It is a fact that millions and millions of people in the United States and even across the globe are suffering from high blood pressure, also known as hypertension. Unfortunately, only 25% of hypertensive individuals can easily control their disease, and most others will suffer from this disease for the rest of their life.
Hypertension is quite uncomplicated in such a way that modern medicine has discovered fast relief to easily lower high blood pressure readings. It is also quite intricate because hypertension is not only a sole disease, but it can be a warning signal of a greater disease that may surface within the individual. In other words, it can also be considered as a symptom of an acute or chronic illness.
So what is hypertension? It is medically defined as blood pressure that is greater than either 140 mm Hg systolic, or 90 mm Hg diastolic. In simple terms, the person who is hypertensive is having a blood pressure reading of 140 over 90 mmHg.
It was noted that this disease is more frequent in African Americans, and higher incidence in white men compared to women. It also affects most people before they reach the age of fifty.
You are more at risk to develop hypertension when you are obese and diabetic. There is also a higher incidence among people who have hypertensive parents.
The common signs and symptoms of the disease include headache in early morning, abnormal heart rate and sometimes nose bleed. The person may also suffer from visual disturbances.
If this disease remains untreated, the person may suffer from further complications that include mental and neurologic abnormalities, renal diseases, heart failure, atherosclerosis, and papilledema of the eyes.
There are several ways to manage hypertension, and the best one is to change your lifestyle.
- decrease your weight
- eat a diet that is low in fat and sodium
- consume a fair amount of fruits and vegetables
- limit your alcohol intake
- engage in regular exercise
- stop your smoking habits
- avoid too much stress
You can also engage yourself on alternative therapies that relax your mind, as well as the different organs inside your body. These alternative interventions include body massages, yoga, prayer, gardening, or even just a simple walk in the park.
Remember, high blood pressure or hypertension can be controlled if you are willing to submit yourself to these therapies. The success of your care and cure depends on your compliance to the regimen that you and your doctor have agreed upon.
