Hypertension or High Blood Pressure has become a common phenomenon these days due to increased stress and a sedentary lifestyle.
High blood pressure is often regarded as the silent killer because it does not have any apparent symptoms. It affects the human body even before any symptoms may occur to an individual. Hence, it is advised to get health check-ups done regularly to know our blood pressure readings and avoid sudden, unexpected complications.
Health complications caused by high blood pressure.
High blood pressure can lead to various problems in body organs if it is not brought under control.
High blood pressure forces the human heart to work harder to pump blood to the rest of the body. This causes the lower left heart chamber, called the left ventricle, to thicken and enlarge. A thickened and enlarged left ventricle raises the risk of heart attack and heart failure.
Complications caused by Uncontrolled Hypertension
Uncontrolled Hypertension can lead to complications like renal failure, stroke, and eye problems, leading to hypertensive retinopathy, retinal detachment, Dementia, etc. Uncontrolled Hypertension can cause a bulge to form in a damaged artery, and this is called an aneurysm. An aneurysm occurs inside the chest and abdomen. If it gets large, it can rupture and cause bleeding, and a ruptured aortic aneurysm can be fatal.
Tips to prevent High Blood Pressure
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Weight management is essential. One must make sincere efforts to lose weight through dietary precautions and regular physical activities, yoga, etc. in case of being overweight. Eat lots of fruit, veggies, low-fat dairy, and less saturated and total fat.
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Restricting sugar and refined carbohydrates can help one lose weight and lower blood pressure.
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One must avoid table salt and take less salt intake in food.
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Foods labelled as low fat may be high in salt and sugar; read the label well and choose food wisely.
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One must eat less processed food, which can help consume less salt, sugar, and refined carbohydrates.
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One should aim for a good night’s sleep. Avoid the use of mobile, internet, and social media before sleeping. As sleep plays a critical role in keeping our blood pressure in control.
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One must aim for at least 30 minutes of aerobic or dynamic resistance exercise at least five days per week.
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Consuming alcohol can be dangerous for our blood pressure. One must limit alcohol consumption.
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One must quit or avoid smoking. The chemicals present in tobacco can increase blood pressure by damaging our blood vessel wall, causing inflammation, and narrowing our arteries, and this leads to higher blood pressure.
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One must take all medications as prescribed by the doctor regularly and on time. Do not reduce or stop medications unless advised by a doctor.
If one develops any issue with medications, one must report to their doctor. Continue to track blood pressure at home by BP monitoring, and in case BP is not staying within limits as suggested by the doctor, one must inform them in time. Being alert can help an individual prevent fatal health complications.
