Hypertension, also commonly known as high blood pressure, is a chronic disease that for a long time was associated with age, as it affects mostly elderly people. However, it has been increasing and is gradually affecting more people of all age groups and social classes each year. Considered a silent disease, its symptoms only appear when it is in an advanced stage.

Blood pressure varies throughout the day, rising when we are physically active, agitated or going through moments of stress, and dropping when we are resting, relaxing, or sleeping. And it is through these changes that high blood pressure is detected. When it is found that a person’s blood pressure at rest is equal to or higher than 14 X 9 (140mmHg X 90 mmHg), this is a strong indication of high blood pressure (hypertension).

What is High Blood Pressure (Hypertension)?

The measurement used to determine high blood pressure is the blood pressure in the arteries. When these blood pressure levels are elevated, the heart has to work much harder than normal for blood to be distributed throughout the body. With this increased effort, the patient is at serious risk of vascular complications, such as stroke (CVA), heart attack, arterial aneurysm, chronic kidney disease, and even vision problems.

Main Causes of High Blood Pressure

At the top of the list of causes of high blood pressure (hypertension) is heredity, which affects around 90% of patients. But there are other factors that can trigger the disease, and in these cases, it can be prevented by changing habits and choosing a healthier lifestyle in day-to-day life. Among the main causes are:

In addition to these risk factors, people with altered cholesterol levels, diabetics, elderly people, and Black individuals have a higher chance of developing the disease. If you are part of a risk group, be extra careful and check your blood pressure whenever possible.

Preventing High Blood Pressure

The best way to prevent high blood pressure is to adopt healthy habits in your life. Eating foods with less fat, less salt in their preparation, and always opting for vegetables, legumes, and natural foods. Avoid soft drinks, canned foods, processed meats and fast food. Regular physical activity is also recommended to help control weight and promote the better functioning of your body. Make sure to have leisure time during the week and avoid living a stressful life!

Symptoms of High Blood Pressure

The symptoms of high blood pressure usually only appear when the condition is already severe, so do not wait to seek medical attention. Ideally, everyone should have their blood pressure checked at least once a year during a medical appointment. Those in the risk group should do so at least twice a year. This is the best way to discover the disease in its early stages so that it can be controlled through treatment. When blood pressure rises a lot, the patient may experience:

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

These are clear signs that blood pressure is high, but they can be confused with other health problems. Therefore, when seeking immediate care, blood pressure will be checked right away to confirm.

Treatment for High Blood Pressure

Unfortunately, high blood pressure has no cure, but it is possible — following your cardiologist’s recommendations — to control it, and the patient can live a normal life. In cases of mild hypertension, where the minimum pressure ranges between 9 and 10 during measurements, the treatment is initially attempted without medication, relying solely on lifestyle changes, which have a significant impact. Changing your diet, practicing physical activity, reducing salt and alcohol consumption, and maintaining a calmer life while avoiding stress are recommended. Weight loss is also one of the medical recommendations and makes a big difference in treatment.

If no positive results are observed through lifestyle changes, the use of vasodilating medications becomes necessary, which help control blood pressure levels. Some medications are diuretics and cause the person in treatment to eliminate water and salt through urine, which helps reduce blood vessel pressure. There are also newer medications that do not cause side effects and can act more effectively to control blood pressure. However, even with appropriate medication, lifestyle changes are necessary for the treatment to be effective.

When it comes to diet, choose foods low in salt and avoid instant seasonings, such as chicken broth and spice packets. Processed meats, canned and processed foods contain large amounts of fat and sodium, and are therefore harmful to everyone’s health, especially for those with hypertension. Opt for a diet rich in whole grains, fruits, and vegetables, especially dark leafy greens.

Give up unhealthy habits like smoking and drinking alcohol. Choose a sport or physical activity that you enjoy and do it at least twice a week. Relaxation techniques and even psychotherapy can help control stress. Use your medication as prescribed by your doctor and do not stop taking or reduce the dosage without guidance from your cardiologist. Incorrect use of medication can also cause complications, and allow your blood pressure to become uncontrolled, causing damage to your health.

IMPORTANT: SUS (Brazilian Public Health System) offers free medications for the treatment of high blood pressure. They can be obtained at UBS pharmacies or Popular Pharmacies, upon presentation of a valid medical prescription (up to 120 days old) and photo identification.

High Blood Pressure and Fertility

For young couples and men who wish to have children and have high blood pressure or are in the risk group, pay attention! Untreated high blood pressure can cause serious complications, including male infertility. Once the complication has set in, it cannot be reversed, even after treatment.

For women, high blood pressure is also harmful when it comes to getting pregnant. In fact, women with hypertension are at risk during pregnancy and therefore deserve extra care during prenatal care. It is essential that you inform your doctor at the first appointment so that the obstetrician can monitor your pregnancy more closely and carefully, thus avoiding risks of complications.

Taking this opportunity and subject, I want to share some news with our readers. In partnership with the company Famivita, we have developed a line of specialized products for health and fertility. Among them, we have the FamiFerti women’s fertility vitamins, ViriFerti men’s fertility vitamins, ovulation tests, and the fertility-friendly lubricant gel FamiGel, which acts like mucus, increasing sperm mobility and also enhancing pleasure. You can find each of these products here in our online store.
Photo: Mohamed Hassan