Blood is a fluid superhero that zips around our body via blood vessels known as arteries. These heroic arteries are responsible for delivering oxygen and energy to every organ in our body!
But wait, there's a villain lurking: high blood pressure. This sneaky foe, affecting around 75 million folks in the US, can increase the risk of heart disease and other cardiovascular nasties. In fact, in 2017-2018, about one-third of all peeps above the age of 20 had high blood pressure ratings and many were taking antihypertensive meds to keep things in check. |
Hypertension, also known as high blood pressure, is a grave health concern that impacts nearly 1 billion people globally. The World Health Organization (WHO) predicts that this number may increase to approximately 1.57 billion by 2025, according to a recent analysis.
Hypertension is like a pesky house guest that overstays their welcome. It's when your blood pressure is sky-high, and you're feeling the heat of stress. When your BP is above 140/90 mm, it's time to show hypertension the door. Doctors measure it by checking your systolic and diastolic pressure - the first number is when your heart pumps blood, and the second is when it relaxes and refills.
Hypertension is like a pesky house guest that overstays their welcome. It's when your blood pressure is sky-high, and you're feeling the heat of stress. When your BP is above 140/90 mm, it's time to show hypertension the door. Doctors measure it by checking your systolic and diastolic pressure - the first number is when your heart pumps blood, and the second is when it relaxes and refills.
Hypertension is a sneaky foe, lurking in the shadows with no apparent warning signs. That's why it's earned the nickname "the silent killer" since it can silently harm your heart and blood vessels.
If left unchecked, hypertension can even wreak havoc on your organs and lead to arteriosclerosis, where plaques narrow your blood vessels. Yikes! If your systolic blood pressure hits 180 mmHg or higher, and the diastolic blood pressure reaches 110 mmHg or higher, then you're facing a hypertensive crisis that requires urgent medical care. |
When talking about hypertension, there are two types:
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Take charge of Hypertension with these tips:
- Shedding extra pounds through a mix of diet and exercise can work wonders, as high blood pressure and obesity are linked.
- Nourish your body with a wholesome diet that includes whole grains, fruits, vegetables, and low-fat dairy products.
- Ditch foods that are high in LDL cholesterol (low-density lipoprotein).
- Cut back on sodium intake by tweaking your diet.
- Pump up your calcium and vitamin D intake.