05/11/2025
LET ME EXPLAIN
Hypertension quietly damages vital organs like your heart, brain, kidneys, and eyes. If left untreated, it can lead to serious health problems, including heart disease, stroke, kidney failure, and even blindness.
Let us dive deeper ๐๐พ
๐ WHAT IS HYPERTENSION?
Blood pressure is the force of your blood pushing against the walls of your arteries.
Hypertension happens when this pressure is consistently too high. Over time, the extra force strains your arteries and organs, increasing the risk of health issues.
๐ WHAT CAUSES HYPERTENSION
Several factors can increase your risk, like:
- Family history of high blood pressure
- Unhealthy diet, especially high salt intake
- Lack of exercise
- Being overweight or obese
- Smoking and excessive alcohol use
- Chronic stress
-Certain medical conditions like diabetes or kidney disease
๐ WHO IS AT RISK?
Hypertension affect anyone, but some groups are more at risk
- People over 40 years old
- Individuals with a family history of high blood pressure
- (G)Those living with obesity or diabetes
- People of certain ethnicities, like African or South Asian descent
๐ SYMPTOMS OF HYPERTENSION
Most people with hypertension have no obvious symptoms, even when their blood pressure is dangerously high.
๐ HOW DO YOU KNOW YOU GOT IT?
The only way to know if you have high blood pressure is to measure it. A normal blood pressure reading is around 120/80 mmHg.
Hypertension is diagnosed when your readings are consistently:
- Above 130/80 mmHg (Stage 1 Hypertension)
- Above 140/90 mmHg (Stage 2 Hypertension)
Hereโs the trick, it is measured on at least two different occasions, with readings taken on separate days.
This ensures the readings are not affected by temporary factors such as stress or physical activity
In rare cases, severe hypertension may cause (r) headaches, chest pain, or vision problems.
๐ PREVENTION AND MANAGEMENT OF HYPERTENSION
- Eat a healthy diet with plenty of fruits, vegetables, and low-salt
