High blood pressure, also known as hypertension, is a health problem that has been gradually increasing each year in the number of people affected. Many of them, because it is a silent disease, are not even aware that they need treatment and do not realize the risks they are taking. But, how can I know if I have it if there are no symptoms? And the answer is, if you are part of the at-risk group and are predisposed to the disease, or if you live an unruly and sedentary life and do not maintain healthy habits, stay alert!

What is High Blood Pressure?

High blood pressure is a chronic disease characterized by elevated blood pressure levels in the body. With this increase in pressure, it overloads the heart’s function, impairing its ability to pump blood and distribute it properly throughout the body. High blood pressure is defined when your reference values (systolic and diastolic) are equal to or greater than 140/90 mmHg (14 X9). If not properly treated, high blood pressure causes serious risks not only to health but also to the patient’s life. The main risks include: heart attack, stroke (stroke), arterial aneurysm, and heart and kidney failure.

Causes of High Blood Pressure

Among the main causes of high blood pressure is hereditary factors, which influence 90% of cases of hypertensive patients. However, other recurring factors related to our lifestyle also affect our health and can trigger high blood pressure. These factors include:

  • Obesity;
  • Stressful life;
  • Excessive alcohol consumption;
  • Smokers;
  • Diet high in salt;
  • Lack of physical activity

People with altered cholesterol levels, diabetics, and the elderly are also prone to developing high blood pressure. Black people also have a higher chance of suffering from hypertension. Therefore, if you are part of an at-risk group, pay close attention and double your efforts so the disease does not manifest, at which point strict treatment and monitoring will be necessary, along with the serious risks if you do not control your blood pressure.

Symptoms of High Blood Pressure

High blood pressure is considered a silent disease, and its symptoms usually appear only when the pressure is very high and out of control. Nevertheless, it is essential to watch out for any of the symptoms in order to identify and seek medical care quickly. The main symptoms include:

  • Severe headache;
  • Chest pain;
  • Dizziness;
  • Ringing in the ears;
  • Blurred vision;

Among the symptoms, feelings of weakness and occurrences of nosebleeds can happen. If you experience these symptoms, seek emergency medical attention immediately to check your blood pressure. If your pressure gets too high, the risks are fatal.

Prevention of High Blood Pressure – What To Do

If you are part of the risk group, the best form of prevention is to measure your blood pressure regularly. If you notice abnormal increases, you should consult a cardiologist for the best treatment. It is recommended that people from the age of 20 have their blood pressure checked at least once a year for medical assessment. If you are in the at-risk group, especially if you have family members who suffer from hypertension, this check-up should be done at least twice a year. If diagnosed with high blood pressure, it is necessary to follow medical instructions, use the prescribed medication to control your blood pressure, and completely change your daily habits, especially regarding diet. After diagnosis, the following guidelines must be followed:

  • Lose weight / maintain ideal weight;
  • Reduce the amount of salt in your diet;
  • Engage in physical activity;
  • Quit smoking;
  • Reduce alcohol consumption;
  • Have leisure activities;

In 95% of cases, the success of treatment for patients with high blood pressure depends on changes in diet and regular physical activity. If these lifestyle changes do not occur, medication alone is unlikely to be effective. Dietary changes also include how food is prepared, such as the use of ready-made seasonings and condiments, including cubes and sachets, which have a high sodium content and should be eliminated from the diet of those with hypertension.

High Blood Pressure During Pregnancy

High blood pressure can also cause serious problems and a lot of trouble during such a special stage in a woman’s life: pregnancy. Because it poses serious risks to the health of both mother and baby, we are highlighting the main precautions and recommendations as a warning. For a woman who already suffers from high blood pressure and becomes pregnant, it is essential that this is communicated at her first prenatal appointment with the obstetrician. This way, all necessary care and instructions are given so that the pregnant woman can have a safe and peaceful pregnancy. Changes in blood pressure during pregnancy rank among the leading causes of maternal mortality or hospitalizations during pregnancy; therefore, extra care is needed at this time. Treatment in these cases must be tailored individually; therefore, the obstetrician must assess the pregnant woman’s condition on a case-by-case basis. Additional tests will be requested to monitor and reduce the risks of preeclampsia and necessary care during this period. When high blood pressure is detected during pregnancy, it is treated as a high-risk prenatal case, and thus requires special care.

Natural Treatment for High Blood Pressure

For those wanting to give an extra boost to their high blood pressure treatment, some natural tips will help you a lot! A warning: none of the options described here replace the use of medications prescribed by your doctor and should only be used as a method to enhance your treatment, as they naturally help keep blood pressure levels regulated. Some juices and teas, due to their properties that improve blood circulation, have antioxidant effects, or even vasodilating effects, offer very positive results in hypertensive patients. The most popular options are garlic tea and blueberry juice. But hibiscus tea and olive leaves have also seen increased interest each day due to their effectiveness. Talk to your cardiologist about the best options and the ones they recommend for you to use alongside your medication. Taking care of your health is essential for a long and quality life! Photo: asawin