Hypertension, otherwise known as high blood pressure, is a serious medical condition affecting millions worldwide every year. It is commonly affected due to workload, stress, frustration, and other serious conditions.
Moreover, it can lead to more severe health problems such as stroke and heart disease. But the good news is that there are ways you can prevent hypertension from developing in the first place or at least mitigate its effects.
With some simple steps, you can take control of your health and put yourself on the path toward better cardiovascular well-being.
Introduction to Hypertension
Hypertension is a condition in which the force of blood against the walls of the arteries is too high. When your heart beats, it pumps blood into your arteries, which carry the blood throughout your body. As blood flows through your arteries, it presses against the walls of the arteries. This pressure is known as blood pressure.
When your blood pressure is too high, it can damage your arteries and increase your risk of heart disease and stroke. Hypertension can be caused by various factors, including genetics, age, lifestyle habits, and underlying health conditions
Signs of Hypertension
Hypertension is commonly referred to as the “silent killer” because it often does not produce any symptoms. But some individuals with high blood pressure may experience certain symptoms, such as
- Early morning headaches
- Nosebleeds
- Irregular heart rhythms
- Vision changes
- Buzzing in the ears
- Fatigue
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Chest pain
- Muscle pain
Diagnosing High Blood Pressure
High blood pressure can be diagnosed through a simple test called a blood pressure measurement. This test is quick, painless, and can be done in a doctor’s office, pharmacy, or at home using a blood pressure monitor.
During a blood pressure measurement, a healthcare provider will place a cuff around your upper arm and inflate it. The cuff will then slowly deflate while the healthcare provider listens for two readings: systolic blood pressure and diastolic blood pressure.
A normal blood pressure reading is less than 120/80 mmHg. A reading between 120/80 mmHg and 139/89 mmHg is considered prehypertension, and a reading of 140/90 mmHg or higher is considered hypertension
Effective Ways to Prevent Hypertension:
Following are the simple and effective ways to control hypertension:
Maintain a Healthy Weight
Maintaining a healthy weight is one of the most effective ways to prevent hypertension. If you are overweight or obese, losing even a small amount of weight can significantly lower your blood pressure. This is because carrying extra weight puts added pressure on your arteries, making it harder for blood to flow through them.
Eat a Healthy Diet
Eating a healthy diet can also help prevent hypertension. A diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins can help lower your blood pressure and reduce your risk of heart disease and stroke. Avoiding foods that are high in saturated and trans fats, sodium, and added sugars can also help keep your blood pressure in check.
Exercise Regularly
Regular exercise is another important factor in preventing hypertension. Exercise helps strengthen your heart and improves blood flow throughout your body. Aim for at least 30 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise, such as brisk walking, cycling, or swimming, most days of the week.
Reduce Sodium Intake
Reducing your sodium intake can also help prevent hypertension. Sodium can cause your body to retain fluids, which can increase your blood pressure. Aim to limit your sodium intake to no more than 2,300 milligrams per day, or even less, if you have high blood pressure or other health conditions.
Less stress
High levels of stress can raise your blood pressure, so it’s important to find ways to manage and reduce your stress. Try activities such as yoga, meditation, and deep breathing exercises, or take some time each day to relax and unwind.
Limit Alcohol Consumption
Drinking too much alcohol can also increase your risk of hypertension. If you drink alcohol, aim to limit your intake to no more than one drink per day for women and two drinks per day for men.
About PillUp
Pillup is an e-pharmacy that provides medication management services. By the help of Pillup, you can enjoy the following benefits:
- Labelled packets of medicine pre-sorted according to the time of day they should be taken
- Ease of carrying medications while travelling
- Free packaging service, with only the cost of medications required
- Assistance in keeping track of medication schedules
- Medication reminders through calls, WhatsApp, or the Pillup app
- Pillup offers a convenient and effective solution for managing your medications and preventing any potential complications.
Conclusion
In conclusion, hypertension can be a serious and potentially life-threatening condition, but it is often preventable through simple lifestyle changes. If you have hypertension or are at risk of developing it, it’s important to work with your healthcare provider to develop a personalized plan for prevention and management. Your provider may recommend medications or other treatments in addition to lifestyle changes. To learn more about Pillup, please visit our website or contact us directly.
