ALL ABOUT HYPERTENSION

Hypertension also known as high blood pressure (HBP), is a long term medical condition in which the blood pressure in the arteries is usually high.
It is slightly more common in adult male but anyone can have it and it increases with age.

TYPES AND CAUSES OF HBP
(1.) Primary hypertension
This is usually caused by Lifestyle and Genetic factors such as:
✅Hereditary i.e if your mum or dad has it.
✅Excess salt intake
✅Excess body weight
✅Obesity
✅Use of Illegal drugs
✅smoking, and alcohol.

(2.) Secondary hypertension is a high blood pressure due to a condition such as:
✅Kidney disease or other kidney issues
✅Hormonal problems
✅Pregnancy
✅or the use family planning.

SIGNS OF HBP
✅Headaches (particularly at the back of the head and in the morning)
✅Weak and dizzy feeling
✅Palpitations
✅ pale appearance
✅ excessive sweating
✅Tinnitus (buzzing or hissing in the ears)
✅Altered vision or fainting episodes. These symptoms however might be due to anxiety rather than the HBP itself.

BP CHECK
Blood pressure is done by two measurements, we call them the systolic and diastolic pressures, which are the upper and lower pressures, respectively.
Normal blood pressure should be within the range of 100–140 (mmHg) systolic and 60–90 mmHg diastolic.
We say you have High blood pressure if above 140/90 mmHg for most adults.

CHILDREN HYPERTENSION
This is very rare but happens. Failure to thrive, seizures, irritability, lack of energy, and difficulty in breathing can be associated with hypertension in neonates and young infants.
 In older infants and children, hypertension can cause headache, unexplained irritability, fatigue, failure to thrive, blurred vision, nosebleeds, and facial paralysis.

HOW TO MANAGE OR PREVENT IT
Lifestyle changes and medications can lower blood pressure and decrease the risk of health complications from HBP.
Lifestyle changes include:
 ✅Try to loose weight if you are on the big side.
✅Decrease your salt intake
✅Regular physical exercise
✅ Maintain a healthy diet rich in fruits and vegetables.

✅Regular Ante-Natal check up for pregnant women to avoid complications.
✅ Ensure regular checking of your BP.
✅ If lifestyle changes are not enough to reduce your BP then blood pressure medications are used so you visit the hospital for proper medication and treatment.

IF HBP IS LEFT UNTREATED, CAN LEAD TO:
✅ Stroke
✅ Heart disease
✅ Dementia
✅ Heart failure
✅ Cardiovascular problems
✅ Eye problems
✅  Death of mother or baby in a pregnant woman.

HLF🌴