If your blood pressure is too high, it puts extra strain on your heart, blood vessels and other organs such as the eyes, kidneys and eyes. Chronic (long-term) high blood pressure can increase your risk of several potentially life-threatening health conditions. It is important to follow your doctor's instructions correctly. 

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RISK FACTORS FOR GETTING HIGH BLOOD PRESSURE

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There are certain things that can increase the risk of getting high blood pressure.

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You might be more at risk if you:

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• Have relatives with high blood pressure

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• Don’t get enough exercise 

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• Consume a lot of salt and not enough vegetables 

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• Are overweight

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• Live a sedentary life

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• Are over the age of 65

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• Consume too much alcohol 

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COMPLICATIONS

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When blood pressure is uncontrolled for a long time, certain complications can develop later in life. Some of these are more serious than others. Even reducing your blood pressure by a small amount can help lower the risk of developing complications such as:

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• Heart disease

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• Heart attacks 

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• Strokes

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• Heart failure

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• Kidney disease

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The only way of knowing whether your blood pressure is high is by measuring it.

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If you have any of the risk factors its best to regularly monitor your blood pressure. You can get your blood pressure tested at:

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• Your doctor's office

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• Your local pharmacy

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• Home - you can purchase your own blood pressure machine and monitor it yourself 

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Keep your blood pressure at a safe level by making lifestyle changes as well as taking your prescribed medication. Talk to your doctor if you need help with this. 

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This is what you can do to lower your risk of developing complications:

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• Reduce the amount of salt you consume and follow a generally healthy diet

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• Cut back on alcohol

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• Exercise regular

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• Quit smoking, or at least cut down

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• Reduce the amount of caffeine you consume

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If you are already diagnosed, take your medication as prescribed by your doctor. Attend all your follow-up visits and take control of your health. Never stop your medication without discussing it with your doctor first, even if you feel well.

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Written by Dr Ruusa Shivute | Health Window

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Reference: Whelton PK, Carey RM, Aronow WS, et al. 2017 ACC/AHA/AAPA/ABC/ACPM/AGS/APhA/ASH/ASPC/NMA/PCNA Guideline for the Prevention, Detection, Evaluation, and Management of High Blood Pressure in Adults: A Report of the American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association Task Force on Clinical Practice Guidelines. Hypertension 2018; 71:e13.

March 4, 2021 |  Categories: Health Window, High Blood Pression / Hypertension