No Pressure: How to Recognize and Manage Hypertension (High Blood Pressure)
You probably hear the terms “hypertension”, “high blood pressure” and “altapresyon” a lot from friends and family, but what do they really mean? We associate these health risks with stress and old age, but having a blood pressure that goes beyond normal can also be detrimental for those in their prime. Here’s what you should know about hypertension, its causes, and how to handle daily life while keeping your blood pressure at bay.
What is Hypertension?
Hypertension occurs when your blood pressure is elevated, causing your heart to beat faster. Known as a “silent killer”, hypertension doesn’t have outward symptoms and can result in stroke, heart attacks, and kidney diseases.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), there are around 1.28 billion adults (39-79 years old) that have hypertension, with approximately 46% unaware of their own condition.
The Stages of Hypertension
Normal blood pressure falls below 120/80 mm Hg, while elevated BP means you have a 120-129 mm Hg systolic pressure and a diastolic pressure below 80 mm Hg. This condition is also known as prehypertension.
Stage 1 Hypertension is when you have a systolic pressure of 130-139 mm Hg or a diastolic pressure of 80-89 mm Hg.
Stage 2 Hypertension is more severe and occurs when you have a systolic pressure of 140 mm Hg or higher, while your diastolic pressure is around 90 mm Hg or higher.
When your blood pressure is higher than 180/120 mm Hg, this means that you might be in hypertensive crisis. It is ideal that you wait for 5 minutes and retest if you’re taking your BP at home and contact a doctor immediately if it persists.
So What Should You Do?
If you or a loved one is impacted by hypertension, you should consider making some changes in your lifestyle. Remember, these small sacrifices will be worth it in the end.
Change your diet to heart-healthy food with a low salt count
Commit to regular exercise or physical activities
Limit your caffeine intake
Avoid or quit alcohol and smoking
Keep yourself from getting stressed—DON’T PANIC!
Keep monitoring your BP and regularly consult your doctor.
If you want to know more about hypertension, check out this short lecture by Dr. Rosalinda C. Dizon, an IM-Cardiologist at World Citi Med, as part of our #UsapangPuso series for this month.
If you want to consult a professional you may also call our Cardiovascular Laboratory at (02) 84384580 local 216 or send us an email inquiry@worldcitimedicalcenter.com, You can also connect with us on our Official Facebook Page: World Citi Medical Center.
