Hypertension
What is hypertension?
Hypertension is when the pressure in your blood vessels is too high, making your heart work harder than necessary. If left unchecked, it can lead to stroke, heart attack, kidney disease, and even death.
Common myths about hypertension?
- Salt is the only problem! – Too much salt is bad, but things like stress, lack of exercise, and even family history can contribute.
- Hypertension can be cured! – Not always, but with the right lifestyle and medication, it can be managed.
Who’s at risk?
- People with a family history of hypertension
- Overweight individuals
- Those who drink a lot of alcohol
- People who don’t exercise
- Heavy consumers of processed foods
- Older adults (but even young people can get it.)
Types of hypertension?
- Primary hypertension: The most common type, no clear cause but linked to family history, age, African genes, obesity, alcohol, and diabetes.
- Secondary hypertension: Caused by kidney problems, medications (like birth control & herbal concoctions), sleep issues, and hormones. Sometimes reversible.
- Resistant hypertension: High blood pressure that refuses to go down, even with multiple medications.
- Malignant hypertension (Emergency!): Blood pressure above 180/120, damaging organs. Signs: chest pain, dizziness, headache, blurry vision. Seek urgent medical help.
- White coat hypertension: Blood pressure spikes in stressful situations, like at the doctor’s office or in crazy traffic.
Warning signs?
- Frequent headaches
- Chest pain or dizziness
- Blurred vision
- Shortness of breath
How to control it?
- Reduce salt and processed food
- Exercise regularly
- Cut down on alcohol and smoking
- Get your blood pressure checked often