03/07/2018
Facts on hypertension:
1. Definition: a condition in which the long term force of the blood against your artery walls is high enough that it may eventually cause health problems. It is a significant risk factor for strokes, heart failure, coronary heart disease, diabetes and kidney disease.
2. Symptoms: most people with high blood pressure have no symptoms, even if it has reached dangerously high levels. Headaches, shortness of breath and nose bleeds may occur, but it is important to note that these symptoms are not specific and usually do not occur until high blood pressure has reached a severe stage.
Therefore, it is important to check and note your pressure regularly so that any changes can be detected early.
3. Causes:
- primary hypertension tends to develop gradually over the course of many years
- secondary hypertension develops as a result of underlying conditions e.g. sleep apnoea, thyroid problems, kidney problems
4. Risk factors: you are at risk of developing high blood pressure for many reasons, including:
- age- the risk increases as you age
- race- high blood pressure is particularly common among people of African heritage
- family history
- being overweight or obese
- not being physically active
- to***co use
- high intake of sodium and low intake of potassium
- drinking too much alcohol
- high stress levels
- chronic conditions e.g. kidney disease and diabetes
5. Treatment:
- lifestyle changes- regular physical activity, reduced salt intake, maintaining a healthy weight, limiting alcohol intake, avoiding to***co
- medication such as calcium channel blockers, ACE inhibitors, ARBs and thiazide diuretics
