HIGHBLOOD PRESSURE: CAUSES, SYMPTOMS AND TREATMENT
According to the British Heart Foundation, as many as 7 million people in the UK are living with undiagnosed high blood pressure (hypertension).
Concerned you may be at risk? We spoke with Dr Andrew Thornber, Chief Medical Of cer at Now Patient, to uncover the facts about high blood pressure.
WHAT IS CLASSED AS HIGH BLOOD PRESSURE?
Your blood pressure is measured in millimetres of mercury (mmHg) and consists of two numbers: the higher number refers to systolic pressure. This is the force with which your heart pumps blood around your body. The lower number refers to diastolic pressure. This is the resistance to the blood Flow in your blood vessels. Normal blood pressure is considered to be a reading between 90/60mmHg and 120/80mmHg.
‘The only way to know whether you have high blood pressure is to have it measured,’ says Dr Thornber. ‘Your GP will probably be concerned if your blood pressure reading is 140/90mmHg or higher.’
WHAT CAUSES HIGH BLOOD PRESSURE?
“‘Blood pressure varies from person to person, and can fluctuate throughout the day,’explains Dr Thornber. ‘However, high blood pressure is usually caused by a poor diet that is high in fat, salt, sugar and processed foods, obesity, lack of exercise, stress, smoking and alcohol. Some people are more prone to high blood pressure if they have a family history of the condition, or if they are of African or Caribbean origin. In others, it can be caused by an underlying medical condition, such as kidney disease, diabetes or lupus, among others.’
Dr Thornber also points out that some people experience higher stress levels when in a medical or hospital setting, and so it can appear they have high blood pressure. ‘This is called “white coat hypertension”, where their blood pressure rises only because someone is taking their blood pressure, and not because you have an underlying medical problem.’
If your GP suspects this is the case, they may suggest ambulatory blood pressure monitoring (a device worn round the clock for 24 to 48 hours), to track your blood pressure out of a medical setting.
If your GP suspects this is the case, they may suggest ambulatory blood pressure monitoring (a device worn round the clock for 24 to 48 hours), to track your blood pressure out of a medical setting.
SYMPTOMS OF HIGH BLOOD PRESSURE
The first stage of testing for Hepatitis C is an antibody test which can be concluded within two-three months of acquiring the virus. The screening is important because it can lead to cancer. Since this is contagious, the infection can be transmitted to another person through exposure of wounds, among other things. Dr Thornber states that the problem with high blood pressure is that there are usually no symptoms at all – that’s why it’s important to get yours checked with your GP.
- Headaches
- Dizziness
- Blurred vision
- Shortness of breath
WHAT CAN YOU DO ABOUT HIGH BLOOD PRESSURE?
If you think you have high blood pressure, make sure you consult your GP and get a blood pressure test as soon as possible,’ insists Dr Thornber. ‘The longer you leave it, the worse health consequences you may end up with.’
Not everyone who is diagnosed with high blood pressure will need to take medication, he says. In some cases, you will simply be advised to make lifestyle changes. These include:
Not everyone who is diagnosed with high blood pressure will need to take medication, he says. In some cases, you will simply be advised to make lifestyle changes. These include:
- Exercising regularly
- Eating a low-fat diet
- Reducing your salt intake
- Increasing your fruit and vegetable intake
- Limiting stress
- Drinking less alcohol
- Getting better quality sleep each night (more than six hours)
Source - www.msn.com
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