Frequent headaches, buzzing in the ears and fatigue could be symptoms of high blood pressure. Get yourself checked for this commonly found condition!
High blood pressure or hypertension is becoming more and more common amongst the urban Indian middle-class today. It’s important to know what it is and how it can affect your life.
What is hypertension?
High blood pressure or hypertension refers to high pressure exerted against the artery walls as the heart pumps blood.
Blood pressure readings are given as two numbers such as 120/80.
The top number refers to the systolic pressure. It represents the pressure in the arteries as the heart contracts and pumps blood into the arteries.
The bottom number is called diastolic pressure and refers to the pressure felt in the arteries when the heart relaxes after the contraction.
Normal blood pressure is below 120/80. Blood pressure between 120/80 and 139/89 is called pre-hypertension (where you are most likely to get high blood pressure), and a blood pressure of 140/90 or above is high blood pressure.
Both men and women can fall prey to this ailment. Studies suggest a strong lifestyle correlation.
There are two forms of hypertension:
i) Essential or primary hypertension ii) Secondary hypertension.
Essential hypertension is more commonly found, but its basic causes are yet to be defined. However, genetics and habits play a crucial role here.
You are at a higher risk of blood pressure if:
- You lead a stressful life
- Lack a healthy diet and exercise routine
- You are obese
- You have a high salt intake in your diet
- You have diabetes
- You smoke
In case of secondary hypertension, some other medical condition or medication is responsible for high blood pressure. Some conditions that may cause secondary hypertension include:
- Alcohol abuse
- Chronic kidney disease
- Use of drugs like cocaine
- Diabetes, if it causes kidney damage
- Thyroid disorder
- Birth control pills
- Appetite suppressants
- Migraine medications
Symptoms of high blood pressure:
Majority of the times, there are no symptoms. Symptoms that may occur are:
- Confusion
- Buzzing in the ear
- Blurred vision
- Chest pain or shortness of breath
- Fatigue
- Headache
- Irregular heartbeat
- Nosebleed
Hypertension can lead to various fatal conditions and thus it is necessary to bring it under control. If you have a majority of these symptoms and or have a history of hypertension in your family, get yourself checked.
Prevention and treatment of high blood pressure:
Hypertension is a very common ailment and can be brought under control quite easily. Along with medication prescribed by your doctor, bringing in some lifestyle changes is imperative:
- Quit Smoking and drinking
- Include a regular exercise regimen into your schedule
- Eat healthy
- Cut down on salt
- Seek ways to reduce stress
Photograph via sxc.hu
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