Hypertension

A common disorder that damages the arteries in the body is high blood pressure. A different name for it is hypertension. Blood pushing against artery walls with too much power is a sign of high blood pressure. Pumping blood requires more effort from the heart.

Mercury millimeters are used to assess blood pressure (mm Hg). Blood pressure that is 130/80 mm Hg or greater is generally considered to be hypertension.

What Is Hypeetension (high blood pressure)

The force or pressure of blood pushing against blood vessel walls is measured as blood pressure. When you have hypertension (high blood pressure), your body's blood vessel walls are always under too much pressure. Because you might not be aware that anything is wrong, high blood pressure is sometimes referred to as the "silent killer." However, the harm is still being done to your body.

The two figures in your blood pressure reading are. Systolic blood pressure, which appears as the top number, gauges the force exerted on the blood vessel walls when your heart beats or contracts. Diastomillimetresressure, which appears as the bottom number, gauges the force exerted on your blood vessels between heartbeats as your heart slows down.

What Are The Types Of High Blood Pressure?

One of two types of high blood pressure will be the diagnosis made by your doctor:

High blood pressure that is primary (also known as essential). Aging and unhealthy habits like not exercising enough are two of the main causes of this sort of high blood pressure.

blood pressure that is secondary. Different medical conditions (such as kidney or hormone issues) or occasionally a drug you're taking can cause this kind of high blood pressure.

Causes

It's not always known what causes hypertension. The cause of it is frequently an underlying condition in many instances.

Primary or essential hypertension is high blood pressure that is not brought on by a different disorder or illness. Doctors refer to an increase in blood pressure as secondary hypertension if an underlying ailment is the cause.

Numerous factors, including the following, can cause primary hypertension:

having insulin resistance and being obese

unhealthy alcohol and salt consumption

using tobacco living a sedentary lifestyle

Secondary hypertension is a complication of a different health issue and has particular causes.

As a result of the kidneys' diminished ability to filter fluid, chronic kidney disease (CKD) is frequently a contributing factor to high blood pressure. Hypertension results from this surplus of fluid. Also contributing to CKD is hypertension.

If High Blood Pressure Is Not Addressed, What Could Happen?

Serious health issues caused by untreated hypertension include:

Stroke.

chest pains.

vascular disease of the periphery.

renal illness or failure.

pregnancy complications.

eye injury

dementia vascular.

Pregnancy And High Blood Pressure:

10% of all pregnancies are complicated by high blood pressure. Pregnancy-related hypertension can take many various forms and ranges in severity from moderate to severe. Pregnancy-related elevated blood pressure can take the following forms:

Chronic hypertension: elevated blood pressure that exists prior to conception.

Gestational hypertension: Elevated blood pressure in the third trimester.

Preeclampsia: Preeclampsia is a serious disorder that often appears in the second part of pregnancy and causes the pregnant person to have high blood pressure, protein in the urine, and widespread edema. It can trigger seizures and have an impact on other bodily organs (eclampsia).

Preeclampsia with concurrent chronic hypertension: Pregnant women with chronic hypertension are more likely to get preeclampsia.

During prenatal visits, your provider will regularly monitor your blood pressure; nevertheless, if you have any worries about your blood pressure, be sure to discuss them with your provider.

What Are The Causes Of High Blood Pressure Risk Factors?

Having high blood pressure is more likely if you:

having relatives who suffer from diabetes, heart disease, or high blood pressure.

possess African ancestry.

are above 55 years old.

being overweight

Don't move around enough.

Consume sodium-rich meals (salt).

Use tobacco or smoke a cigarette.

are a regular alcoholic (more than two drinks a day in men and more than one drink a day in women).

Management And Treatment Of Hypertension

The most common and effective treatment for hypertension is a change in lifestyle. As examples, consider the following:

Routine Physical Activity

According to current recommendations, everyone should exercise for at least 150 minutes per week, even those with hypertension.

a Reliable Source of 75 minutes of high-intensity exercise every week, or moderate to moderate-intensity aerobic exercise every week.

Most individuals will benefit from strength training at least twice a week in addition to 150 minutes of exercise.

Every week, people should exercise at least five days.

Examples of appropriate activities include:

walking

jogging

swelling

swimming

Lowering Of Tension

Blood pressure can be managed by avoiding or learning to manage stress.

Here are a few relaxing methods that can reduce stress:

contemplative warm baths

yoga and lengthy walks

Alcohol and recreational drugs should not be used as a coping mechanism for stress because they might raise blood pressure and cause issues from hypertension.

Additionally, smoking can raise blood pressure. The risk of hypertension, major cardiac diseases, and other health problems is decreased by avoiding or quitting smoking.

Dietary Management Of Hypertension

An individual can lower their blood pressure by eating heart-healthy foods.

Consuming less salt

High blood pressure is a result of consuming a lot of sodium. Salt is the primary source of sodium in the diet.

People without hypertension should limit their daily sodium intake to less than 2,300 milligrams (mg)Trusted Source, according to the American Heart Association. This is equivalent to about one teaspoon. Less than 1,500 mg of salt should be consumed daily by those with hypertension in order to control their condition.

Taking less salt can be advantageous.

individuals with and without hypertension. Reliable Source

Consuming More Veggies And Fruits And Less Fat

Reduce your consumption of saturated fats in favor of unsaturated ones if you have high blood pressure or are at high risk for developing high blood pressure.

Experts advise persons with high blood pressure to focus eating more heart-healthy foods, like:

foods high in fiber and entire grains

fruits, vegetables, pulses (such chickpeas, beans, and lentils), and nuts

omega-3-rich seafood twice weekly and nontropical vegetable oils like olive oil

fish and poultry without skin

low-fat dairy items

Trans fats, hydrogenated vegetable oils, animal fats, and processed fast meals should be avoided when developing a diet plan for someone with high blood pressure or who wants to maintain moderate blood pressure.

However, omega-3 fatty acids, such those found in oily fish and olive oil, have heart-protective properties. These are nonetheless still fats. Despite the fact that they are usually healthy, persons who are at risk for hypertension should nevertheless include them in their total consumption of fat.

Keeping A Healthy Weight

Overweight can contribute to hypertension, according to a reliable source. As the heart does not have to work as hard to pump blood throughout the body, a drop in blood pressure typically occurs with weight reduction.

A healthy diet that matches the calorie needs of the individual's size, sex, and degree of exercise will be beneficial.

In addition to these, the following conditions can cause hypertension:

diabetes, which causes damage to the kidneys and the nerves

an adrenal gland cancer known as pheochromocytoma that is uncommon

Cushing's syndrome congenital adrenal hyperplasia, a condition of the cortisol-secreting adrenal glands, hyperthyroidism, or an overactive thyroid gland hyperparathyroidism can all cause changes in the levels of calcium and phosphorus.

pregnancy

Sleep apnea and obesity

Risk Factors

The risk of hypertension is impacted by several factors.

Age: People above the age of 65 have a higher incidence of hypertensionReliable Source. As the arteries harden and narrow as we age from plaque development, blood pressure may gradually rise with age.

Ethnicity: Different ethnic groups are at a higher risk of developing hypertension than others. Compared to other ethnic groups, African Americans, for instance, are at a higher risk.

Obesity: One of the main risk factors for hypertension is obesity.

Use of alcohol and tobacco: Regularly ingesting excessive amounts of alcohol or cigarettes can raise blood pressure.

Men are more likely than women to acquire hypertension, claims a 2018 research by Trusted Source. The menopause for women ends this, though, so it only lasts until then.

Currently existent medical conditions: cardiovascular illness,

Nigeria Recipe For Hypertension

These Nigerian dishes may be beneficial for those who suffer from hypertension (high blood pressure):

Okra Soup: Okra is a high-fiber vegetable that is used to make this soup and may help decrease blood pressure. To begin making it, sauté diced onions and garlic in a saucepan. Include diced tomatoes and okra slices in addition to beef or chicken stock and some seasonings, such as thyme and chili flakes. When the okra is soft, turn down the heat after bringing the mixture to a boil. Serve hot with rice or yams on the side and the protein of your choice (such as beef or chicken).

Baked sweet potatoes: Potassium, which is found in sweet potatoes in good amounts, can help decrease blood pressure. Pre-heat your oven to 400°F before preparing this straightforward recipe. A few sweet potatoes should be forked all over before being put on a baking pan and baked for 45 to 60 minutes, or until they are soft when pierced with a knife. With your preferred toppings, serve hot (such as butter, honey, or salsa).

Hypertension: Causes, Symptoms and Dietary Management