The Biology of Hypertension and its Tell Tale Signs
At a certain point in our lives, we can’t help but realize that our bodies are ageing – and we are facing more age-related conditions than before. Even our friends and acquaintances may feel some maladies, be it aching muscles and joints, wobbly knees, or hypertension (especially after eating something salty or fatty!). With ageing, some of these changes are seen as inevitable – but we can all agree that some conditions are preventable, such as diabetes and hypertension.
If you think that you could be suffering from hypertension or high blood pressure, what are the tell tale signs? Here are the signs and symptoms of high blood pressure you should know about. 
What is it?
Blood pressure in general is the force exerted by the blood against the arteries’ walls as it circulates throughout the body, which is a normal part of the circulatory process. If you think about it, a liquid moving througha tube is bound to press some on that tube. If you turn on a watering hose that has some small kinks in in from sitting empty for example, you’ll notice it straighten out with the pressure from the moving water. Our blood moving through our bodies kind of does the same thing, but since it is constant, we don’t experience little kinks like the hose does.
ON the other hand, you can experience high blood pressure, or hypertension, when the pressure in your arteries is higher than it should be. This higher pressure can cause a range of issues for your body. A normal blood pressure reading is usually about 120/80 mmHg. When your reading is above 130/80 mmHg, it is considered high and likely requires medical attention.
The symptoms
High blood pressure or hypertension is known as a ‘silent killer’ because it often does not show symptoms until it becomes critical. However, some individuals suffering from hypertension may have symptoms like headaches, dizziness, shortness of breath, pain in the chest, blurred vision, and nausea. Most of this is caused from your blood not circulating as smoothly and quickly as it would be otherwise.
You should seek medical attention immediately if you have any of these symptoms. However, if you are too sick to go to a doctor, you can easily schedule an appointment with a physician and have a telemedicine conference at Anytimedoctor.co.uk.
Risk factors
There are also several factors that can increase your risk of having high blood pressure, such as:
- Age: Your risk of hypertension increases as you age
- Lifestyle: Eating an unhealthy diet, smoking, and not being active enough can increase your risk
- Family history: If any one of your parents or siblings has high blood pressure, you are at higher risk
- Stress: If you have chronic stress, this can raise your blood pressure levels over time
- Obesity: Being obese or overweight can increase your risk of developing hypertension
Managing it
If you suffer from hypertension or high blood pressure, you can manage it through several ways. You can make certain changes in your lifestyle, such as eating a nutritious and healthy diet, maintaining a healthy weight, exercising regularly and being more active, and quitting smoking. You can also take certain medications. Your doctor can prescribe medications to help lower your blood pressure. Of course, regular monitoring is also key to maintaining your blood pressure. You have to check your blood pressure regularly at home, which can help you track your progress and make the necessary adjustments to your treatment plan.
High blood pressure or hypertension is one of the most common health conditions, affecting numerous people worldwide. It can lead to serious health complications if left untreated. Check your blood pressure regularly and make the necessary lifestyle changes that can help you manage your high blood pressure and decrease your risk of developing further health complications. Last, if you have concerns about your blood pressure, you should speak with a competent healthcare professional.
