Blood pressure levels needs regular monitoring
High blood pressure or hypertension is one of the most dangerous conditions that can increase the risk of heart, brain, kidney and other diseases. As per the World Health Organization (WHO), an estimated 1.28 billion adults aged 30-79 years worldwide have hypertension.
There are many reasons behind why high blood pressure is popularly called a 'silent killer'. Unlike diseases that are self-diagnosable and can be identified through early symptoms, hypertension can lead to sudden attacks and may even result in death. That said, here are some factors that make high blood pressure a serious illness, which needs special attention.
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Hypertension may arise with no symptoms
The primary reason why high blood pressure is called a silent killer is because it comes with no particular symptoms, and only after it has caused significant damage to the heart and the arteries, do the symptoms arise.
WHO estimates suggest that globally, about 46% of adults with hypertension are unaware that they have the condition and hence, don't know that they're at risk of developing serious cardiovascular illnesses, including, heart attack, heart failure, a stroke and more.
It increases your risk of heart disease
According to the Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), "High blood pressure is a major risk factor for heart disease."
Blood pressure is the pressure of the blood in your arteries and other blood vessels. When it is too high, it leads to hypertension, which if left untreated, can affect your heart and other major organs of your body, including your kidneys and brain. While it may be a slow process, there is no telling when you may experience a stroke, a heart failure or an attack induced by high BP.
A person with high blood pressure may be more prone to a stroke
As mentioned above, the chances of a stroke is much higher in a person suffering with high blood pressure. Increased levels of blood pressure can block or burst the arteries that supply blood and oxygen to the brain, leading to a stroke.
Given that a stroke can occur without a warning, the only way to prevent it is by keeping a check on your blood pressure levels. A normal blood pressure reading is under 120/80 millimeters of mercury (mmHg). Anything higher can mean you have hypertension. A high blood pressure reading is 140/90 mmHg and above.
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Ways you can reduce your risk of high blood pressure
While it may be difficult to tell whether a person has high blood pressure or not, there are ways you can reduce the risk.
Besides conducting frequent and regular blood pressure checks, it is important to eat a healthy diet. One must eat foods rich in potassium, fiber, and protein and low in salt. One must remember to maintain a healthy weight. To do that, physical activity is extremely crucial.
People who smoke and drink must slowly refrain from these unhealthy habits as it only increases the risk of cardiovascular ailments.