World Hypertension Day: Know your BP number to stay healthy
The theme for World Hypertension Day this year is “Know Your Numbers” to increase awareness of high blood pressure within all populations around the world.
Hypertension or high blood pressure is a condition present when blood flows through the blood vessels with a force greater than normal. It is a silent enemy that manifests itself quietly without any sign and and wreaks much havoc undetected. In Malaysia, there is roughly 61% cases remain undiagnosed.
What is normal blood pressure?
So, it is important to keep a tab on numbers. Normal blood pressure is defined as an average reading that no higher than 120/80mmHg. Hypertension is defined as persistent elevation of BP of 140/90 mmHg or greater. If the reading is between above 120/80mmHg but lower than 140/90mmHg, it is classified as pre-hypertension.
Why has high blood pressure?
Most of the causes of reported high blood pressure cases cannot be determined, thus is known as “essential hypertension”. Though essential hypertension remains somewhat mysterious, it has been linked to certain risk factors. On the other words, essential hypertension is greatly influenced by diet and lifestyle.
Smoking
Being overweight or obese
Lack of physical activity
High consumption of salt in the diet
Family history
When the direct cause of high blood pressure can be identified, the condition is described as secondary hypertension. The common causes of hypertension are
Chronic kidney disease
Sleep apnoea
Thyroid disease
Drug-induced such as oral contraceptives, steroids, NSAIDs, and etc
Cushing Syndrome
Is there any danger?
Prolonged elevation of blood pressure would damage the blood vessels and organ in most of the body.
Heart Attack or Stroke
Aneurysm
Heart Failure
Metabolic Syndrome
Kidney Failure
Eye blood vessel damage
It is not just about observing World Hypertension Day every year, it is important to do regular checkups of blood pressure and receive proper treatment for people having hypertension. Thus, do not wait until the symptoms tell, check the blood pressure now!
P.S. Before checking, do the rest for 5 minutes and avoid foods and drinks that may increase blood pressure. The diagnosis is based on the average of two of more properly measured, seated, blood pressure readings on each of two or more clinic visits.
