Some More Information About Hypertension

Hypertension or High B.P. as commonly said is mainly a disease of lifestyle.

As asked by one friend there are no specific symptoms and High BP is largely a symptomless condition. Patients with High BP may have headache but you can't rely on it. In extremely high BP, symptoms like severe headache, anxiety, chest pain, vision problems, nose bleeds can occur. 

As for diagnosis regular check-ups is the key.

 But there are many risk factors which need to be considered. They are:

• Family history/ Hereditary
• Advanced age
• Lack of physical activity
• Obesity- Maintain BMI between 20 to 25. (You can use a tool at the bottom to check BMI)
• High salt intake
• High saturated fat intake
• High alcohol consumption
• High stress levels (Stress may also result in overeating and alcohol consumption)
• Smoking - Both active and passive
• Disturbed sleep patterns

The good thing is that there is lot YOU can do to prevent or atleast delay the development of High BP:

• Again regular check-ups
• Prevention and treatment of obesity
• Appropriate and Regular aerobic exercises
• Diets low in salt and Saturated fats
• Including healthy components to your diet
• Limited alcohol consumption
• Stop smoking

Then there are few guidelines to be followed for those who have already been diagnosed with High BP:

• Weight loss (range of approximate systolic BP reduction [SBP], 5-20 mm Hg per 10 kg)
• Limit alcohol intake to no more than 1 oz (30 mL) of ethanol per day for men or 0.5 oz (15 mL) of ethanol per day for women and people of lighter weight (range of approximate SBP reduction, 2-4 mm Hg)
• Reduce sodium intake to no more than 100 mmol/day (2.4 g sodium or 6 g sodium chloride; range of approximate SBP reduction, 2-8 mm Hg)
• Maintain adequate intake of dietary potassium (approximately 90 mmol/day)
• Maintain adequate intake of dietary calcium and magnesium for general health
• Stop smoking and reduce intake of dietary saturated fat and cholesterol for overall cardiovascular health
• Engage in aerobic exercise at least 30 minutes daily for most days (range of approximate SBP reduction, 4-9 mm Hg)
• One more very important thing is to follow your Doctor's recommendations and take regular medications as prescribed. NEVER modify your medication doses as per your wish or on advice of some friend or relative. Its your life at stake not theirs.

Stay Healthy Stay Happy