Hypertension is most often called or referred to as the silent killer. This is because, somebody may have this disease and will not know that he is having such disease. The blood level of any man depends on the amount of blood that the heart can pump, and the level of resistance the heart has to pump against that present in the arteries. Blood pressure varies and may increase with activity or decrease at rest. It may also vary slightly with each heart beat. If hypertension is left uncontrolled, it could lead to other life threatening health problems. Most people suffering hypertension cannot actually point out to a particular symptom. At the early stage, the patient may just notice slight headaches, but in advanced stages, dizziness and nose bleeds may occur.
It is highly recommended that simple tests be carried out, at least once in two years, to check the blood pressure. When hypertension is as a result of an underlying cause, it is referred to as secondary hypertension. This underlying cause may be as a result of Kidney or Adrenal diseases, Thyroid disorders, abnormal blood vessels, Sleep Apnea and pre-eclampsia. Certain drugs such as oral contraceptives, decongestants and pain relievers may also lead to secondary hypertension. Hard drugs like cocaine and amphetamines may increase blood pressure also. Primary hypertension develops gradually over a period of time, but secondary hypertension develops rapidly with high pressure readings. This disease is not commonly found in children except in rare occasions, and this may be as a result of some underlying condition. To know if hypertension has occurred, the blood pressure is measured with a device called sphygmomanometer, which is made up of an inflatable arm cuff and a pressure-measuring device. This blood reading consists of two numbers known as systolic and diastolic numbers, which appears at upper and lower part of the measuring instrument. The upper number (systolic number), measures the amount of pressure in the arteries between heartbeats and when the heart is at rest. When there is a record of below 120/80mmHg the blood pressure is said to be normal, though of recent, a lower level of 115/80mmHg is also considered acceptable and normal readings. When there is a rise of the blood pressure above the normal level, the risk of cardiovascular disease increases.
Blood pressures found in pre-hypertension reads between 120-139mmHg systolic, and 80-89mmHg diastolic. In stage 1, hypertension readings range between 140-159mmHg systolic and 90-99mmHg diastolic. Stage (2) hypertension is the most severe form of hypertension and comes with systolic pressure of 160mmHg or even more and a diastolic pressure of 100mmHg and above.
Ikechukwu Eze is a pastor, motivator and inspirational speaker. He owns many successful websites among which is http://www.yourhealthandfitnessguide.com
