Hypertension (high blood pressure)

   

      Blood pressure is the force of blood against the walls of the arteries. The heart is responsible for creating this as it contracts and as it rests between contractions.

There are two known types of blood pressure;

Systolic blood pressure

         This is the pressure against the artery walls as the heart contracts (or beats) and pushes blood into the artery.

Diastolic blood pressure

         This is the pressure against the artery walls between heart contractions.

They both look same but when you pay close attention to them, you can vividly understand their differences.

So now, what is hypertension (high blood pressure) ?

         Hypertension is the medical blood pressure, which is made if the systolic or diastolic number stays higher than normal.

In this type of condition, the heart has to pump harder to move blood through the body, adding to the work rate of the heart and blood vessels.

Hypertension can damage the blood vessels and heart, increasing the risk of stroke, heart disease and kidney disease.

Individual's in the early stages of high blood pressure generally have no symptoms, so the only way to know if you have or are developing high blood pressure is to have it checked.

Blood pressure increase and decrease depending on what you're doing, it may rise during periods of excitement, nervousness or exercise.

If you're between ages 18 and 60, blood pressure should be below 140 mm Hg systolic and 90 mm Hg diastolic. But if you're older than 60 and without diabetes or any chronic disease, then blood pressure should be below 150 mm Hg systolic and 90 mm Hg diastolic.

Now here are some factors that contribute to high blood pressure ;

Genetics

 Blood pressure levels are correlated among families. This can be equally attributed to genetics and as a result,  if either or both of your parents have high blood pressure, you are at great risk of developing it also.

Smoking tobacco

Tobacco contains nicotine and nicotine constricts blood vessels, stimulates the heart and increases the rate at which fatty deposits occur within the arteries.

This can increase destruction of the heart already caused by high blood pressure.

Alcohol

This increases your risk of developing a high blood pressure, and when you already have a high blood pressure it only worsens the situation.

Studies have shown consumption of much alcohol has a harmful effect on blood pressure. If you're having high blood pressure , try reducing or stop alcohol intake.

Lack of exercise

Physical exercise decreases the rate of fatty deposit build up on the walls of the artery, strengthen the heart and reduce blood pressure.

If you've got a high blood pressure, always indulge in exercises.

Overweight

This can increase your blood pressure because with each pound, the body must increase blood volume to supply the fatty tissue. The heart must work harder to achieve this.

Restricting cholesterol and saturated fat can help in reducing body weight, maintaining a healthy weight requires a change in eating habits and exercises.

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How can you manage high blood pressure?

Hypertension usually cannot be cured but it can be controlled with proper treatment which includes changing diet, exercising and medications.

However it requires lifelong medication for individuals whose blood pressure is definitely abnormal. So if your physician prescribes one or more medications, it's important that you take them regularly.

Controlling high blood pressure can
help prevent heart disease and other problems like stroke and kidney disease.

Once you stick to this steps mentioned, you're sure to keep your blood pressure in check.