Hypertension is another name for when a person’s blood pressure rises above normal. Though it is natural that your blood pressure would increase depending on the activity or emotions you are feeling, experiencing it consistently throughout the day might imply more serious medical issues.
Consistently high blood pressure might mean that you are at risk of an imminent heart attack, stroke, or underlying heart disease.
Health care providers should be consulted about this condition, and they will administer appropriate treatments as soon as possible. Blood pressure levels are measured by reviewing the systolic and diastolic blood pressure levels.
When the systolic number is between 120 and 129 mm Hg, and the diastolic number is at 80 mm Hg, then this already means that the person can be diagnosed with hypertension.
Once diagnosed, it does not end there. There are multiple types of hypertension, and being able to diagnose the correct one will be the difference between doing the treatment work or not.
Types of Hypertension
- Essential hypertension will be diagnosed by the doctor when you are observed to have high blood pressure on more than three visits, all while having no symptoms except dizziness and headaches. The cause of essential hypertension is unknown, but patients are often linked to smoking, bad diet habits, and alcohol abuse.
- Secondary hypertension is one of the most common types of hypertension, often characterized by an abnormality in the arteries, which causes a lapse in blood supply. It can also be caused by thyroid disease, too much sodium intake, sleep disturbances, and tumors in the adrenal gland. Medications such as ibuprofen can be enough to keep this type of hypertension under control.
- Isolated systolic hypertension occurs when the systolic pressure is beyond 140, as the lower number remains normal. Being more common in elderly people, it becomes the main culprit for weaker arteries. Moreover, systolic pressure is more influential when it comes to measuring the risk of an older person developing cardiovascular disease.
- Malignant hypertension is characterized by a swift spike in blood pressure, signified when the diastolic goes over 130. Malignant hypertension symptoms include confusion, numbness in the limbs, chest pain, and dizziness. It is highly suggested that healthcare professionals are to be seen immediately.
- Resistant hypertension is diagnosed when a doctor has already gone through several types of prescriptive drugs against hypertension, but your high blood pressure still persists. This is more closely associated with other diseases, such as diabetes, and could have been caused by genetic makeup and background.
Hypertension is not something that you can be stuck with forever. There are a lot of ways to avoid being diagnosed with hypertension and even return to your normal blood pressure when you already have the condition. Seeing a qualified medical professional for advice or attending hypertension new treatment is a clever thing to do, and they will recommend a few lifestyle changes.
Depending on your habits, diet, and genetic background, there is a list of things that you can do if you want to avoid or heal hypertension.
- Controlling your blood pressure is directly linked to your weight and diet. Being obese can put a lot of strain on your sleeping patterns, breathing, and bone structure. Excessive fat content, especially around the waistline, can gravely affect blood pressure.
- Exercising every day can help fight hypertension in more ways than one. Not only will it help with your fitness, but it can also balance out your anxiety and emotional levels. Exercising daily, or at least 150 minutes per week, can begin to lower your blood pressure by 5-8 mm Hg. Doing a lot of cardio, strength training, and morning stretches will affect your blood pressure the most. Consulting fitness experts about developing a fitness plan that is suited to your lifestyle, schedules, and medical conditions can help you optimize a fitness plan that can be attended to consistently.
- Trying to avoid stress or controlling your stress triggers can be a big help in sustaining normal blood pressure. We have mentioned that hypertension is not only caused by physiological reasons but also because of situations that put you in deep stress and anxiety. Considering the fact that people cope with stress through unhealthy habits such as overeating, smoking, and alcohol abuse, stress can be a catalyst for a number of damaging habits. Managing your stress triggers, as well as how you react to stress, is key to avoiding stress. Practicing gratitude exercises, listing the things that give you a healthy kind of dopamine, and pampering yourself are some of the things that you can do to fight stress.
Takeaway
Hypertension can befall those who are reckless about their bodies, and it serves as a precursor to much more serious ailments. Keeping track of your blood pressure should be regular and necessary, and you should look into it as soon as possible.