High blood pressure is also called hypertension. This can cause serious health problems and raise the risk of heart disease, stroke, and even death.
Often, the reason for hypertension is unknown. In many circumstances, it is a symptom of a more serious problem.
High blood pressure that is not caused by another ailment or disease is referred to as primary or essential hypertension by doctors.
Secondary hypertension is the term used by doctors when an underlying ailment causes high blood pressure.
Multiple factors can cause primary hypertension, including:
• The volume of blood plasma
• Hormone activity in persons who use medication to control blood volume and pressure.
• Elements in the environment, such as stress and a lack of exercise
Secondary hypertension is a complexity of another health disease for particular reasons.
Because the kidneys can no longer filter out fluid, chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a common cause of high blood pressure. This extra fluid causes hypertension.
Hypertension can be caused by a variety of factors, including:
• Diabetes, which is caused by renal issues and nerve damage.
• Kidney problems
• pheochromocytoma, an uncommon adrenal gland cancer
• Corticosteroid medications can cause Cushing syndrome.
• Congenital adrenal hyperplasia, a cortisol-secreting adrenal gland disease.
• Hyperthyroidism (excess thyroid hormone)
• Hyperparathyroidism, a condition in which calcium and phosphorus levels are affected.
• Pregnancies
• Obstructive sleep apnea
• Obesity:
Several reasons for hypertension.
• Age: People above 60 are more likely to have hypertension. As the arteries harden and constrict due to plaque formation, blood pressure can rise consistently with age.
• Ethnicity: Some ethnic groups are more likely than others to develop hypertension. African Americans, for example, are at a higher risk than other ethnic groups. Obesity or being overweight or obese is a major risk factor.
• Alcohol and cigarette use: Consuming excessive amounts of alcohol or tobacco regularly can raise blood pressure.
• Gender: Males have a higher chance of getting hypertension than females, according to a 2018 review trusted Source. This, however, is only true until women reach menopause.
• Pre-existing medical conditions: Cardiovascular disease, diabetes, chronic renal disease, and excessive cholesterol levels can contribute to hypertension, particularly as people get older.
Other aspects to consider are:
• A sedentary way of life
• A high-fat, high-salt diet
• Potassium deficiency
Hypertension can also be exacerbated by poor stress management and a family history of high blood pressure.
People with high blood pressure (BP) are more likely to face severe problems now that the world is whirling under the impact of COVID-19. In India, hypertension, also known as high blood pressure, has long been seen as a significant medical condition that increases the risk of heart, kidney, brain, and other disorders. Maximum people who suffer from stress or anxiety, have poor eating habits, or have hereditary inclinations, leading to hypertension.
People with high blood pressure and other health problems are more likely to catch coronavirus because their immune systems are weakened. Long-term health problems and aging weaken the immune system, making it more difficult to fight the infection. As a result, everyone must control hypertension and make certain lifestyle changes at this critical period.
Some preventative measures
• Eat a healthy diet to be healthy: Health specialists recommend different treatments for blood pressure sufferers. Some may signal a change in their dietary habits to include foods high in potassium, such as oranges, bananas, spinach, broccoli, and other lower blood pressure.
• Avoid sodium-rich foods: It is now mandatory for blood pressure patients to consume less salt and avoid packaged foods since sodium can trigger a blood pressure surge.
• Get enough physical activity: A person should exercise for at least 30 minutes each day. Mild exercise for 30 minutes on regular basis is enough to make a difference in one’s body.
• Getting enough sleep: Sleep is directly proportional to your health status; getting a good 8-hour night’s sleep helps keep your blood pressure from rising. People who regular sleep for six hours or less have a higher risk of high blood pressure. More research on sleeping postures that can assist manage hypertension is available.
• Invest in preventative health screenings and genetic testing: Genetics and family history are prominent risk factors for most diseases. Because hypertension can impact other organs such as eyesight, kidneys, and the heart, genetic testing can aid in determining your predisposition for your overall health condition. A full body examination can help you live a healthier lifestyle and better manage your condition. People with high blood pressure and those with other co-existing diseases must monitor their blood pressure regularly.
• Taking drugs regularly: Patients with hypertension should take their prescriptions regularly, even if their blood pressure is normal. They should always see a doctor before making any modifications to their medicine, but they should not stop taking it.
Reduction of stress
Blood pressure can be controlled by avoiding or learning to manage stress.
Relaxation activities such as meditation, warm baths, yoga, and just taking long walks can help relieve stress.
To cope with stress, people should avoid consuming alcohol, recreational drugs, tobacco, and junk food, contributing to high blood pressure and hypertension problems.
Smoking cessation or avoidance lowers the risk of hypertension, major heart disease, and other health problems.
Also Read: Tips And Tricks For Staying Calm In The Face of Anger
Hypertension patients should follow specific guidelines:
• Take your blood pressure medicine as directed by your doctor.
• Take your blood pressure at home if possible, and don’t change your therapy without consulting your doctor.
• Dehydration can lead to low blood pressure. So make sure you drink plenty of water throughout the day.
• Physical activity is essential because many of us spend more time at home to avoid virus contact. Walking outside the house is a healthy and even morale-boosting activity during these trying times, as long as the social distance is maintained.
Hypertension Patients’ Daily Routine
• Get enough sleep, eat balanced and healthy meals regularly, go about your daily routine, and take your medications as directed by your doctor.
• Keep in touch.
Maintaining emotional wellness and a positive mental attitude are even more important in these difficult times. Keep in touch with family and friends by phone. It improves your mood and makes a significant difference in your emotional well-being.
Final thoughts
Become more conscious, exhibit compassion, make good decisions and inspire a loved one to make good decisions.
