Silent Pressure: Diagnosing and Managing Hypertension

 Hypertension in figures

To begin with, doctors will monitor your hypertension during regular physical exam. Hypertension, or highest blood pressure, is measured by look at systolic blood pressure (the top number in your blood pressure reading) and diastolic blood pressure (the bottom number). Systolic blood pressure is a reflections of the amount of pressure that is exerted on the heart muscle during contraction to pump blood. Diastolic blood pressure reflected the amount of pressure the heart experiences during relaxation while filling with blood. techqueer

Healthy blood pressures are generally between 90/60 mmHg and 120/80 mmHg. It is important to know what your normal blood pressure is so that you can help your doctors identify abnormalities from your normal baseline, especially in case you become ill and are admitted to the hospital.

Hypertension occurs when systolic blood pressure reaches around 140 mmHg or diastolic blood pressure reaches 90 mmHg. However, your doctor may begin to closely monitor your hypertension if your numbers reach 130 mmHg (systolic) and / or 80 mmHg (diastolic). This is called prehypertension. However, a high reading does not mean that you have chronic high blood pressure. True hypertension requires these numbers to stay high for a long periods of time.

Hypertension factors

There are many factor that can contributes to the development of hypertension. These include:

- the genetic

- race (African Americans are at higher risk)

- being overweight or obese

- a sedentary lifestyle

- drinking too much alcohol for a long period

- to smoke

- have other chronic diseases such as diabetes or kidney problems

   Though, there are also things you can do to help control your blood pressure and reduce your risk of heart disease, stroke, or kidney problems:

- regular exercise

- focus on weight loss through diet (talk to your doctor about the best way to lose weight)

- to manage stress

- do not smoke

- limit alcohol

-Take your medicine daily if prescribed by your doctor

Management of hypertension depends on proactive and aggressive treatment to avoid the negative effects associated with high blood pressure. Daily vigilance, perseverance, and patience are needed to combat this disease that often remains a constant companion for life.

 Talk to your doctor about how you can reduce your risk of developing high blood pressure.