High conditions that are not handled properly are the beginning of a variety of deadly diseases. Until some things about high blood pressure are not yet known correctly.
The following are some of the misunderstandings that occur:
High Blood Pressure Is Not a Big Problem
Blood pressure refers to the pressure in the walls of the arteries when blood is pumped by the heart to all parts of the body. Blood pumped by the heart flows through the blood vessels which can flexibly expand and narrow. High blood pressure or hypertension occurs when your blood presses the blood vessel wall too hard.
This disease is often referred to as a silent killer. Unless checking, there are no specific symptoms that make you aware of having high blood pressure. Though this condition is a source of various dangerous diseases such as stroke, heart disease, kidney damage, and other important organs.
If One Number Of Normal Blood Pressure, Means There Is No Problem
The best time to measure blood pressure is when you rest and sit or lie down. Blood pressure is measured by looking at two numbers, below and above a measuring device called tensimeter. Both numbers are:
Diastolic blood pressure: a number below that indicates lower blood pressure when the heart is resting temporarily, between two heartbeats. The numbers that appear are interpreted as follows:
- 90 or more: high blood pressure / hypertension.
- 80-89: prehypertension.
- 79 or below: normal blood pressure.
Systolic blood pressure: the number above which indicates blood pressure over the arteries from the heartbeat.
- 150 or more: hypertension at the age of more than 60 years.
- 140 or more: hypertension.
- 120-139: prehypertension.
- 119 or below: normal blood pressure.
The problem is that often people only pay attention to systolic numbers rather than diastolic. In fact, according to experts, your heart can better tolerate a high systolic number than diastolic numbers.
Blood pressure can also rise and fall as activity changes and tends to change with your age. When you age, systolic blood pressure tends to rise, while diastolic blood pressure tends to fall.
Consult your doctor if your blood pressure tends to be above normal.
High Blood Pressure Cannot Be Prevented
You have the chance to have high blood pressure if a family member has already been detected. But that does not mean this condition cannot be prevented. There are several steps you can take to manage blood pressure, even if you have many risk factors:
A healthy diet. Always choose foods and beverages high in nutrients and low in sugar, fat and salt.
Stop smoking and avoid being passive smokers or often exposed to cigarette smoke.
Exercise regularly. Moving actively or better, exercising 20-30 minutes every day.
Limit or if possible, avoid consumption of liquor.
Keep your weight normal with a combination of regular exercise and a healthy diet.
Limit consumption of salt which is contained in many snacks.
Handle stress. Stress makes your body produce chemicals that can make blood vessels narrow and the heart beat faster.
You can also consult with your doctor about these preventive measures as soon as your family members have detected high blood pressure.
Handling High Blood Pressure
High blood pressure can be caused by many different things and requires different treatment. Consult a doctor to design a treatment that is right for you. It is true that often times it will take time to lower high blood pressure to normal levels. Generally high blood pressure is managed in key ways such as the following:
Maintain weight. Excessive body weight can trigger the risk of high blood pressure. Exercising regularly and eating healthy foods are the two main ways to maintain weight stability.
Quit smoking. Smoking damages the heart and blood pressure, and makes blood pressure rise.
Low fat and salt diet. In addition to eating lots of fresh fruits and vegetables, you are advised to avoid foods high in salt and fat.
Drugs. Common medicines are used to treat high blood pressure. Dosages and combinations of these drugs are different for each person. The drugs commonly used are:
Beta-blockers. That is a class of drugs that prevent the body from producing stress hormones called adrenaline. In addition to making blood vessels narrow, adrenaline makes the heartbeat tighter. So, the impact of adrenaline is an increase in blood pressure.
Diuretics. These drugs make the body reduce levels of fluid in the body by removing excessive salt.
Calcium channel blockers, alpha-blockers, and ACE inhibitors. This group of drugs serves to prevent blood vessel constriction.
Treatment is not useful
High blood pressure can be managed even if the program is considered appropriate. The steps for high blood pressure are not a source of disease, which is taking drugs that are prescribed regularly. Do not forget, to check blood pressure regularly and consult a doctor. Know the side effects of medications you consume to treat high blood pressure.