High blood pressure, or Hypertension, is labeled the “silent killer” mainly because it hardly ever shows any symptoms.

One may be having high blood pressure for a long time without the knowledge of it, even as it injuriously affects the heart, blood vessels, kidneys, and brain. It grounds a person to some extent, especially when it leads to conditions like a heart attack, stroke, kidney disease, and heart failure.

Blood pressure is a measure of how much force your blood is exerting against the arterial walls. In normal circumstances, a blood pressure reading should be approximately 120/80 mmHg. On the other hand, if the pressure is always high, it will exert excessive force on your heart and blood vessels.

Causes of High Blood Pressure

There are many reasons why high blood pressure can occur. These causes may be due to lifestyle issues or in some circumstances may relate to genetics or an underlying medical condition.

Common causes include:

• Excessive salt intake
• Absence of exercise
• Obesity
• Smoking and use of tobacco products
• High alcohol intake
• Stress and anxiety
• Low-quality sleep
• A family history of high blood pressure
• Kidney diseases or hormonal abnormalities

Age is another very important factor. Your risk of developing high blood pressure increases as you grow older.

Symptoms of Hypertension

One of the most worrying things about high blood pressure is that it can remain symptomless until it starts causing complications. 

Nevertheless, some people may suffer from the following symptoms:

1. Frequent headaches

2. Dizziness

3. Shortness of breath

4. Chest pain

5. Blurred vision

6. Fatigue

7. Nosebleeds

8. Irregular heartbeat

These symptoms must not be taken lightly, particularly if they keep on happening.

High Blood Pressure Prevention

Fortunately, one can prevent or control high blood pressure through simple lifestyle modifications.

Here are some important preventive measures:

1. Healthy Food

Eat healthy food which includes fruits, vegetables, grains, and proteins. Stay away from food rich in sodium and fats.

2. Exercise

It is important to exercise to maintain a healthy body weight and a healthy heart. Make sure that you exercise for at least 30 minutes each day.

3. Healthy Body Weight

It is important to reduce your body weight to lower your blood pressure.

4. Stress Management

Engage in relaxation exercises including meditation, yoga, or deep breathing to lower stress levels.

5. Don’t Smoke and Consume Minimal Alcohol

Smoking affects blood vessels, whereas drinking too much alcohol can cause high blood pressure.

6. Check Your Blood Pressure

Checking your blood pressure through health screening is a way of preventing high blood pressure.

Conclusion

High blood pressure can be silent in nature, but the effects could be very harmful. Prevention and management therefore primarily lies with awareness, early detection and healthy lifestyle. What you do to take care of your heart today can protect your health tomorrow.

So, at Supreme Hospital we say that please do regular health check up and get consulted by the experts in order to a healthy heart and a healthy life. As they say, prevention is better than cure.