Hypertension is one of the least detected diseases because this condition has no symptoms for you to look for. There are basically two kinds of hypertension, the first kind is called primary hypertension and this condition has no known cure. The second kind is called secondary hypertension, which is usually caused by medical problems such as thyroid deficiency or a damaged vessel. Secondary hypertension can be cured if you take the proper medications and live a healthier lifestyle.
It is essential that you check your blood pressure regularly to prevent hypertension. You should note that there are two figures you should look at when you check your blood pressure. The upper figure is the pressure exerted by your arteries when your heart contracts and the lower figure is the pressure exerted when your heart is resting. However, you should also remember that one test is not enough for you to conclude whether you are hypertensive or not. You should at least have two blood pressure readings on separate occasions to conclude accurately whether you are hypertensive or not.
You are exposed to many risks when you have hypertension because this can induce different ailments including heart attack, stroke, arterial diseases and even kidney diseases. It also puts you in a much greater danger when you already have existing conditions such as diabetes and atherosclerosis.
However, you can control this condition if you take the necessary medications and precautions. There are many medications that can be used to treat hypertension. For example, diuretics remove all the excess salt and water in the body. Another example is beta-blockers, which are effective in lessening the force of contractions in the heart. Still another commonly used medication for hypertension is ace-inhibitors, which are actually responsible for reducing certain enzymes in the body that can cause tightening of the arteries. There are other medications that are being used today including direct vasodilators, alpha-blockers and ace receptor blockers but all these will be ineffective if you continue to live a sedate and inactive lifestyle.
In this regard, here are some tips to guide you through to a healthier and hypertension-free life. The importance of exercise cannot be stressed enough if you are suffering from hypertension so you need to exercise regularly. It is recommended that you have thirty to sixty minutes of physical activity at least three times a week because this can be beneficial to the treatment of high blood pressure in the long run. Another piece of advice from medical experts is that you consciously reduce your intake of sodium because this leads to the retention of water in the body and can increase the risks of high blood pressure.
If you are suffering from hypertension then it is essential that you manage your daily stress level. You body releases harmful hormones when you are stressed and this can be dangerous if you have high blood pressure already. Meanwhile, getting rid of your bad habits like smoking and drinking will also be beneficial for your health especially in curing hypertension. Lastly, you need to watch the kinds of food you eat, make it a point to eat a balanced diet every day in order to live a healthier life.
Michael Russell Your Independent guide to Hypertension
