Info about Hypertension and its treatment

Info about Hypertension and its treatment

High blood pressure (also called hypertension) is a serious disease that affects nearly 65 million adults in the United States. High blood pressure is also known as the "silent killer" since most of the people don't know that they have it. Over time, those who do not receive proper treatment can become seriously ill and even die.

What are the effects of high blood pressure on the body?

High blood pressure can cause life-threatening conditions such as kidney problems, cerebrovascular accidents (stroke or stroke), heart failure, blindness, and heart attacks.

Who is at risk?

Anyone can have high blood pressure. Some people are more prone to high blood pressure, including:

- People of African American origin

- People over 55 years of age

- People with family background of high blood pressure

An individual is at high risk of high blood pressure if he:

- Weighs too much

- Consume food with higher proportion of salt

- Does not do physical activities on a regular basis

- Smoke

- Drink alcohol without moderation

What are the signs of hypertension?

Many people with high blood pressure don't feel sick at first. The only way to check is to have your blood pressure checked by a doctor or other health professional.

Learn more about your blood pressure: what do the numbers mean?

When the doctor takes your blood pressure, he gives you two numbers, such as 120/80. Both are important.

The first number pressure is when person’s heart beats (systolic pressure). The second number pressure is when person’s heart relaxes (diastolic pressure).

Your Blood pressure remains high and low during the day and it depends on what you do. Mild increase in blood pressure is normal, but the higher your blood pressure, the greater the risk to your health.

If your blood pressure is usually higher than 140/90, you may need treatment.

If your blood pressure is higher than 120/80, and you have other risk factors, such as diabetes, you may need treatment.

What is the treatment for hypertension?

There are medications that can be taken daily to control high blood pressure. Only your doctor can tell you if you need medication.

Blood Pressure during pregnancy.

It is normal that, a woman's blood pressure drops during the second trimester . It becomes normal by the end of the pregnancy.

However, some women have high blood pressure while they are pregnant. They may have:

High blood pressure that began before pregnancy. This is called chronic high blood pressure. It usually does not go away after the baby is born.

Very high blood pressure that begins in the second or third trimester. This is known as gestational hypertension. This usually disappears after the birth of baby.

Sometimes high blood pressure during pregnancy is the first sign of preeclampsia . This situation can be dangerous both for mother and baby.

Having high blood pressure during pregnancy does not mean that you will have preeclampsia. But it does mean that you have to have your blood pressure checked often. And may be you need treatment.

Why is high blood pressure a worrying factor during pregnancy?

If you have very high blood pressure, it could prevent your baby from getting enough blood and oxygen. This can limit the baby's growth or cause the placenta to detach from the uterus too soon.

How do I control my blood pressure?

Get blood pressure measurements.

Take your high blood pressure regularly.

Exercise often.

Eat foods that are low in salt.

Lose weight or maintain a healthy weight.

Do not smoke.

Drink alcohol in moderation.

See your doctor about your blood pressure regularly.