Our lifestyles have changed a great deal in the recent years. It has become fast-paced, work pressure has increased and so has the competition in the corporate world. Due to these reasons, the cases of hypertension have surged up. More and more people are now facing this issue; thus, it is now considered a serious concern in the medical field.
What is Hypertension?
The term high blood pressure is also used interchangeably with hypertension. It is a condition in which the blood pressure in our arteries remains above the normal range. This increase in the blood pressure leads to extra pressure on our heart. It needs to pump harder so that blood could be transported to all the organs of our body via vessels.
Risks Associated with Hypertension
This condition poses a severe risk to the health of the heart. It can lead to stroke, failure of heart, and other vascular complications. Apart from that, it also increases the risk of kidney failure or results in swelled arteries. It can damage other organs of our body as well.
Causes of Hypertension
There are numerous known causes of hypertension. Those who are overweight, they are more at the risk of suffering from hypertension. Furthermore, smoking and lack of physical activity can also lead to this condition. It is also to be noted that the consumption of food items with high levels of salt can also make an individual vulnerable to hypertension.
Other causes of hypertension include deficiency of vitamin D and insufficient potassium, magnesium, and calcium in our diet. Higher consumption of alcohol also enhances the chances of hypertension. Those suffering from stress, they are also prone to face hypertension issues. Hypertension can also be genetic. For example, if an individual has a family history of hypertension, they may also face this issue.
In addition to that, certain kidney disorders, tumors, and thyroid problems can also lead to hypertension.
Symptoms of Hypertension
Some of the most common symptoms of hypertension include:
- Pain in the chest
- Fatigue
- A severe headache
- Difficulty in breathing
- Dizziness
- Irregular heartbeat
- Nausea
Apart from these, some people may also experience blood in their urine. Moreover, there are certain cases, when a person suffering from hypertension may not show any of these signs and symptoms. However, it can be diagnosed if an individual gets their blood screening tests on a regular basis.
Ways to Prevent Hypertension
As stated above, hypertension poses risks for some fatal and chronic diseases to our body. These risks can be combatted by following some hypertension prevention practices. Have a look at them:
- Exercising on a regular basis can not only help you to have a healthy weight but it also improves the immune system that assists our body in fighting against various acute and chronic diseases.
- Having a balanced diet with right proportions of carbohydrates, minerals, vitamins, and proteins can help to prevent hypertension. It also improves our overall health and lifestyle.
- To prevent the chances of hypertension, it is advised to lower the salt intake and cut back on alcohol and smoking.
A Final Word
Hypertension can adversely affect the quality of your life. Thus, it is important to follow these effective practices to keep yourself healthy and minimize the risks of suffering from this condition.