Blood Pressure Should Remain Normal Always
Hypertension, or high blood pressure, as it is commonly called, is a major concern across the globe. So many people get it in their lifetime. Of course, most victims across the globe are middle-aged, or senior citizens. However, there is no denying that younger people, and even adolescents may become victims of hypertension.
A Briefing about Hypertension
What exactly is hypertension?
Imagine water flowing through pipes. It does so, with a certain amount of pressure. However, if it moves very slowly, then it is said to be demonstrating very little pressure. The recipients will have to wait for some time, before it finally flows outward through a tap.
In contrast, if it moves too rapidly, it is stated to be moving with tremendous pressure. In such a case, there is every possibility of the pipes, and even the water faucets, becoming damaged.
Now, instead of water and water pipes, substitute blood and arteries. Blood circulating at high speed, puts tremendous pressure on the walls of the various arteries. This is hypertension or high blood pressure.
The effects are not immediate; they take time to appear. However, when they become prominent, they ensure the arrival of several problems.
- To begin with, the blood vessels may become covered with small bulges. They are known as aneurysms.
- Then again, it is possible for the heart to experience enlargement. This, in turn, enhances the risk of heart failure.
- If the blood vessels feeding the kidneys undergo damage, the kidneys themselves, will fail to function properly.
- The eyes may also suffer. The blood vessels covering the vision region, are extremely tiny. Therefore, they are tremendously easy to damage/destroy. Over time, visual issues may become prominent. In fact, hypertension may even lead to blindness.
- The brain may experience a stroke, leading to partial or complete paralysis. Many people lose the use of their vocal cords, too.
It is easy, especially with a readymade instrument in hand. The readings on the instrument, consist of two numbers.
The higher number refers to the systolic pressure. It indicates the force of blood flowing through the arteries, when the heart is actively beating. It is 60 at birth, and moves up to 120 in adulthood.
The lower number refers to the diastolic pressure. It refers to the slower flow of blood in the arteries, when the heart muscles are resting between two beats. It is 40 at birth, rising to 80 in adulthood.
A confirmed diagnosis of high blood pressure is possible, only upon acquiring readings on two, or even more, subsequent occasions. If the reading is 130/80, the individual does have the possibility of experiencing hypertension. However, if the reading is 180/120, or even higher, a medical consultation and a specific treatment regimen, are essential.
Medication
A wide range of anti-hypertensives are available nowadays. One of them is diuretics or water pills. The others are calcium channel blockers, ACE inhibitors, beta-blockers, etc.
Drugs do bring about normalization of blood pressure. Regardless, it is not possible to let go off them completely. Generally, people take them for life.
Lifestyle Changes
- It is important to restrict sodium/salt in the day-to-day menus. According to experts, around 1,500 mg of salt is sufficient for a day. It is equivalent to 2/3 teaspoons.
- Then again, it is extremely important to work off the daily calories via moderate-to-severe exercise. Activities, such as walking, jogging, cycling, hiking, swimming, etc., are highly recommended.
- It is essential to maintain a healthy weight, by avoiding junk food, processed meals, etc.
- Chronic smoking or chronic alcoholism are difficult habits to break, but must be done.