second (diastolic)number represent the pressure in the vessel when the heart rests between beats .
Hypertension is diagnosed if ,when it is measured on two different days ,the systolic blood pressure readings on both days is >140mmhg and or the diastolic blood pressure readings on both days is >90mmhg.
Risk factors for hypertension
1.Modifiable risk factors include on healthy diet (excessive salt consumption,a diet high in saturated fat and transfats ,low intake of fruits and vegetables), physical inactivity, consumption of tobacco and alcohol and being overweight or obese.
2.Non -modifiable risk factors include,a family history of hypertension,age over 65 years and co- existing diseases such as diabetes or kidney disease.
SYMPTOMS OF HYPERTENSION
Most people with hypertension don’t feel any symptoms.Very high blood pressure can cause headache,blurred vision ,chest pain and other symptoms.If hypertension is not treated ,it can cause other health conditions like kidney disease,heart disease and stroke .
People with very high blood pressure (Usually 180/120mmhg or higher)can experience symptoms including;
*Severe headache
*Chest pain
*Dizziness
*Difficulty breathing
*Nausea
*Vomiting
*Blurred vision or other vision changes
*Anxiety
*Confusion
*Nose bleeding
*Buzzing in the ears
*Abnormal heart rhythm
