Answer:
Early on, you may not notice symptoms of high blood pressure, so you may not be too concerned. However, in the long run high blood pressure can kill you. Normally, your heart beats regularly, pumping blood through the vessels all over your body. As the blood is pushed by the heartbeat, the blood in turn pushes against the sides of your blood vessels. Blood vessels are flexible and can widen or constrict as needed to keep blood flowing well.
For a variety of reasons, your blood may begin to push too hard against the blood vessels. This is high blood pressure, which can cause your arteries to become stiff over time. This is how problems begin.
High blood pressure can lead to damage of your blood vessels, heart, kidneys, and other organs in your body. Heart disease and stroke, both caused by high blood pressure, are the first and fifth leading causes of death in the U.S. The scary thing about high blood pressure is that you may have it without even knowing it. That’s why doctors often call high blood pressure the “silent killer.” Health care professionals agree: High blood pressure is a big deal.
Doctors interpret your blood pressure using two different numbers. According to the American Heart Association, the top number should read less than 120, and the bottom number should read less than 80. If your blood pressure reads 160 over 100 or higher, you’re at the highest stage of hypertension. Anything higher than 180 over 110 requires immediate medical attention.
Chronic, uncontrolled high blood pressure can become life-threatening. Long-term damage to your arteries can put you at risk for an aneurysm. Consistent high readings can also lead to heart disease, heart failure, and increase your risk of having a heart attack. You could also have a stroke or develop dementia.
Easy changes that can improve blood pressure:
Usually, medication and a number of lifestyle changes work together to effectively keep your blood pressure within a safe range. Exercise can make a huge difference — around 150 minutes of moderate activity per week. Limiting your added sugar, oily food, and processed food intake also helps. Make sure you’re managing your stress and getting enough sleep, too.
Making exercise a habit can help lower your blood pressure. It also gives you more energy, and it’s a great way to ease stress and feel better.
Check in with your doctor first if you’re not already active now. They’ll make sure you’re ready for exercise. Since an active lifestyle is good for your blood pressure, your doctor will likely be all for it.
CHB – YOUR HEALTH IS OUR PRIORITY
SECRETARIAT
CENTRAL HEALTH BOARD OF AFRICA FEDERATION
24th February 2021