Hypertension or High Blood Pressure (HBP) refers to the phenomenon where one’s blood pressure is too high and chronic. Blood pressure, according to the World Health Organization (WHO), is the force exerted by circulating blood against the walls of the body’s arteries, the major blood vessels in the body.
In simple terms, blood flows through different vessels in the body at a particular pressure, just like water from the reservoir tank to the taps. If the pressure when it is circulating is too high, a fault develops, especially if the pipes are old or not developed enough to withstand that pressure.
For humans, there are different blood pressures. However, a case of hypertension is diagnosed when the measurement taken over a few days exceeds 140 mmHg (millimeter of mercury) for the systolic or 90 mmHg for the diastolic.
Blood pressure readings carry two sets of numbers that are separated with the mathematical symbol for ‘by.’ (/). It can, for example, read, 120/90 mmHg. The first digits before the ‘By’ is the systolic blood pressure, which measures or indicates how much pressure your blood is exerting against your artery walls when the heartbeats. The second number is called the diastolic blood pressure, which measures or indicates how much pressure your blood is exerting against your artery walls while the heart is resting between beats.
There are different ranges for high blood pressure and how hypertension can be diagnosed. For adults, HBP or hypertension stage 1, according to the American Heart Association, refers to when the blood pressure reads between 130/80 to 139/89 mmHg. When the readings climb to between 140/90 and above, it is stage 2 hypertension. For readings above 180 for the systolic and above 120 for the diastolic, it becomes a hypertensive crisis that needs a doctor’s immediate attention.
How Have People Been Living With Hypertension
Like every medical challenge, hypertension can be managed and in some cases, as claimed, cured. These usually start with the risk factors, which are either modifiable or non-modifiable.
While modifiable risk factors include unhealthy diets (excessive salt consumption, a diet high in saturated fat and trans fats, low intake of fruits and vegetables), physical inactivity, consumption of tobacco and alcohol, and being overweight or obese, non-modifiable risk factors include a family history of hypertension, age over 65 years and co-existing diseases such as diabetes or kidney disease.
There is a common perception that headaches, shortness of breath, nosebleeds, etc., are common signs and symptoms of hypertension. But, in reality, there are people with stage 2 hypertension that does not suffer from these symptoms. For some, it is only when it reaches a crisis stage that they will discover such.
However, signs like fatigue, nausea, vomiting, confusion, chest pain, and muscle tremors are common symptoms. However, there is a need to always consult a medical professional to be sure. The first step of course is the measurement of blood pressure, which many devices now allow automation and for one to do so, themselves.
Furthermore, research by different authors has shown that obstructive sleep apnea, kidney disease, adrenal gland tumors, thyroid problems, birth defects, medications, and illegal drugs can trigger secondary or stage 2 hypertension.
With about a billion people said to be suffering from HBP worldwide, the raging question is; how can one reduce it? There are several ways and these include natural steps such as; walking and exercising regularly, reducing sodium (salts) intake, cutting intake of added sugar and refined carbs.
However, many people take a multipronged approach towards treating hypertension which includes the use of HBP drugs, calcium channel blockers, and Angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors which are drugs that widen or dilate your blood vessels to improve the amount of blood your heart pumps and lower blood pressure.
Others include Angiotensin II Receptor Blockers (ARBs) which have the same effects as ACE inhibitors, but work by a different mechanism, and diuretics (water pills) that help your body get rid of unneeded water and salt through the urine. Getting rid of excess salt and fluid helps lower blood pressure and can make it easier for your heart to pump.
A combination of the above with lifestyle changes can go a long way. However, it is good to tackle this from an early age, with those above 18 advised to check their blood pressure often.
Blood pressure generally should be checked in both arms to determine if there’s a difference. It’s important to use an appropriate-sized arm cuff. Your doctor will likely recommend more-frequent readings if you have already been diagnosed with high blood pressure or have other risk factors for cardiovascular disease. Children age 3 and older will usually have blood pressure measured as a part of their yearly check.
If you don’t regularly see your doctor, you may be able to get a free blood pressure screening at a health resource fair or other locations in your community. You can also find machines in some stores that will measure your blood pressure for free.
If you don’t regularly see your doctor, you may be able to get a free blood pressure screening at a health resource fair or other locations in your community. You can also find machines in some stores that will measure your blood pressure for free.
Public blood pressure machines, such as those found in pharmacies, may provide helpful information about your blood pressure, but they may have some limitations. However, the accuracy of these machines depends on several factors, such as the correct cuff size and proper use of the machines. Ask your doctor for advice on using public blood pressure machines.
Jennifer Ogor is an IT student from the University of Calabar with CrossRiverWatch.
NB: Opinions expressed in this article are strictly attributable to the author, Jennifer Ogor, and do not represent the opinion of CrossRiverWatch or any other organization the author works for/with.