High blood pressure, often termed the 'silent killer', lurks in the lives of many, undetected and unnoticed. It's a condition that doesn't discriminate, affecting individuals regardless of their busy schedules or achievements. This article aims to shed light on the insidious nature of high blood pressure, especially in the context of stress and weight management.
The World Health Organization (WHO) released its first-ever report on the devastating global impact of high blood pressure, along with recommendations on the ways to win the race against this silent killer.
The number of people living with hypertension (blood pressure of 140/90 mmHg or higher or taking medication for hypertension) doubled between 1990 and 2019, from 650 million to 1.3 billion. Nearly half of people with hypertension globally are currently unaware of their condition.
Blood pressure measures the force of blood pushing against the walls of your arteries. It's expressed in two numbers: systolic (pressure when your heart beats) and diastolic (pressure when your heart rests between beats). Normal blood pressure readings are below 120/80 mmHg, but when these numbers rise, so do your health risks. The values below offer a clear, easy-to-understand breakdown of blood pressure categories.
Normal
- systolic: less than 120 mm Hg
- diastolic: less than 80 mm Hg
Elevated
- systolic: 120–129 mm Hg
- diastolic: less than 80 mm Hg
High blood pressure (hypertension)
- systolic: 130 mm Hg or higher
- diastolic: 80 mm Hg or higher
In our high-pressure society, stress is almost a badge of honor, especially for high achievers. But, this constant 'fight or flight' mode can lead to chronically high blood pressure. Similarly, weight plays a crucial role. Excess body weight forces your heart to work harder to pump blood, upping your blood pressure.
Consequences of High Blood Pressure
Ignoring high blood pressure is like playing Russian roulette with your health. It's a key contributor to heart attacks, strokes, and even kidney failure. These aren't distant, abstract risks but real dangers lurking beneath the surface of unchecked blood pressure.
How Do I Know If I Have High Blood Pressure?
Detecting high blood pressure often requires a medical checkup since it rarely shows obvious symptoms. Regular blood pressure monitoring, either at a doctor's office or through at-home devices, is crucial. It's particularly important for those with risk factors such as family history, obesity, or a high-stress lifestyle. Early detection can be a lifesaver.
What Can I Do to Prevent or Manage High Blood Pressure?
Preventing or managing high blood pressure involves a multifaceted approach. Key strategies include a healthy diet, regular exercise, weight management, stress reduction, avoiding smoking and limiting alcohol, and regular health check-ups. Regular monitoring is your first line of defense. It's essential to make this a part of your routine health checks. Alongside, adopting a heart-healthy lifestyle – like managing stress, eating a balanced diet, staying active, and maintaining a healthy weight – can be a game-changer.
Conclusion
High blood pressure might be a silent killer, but it doesn't have to be your reality. Awareness, regular monitoring, and lifestyle adjustments are powerful tools in your arsenal. Let's prioritize our health in the midst of our demanding lives.
“Every hour, more than 1,000 people die from strokes and heart attacks. Most of these deaths are caused by high blood pressure, and most could have been prevented,” said Dr Tom Frieden, President & CEO, Resolve to Save Lives. “Good hypertension care is affordable, within reach, and strengthens primary health care. The challenge now is to go from “within reach” to “reached.” This will require commitment of governments around the world.”
>> When was the last time you checked your blood pressure? <<
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Stay healthy,
Fabrizio
