Hypertension/High Blood Pressure

High blood pressure is a common disease in which blood flows through blood vessels (arteries) at higher than normal pressures.

Blood pressure is the force of blood pushing against the walls of the arteries as the heart pumps blood. High blood pressure, sometimes called hypertension, occurs when this force is too high.

• Systolic Pressure: blood pressure when the heart beats while pumping blood
• Diastolic Pressure: blood pressure when the heart is at rest between beats

There are two types of high blood pressure, primary and secondary.

The primary high blood pressure is the most common type of high blood pressure which develops over the years as a person ages while secondary high blood pressure is caused by another medical condition or use of certain medicines. This usually resolves after the cause is removed or treated.

Unhealthy lifestyle habits, high sodium intake, being overweight or obese, lack of exercise, excess alcohol, stress and family history can cause hypertension. To prevent high blood pressure or reduce its risks, choose foods that are low in saturated and trans-fat, low in sodium, rich in potassium, calcium, fiber, magnesium and protein. Eating lots of fruits and vegetables and regular exercise can also prevent high blood pressure.

The best way to know if you have high blood pressure is to measure your blood pressure. Learn what your numbers mean and what they mean to your health. Remember to check your blood pressure regularly, understanding your numbers is the key to managing or controlling high blood pressure.

References

Image credit: Google images

Description of High Blood Pressure Retrieved https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/health-topics/topics/hbp

Fisayo Adegoke (MS, CHC)

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