High blood pressure, often undetected, affects a significant portion of world’s population, leading to severe health risks.
Regular monitoring and lifestyle changes are essential to manage and prevent complications.
• Many people aged 18-54 have never checked their blood pressure
• High blood pressure can lead to severe health issues, if left unchecked
• Lifestyle changes and medication are crucial for managing hypertension
High blood pressure affects a significant segment of Nigeria’s population. Nearly 3 out of 10 people, aged between 18 and 54 years have never checked their blood pressure.
The heart pumps blood through the arteries, the body’s main blood vessels, and this blood exerts force against the artery walls. This force is known as blood pressure.
The normal blood pressure is between 90/60mmHg and 120/80mmHg. When it goes 140/90mmHg or higher, it becomes hypertension.
As people age, blood pressure readings typically rise due to increased stiffness in large blood vessels. Even a small increase can greatly increase the risk of death from heart disease or stroke.
The reason high blood pressure is a silent killer is that many people do not have any symptoms from it, and it can go undetected for a long time.
According to the American Heart Association, people should check their blood pressure as they age to make lifestyle changes early on.
High blood pressure increases risks of heart disease, stroke, kidney damage, heart failure, vision loss, clogged arteries creating blockages in the legs, and dementia.
Lifestyle modifications including; avoiding alcohol beverages and smoking are indispensable in managing high blood pressure. Also, engaging in cardiovascular exercises like brisk walking, jogging, swimming and cycling can help. These aerobic exercises along with resistance exercises should be done at least 30 minutes or more at least five days per week to control blood pressure.
According to the state of hypertension, medications can be prescribed to prevent resultant complications.
Treatment should be initiated immediately in patients with comorbidities or grade 2 hypertension (BP more than 160/100 mm Hg).