Did you know hypertension affects 1 in 3 people in the US and 1 billion people worldwide? Commonly known as high blood pressure, this can increase the risks of heart diseases and stroke if left untreated. Sudden pain in your chest, vision problems, fatigue, headaches, or irregular heartbeat can be due to hypertension. Our healthcare professionals at GetCareMD have been dealing with several cases of hypertension and have listed down ways you can prevent it and keep your blood pressure in control:
What Is Hypertension?
High blood pressure (hypertension) occurs when the blood exerts excessively high pressure against the artery walls. This can lead to heart diseases.
Blood pressure is measured by the amount of blood pumped by your heart against blood flow resistance in the arteries. If the blood flow is high and your arteries are narrow, this will automatically increase blood pressure. Blood pressure reading is given in millimeters of mercury (mm Hg). The top number (systolic pressure) determines your arteries’ pressure when your heartbeats; the bottom number (diastolic pressure) measures the pressure in your arteries between these beats.
Some people experience hypertension without any symptoms; however, a regular pressure check can help detect high blood pressure. The average blood pressure level is less than 120/80 mmHg. If yours is on the higher side, it’s imperative to control it and keep it in a healthy range.
What Are The Causes Of Hypertension?
There are two types of hypertension, i.e., primary hypertension and secondary hypertension, both of which have different causes.
1. Primary hypertension
Also known as essential hypertension, this develops over time with no apparent or detectable reason. However, some factors might play a role in this increase of pressure. Like diabetes, hypertension can also be genetic. This can be due to a transfer of gene mutations from your parents to you. Secondly, body changes can affect the pressure of blood as well. For example, aging disturbs your body’s balance of fluids, which increases blood pressure. Lastly, environmental factors and lifestyle choices can take their toll on your body leading to hypertension.
2. Secondary hypertension
Unlike primary hypertension, this occurs suddenly and can worsen over time. The leading causes of secondary hypertension are kidney disease, obstructive sleep apnea, congenital heart defects, thyroid problems, medications, drugs, excessive alcohol, endocrine tumors, and adrenal glands.
How Can You Prevent High Blood Pressure?
High blood pressure can be prevented with changes in your lifestyle. Make it a point to include an hour of physical activity each day. This will keep your heartbeat in control and manage pressure levels. If you smoke, it’s essential to quit (slowly but surely).
Limit the amount of sodium and alcohol in your diet and try eating clean. Keep an eye on your weight and ensure that you’re working out as per your weight requirements. If you’re stressed due to work, family, or friends, remember to take some time out for meditation or journaling. This peace and quiet will help calm down your nerves and likewise maintain healthy heart health.
If there’s a case of high blood pressure, our health care providers at GetCareMD usually opt for the following treatment plans: ACE inhibitors, Antihypertensive drugs, Beta-blockers, Calcium channel blockers, Diuretics, and Vasodilator.
If you’re looking for certified and experience virtual doctors online, get in touch with us at GetCareMD. We can instantly connect you with a healthcare provider through our 24/7 chat, and they’ll derive a suitable hypertension treatment via a video consultation just within an hour! We also help with weight loss, cholesterol control, anxiety, or even acne- we cover it all! Get in touch with us to learn more about our services.