Hypertension (high blood pressure)

Hypertension is called a "silent killer". Because it may not have any symptoms or warning signs, most persons with hypertension are unaware they have a problem. That is why it is crucial to periodically assess blood pressure.

When symptoms do occur, they can include early morning headaches, irregular heart rhythms, nosebleeds, buzzing in the ears, and vision changes. Severe hypertension can cause fatigue, nausea, vomiting, confusion, anxiety, and chest pain.

If you experience any of these symptoms, visit a General Practitioner (General Practice doctor), who might refer you to a Cardiologist, for proper diagnosis and treatment to prevent further complications.

Most of the time, it is unclear what causes high blood pressure. However, there are some factors that can raise your risk. For example,

Obesity or overweight
Excessive salt consumption
High intake of fat and low intake of fruits and vegetables
Lack of exercise
Drinking too much coffee or alcohol
Smoking
Sleep disturbance
Family history of hypertension
Age over 65 years
Existing diseases like kidney disease or diabetes
Making healthy lifestyle adjustments can sometimes help lower your blood pressure if it is already high and help lessen your risk of developing high blood pressure.

The only way to determine if you have high blood pressure is to have your blood pressure checked as high blood pressure typically has no symptoms.

At least once every five years, healthy persons over forty should have their blood pressure tested.

You should have your blood pressure checked more frequently, ideally once a year, if you are at increased risk of having high blood pressure.

Simple modifications to one’s lifestyle can help lower high blood pressure, while some people may also need to take medication.

Your general practitioner can suggest lifestyle modifications and talk to you about whether he/she believes you would benefit from medication.

Lifestyle changes

Making healthy lifestyle modifications is recommended for anyone with high blood pressure. There are some lifestyle changes that help reduce high blood pressure. For example,

Reducing the salt intake to less than one teaspoonful a day
Eating a low-fat diet with more vegetables and fruits
Being active and getting more exercise
Cutting down on alcohol and stopping smoking
Drinking less caffeine
Losing the extra weight
Treatment

Depending on your blood pressure level and your likelihood of developing problems like heart attacks, medication may also be advised.

There are many types of medicine that could help control your blood pressure; many people may need to have a combination of different medicines. (Ex: enalapril, lisinopril, perindopril, ramipril, candesartan, irbesartan, losartan, valsartan, olmesartan, amlodipine, indapamide, atenolol, bisoprolol)