What is hypertension: symptoms, diagnosis, and risk factors
Only about half of people having hypertension are treated, and more than 30 percent of those who have hypertension do not know it. The force of blood against vessel walls is blood pressure. When the heart contracts, the blood pressure measured is called systolic pressure. When the heart is at rest and filled with blood, the pressure measured is called diastolic pressure.
A normal pressure is 120/80 mmHg, in which the first number represents systolic pressure, and the second number represents diastolic pressure. When the measure of systolic pressure is consistently above 140, and above 90 for diastolic pressure, the patient has high blood pressure, or hypertension. Blood pressure is usually higher in the morning and lower in the afternoon. Eating and exercise can temporarily make systolic pressure up and the diastolic pressure down.
Hypertension usually does not show symptoms and does not lead to headaches, dizziness, flushing, fatigue, or nosebleeds, which is different from people’s popular belief. However, high blood pressure may increase the risks for many other diseases such as heart attack, stroke, eye damages, and kidney failure.
The risk factors of hypertension include age over 60, smoking, being overweight, having diabetes, having a family history of the disease, physically inactivity, alcohol drinking, eating heavily salted diets, and chronically stressed. Some medications may also cause hypertension, such as steroids, anti-inflammatory drugs, decongestants, and birth control pills.
How to prevent hypertension: foods, diets, nutritional supplements, and lifestyles
Obesity may cause hypertension and heart disease, so weight control is important for the prevention of hypertension. One teaspoon of salt daily should be enough and may help reduce the risk of hypertension, as most Americans eat about twice the amount everyday. Diets lower in saturated fat is recommended.
Olive oil and omega-3 fatty acids found in salmon, tuna, and other fish are good for lowering the blood pressure. Fruits, vegetables, whole grains, legumes, garlic, celery, and onions are beneficial to keeping a normal blood pressure. Vitamin C, calcium, and magnesium can help maintain a healthy blood pressure. Bananas contain rich potassium, which is good for prevention of hypertension.
Stop smoking and limit alcohol drinking. Control other diseases such as diabetes. Regular exercises such as brisk walking, aerobics, and bicycling can help relieve stress and lower the blood pressure. Relaxation techniques such as meditation, qigong, and yoga can help relieve stress. Anger and a hostile outlook may increase the blood pressure, so management of emotions is helpful for the prevention of hypertension.
