Do we actually know what high blood pressure is? Many of us
are aware of the dangers of having high blood pressure but do we actually
understand what it means?
Blood pressure is the pressure of blood in the arteries as it
is being pumped around the body by the heart. When your blood pressure exceeds an
upper limit for an extended time, you have high blood pressure also known as
hypertension.
In adults high blood pressure is defined as systolic pressure
and/or a diastolic pressure however to get a true picture it may be worth
getting your blood pressure measured more than a single time because stress,
particularly when you visit the doctor can cause it to rise.
The dangers of high
BP
Because the heart, brain and kidneys can withstand increased
blood pressure for long periods, people with high blood pressure may feel
perfectly well for many years. However, this doesn’t mean that it isn’t doing
damage. If it is not controlled, high blood pressure can overload the heart,
accelerate the artery clogging process And this in turn can lead to heart
attack, stroke, heart failure or kidney failure.
Checking your blood
pressure
It is recommended that all adults should have their blood
pressure checked once every 1 to 2 years, although anyone with past or present
high blood pressure, or a direct family history of it, should have it checked
more often.
Adults who experience symptoms of hypertension such a swollen
ankles and fingers, breathlessness, blurred vision, frequent bleeding nose and
persistent morning headaches, should have the blood pressure checked
immediately.
Medication.
While it is true that many people need drugs to control high
blood pressure, others can reduce it with lifestyle changes.
A healthy diet alone maybe all that is needed to reduce blood
pressure. A study in the US showed that a diet rich in fruits, vegetables and
low-fat dairy foods as well as being high in fibre and protein, is sufficient
to significantly reduce blood pressure in people with mild hypertension.
For anyone with more severe hypertension it is advised that
along with a healthy diet they live with their alcohol and salt intake, lose
weight, and exercise regularly.If in doubt, visit your doctor.
Remember, Mayfair we care.