What is high blood pressure (hypertension)
High blood pressure or hypertension is a common condition that affects millions. More than 1 in 5 adults worldwide have high blood pressure. It is one of the main cause of stroke and heart attack. Complications from hypertension account for 9.4 million deaths worldwide every year. It can easily go unnoticed. You probably find out about this hypertension when you do a routine check-up.
Hypertension is a condition in which the blood vessels have persistently raised pressure, putting them under increased stress. Each time the heart beats (systolic); it pumps blood into the vessels which carry the blood throughout the body. Blood pressure is created by the force of blood pushing against the walls of blood vessels. The higher the pressure, the harder the heart has to pump. High blood pressure can result in hypertensive heart disease such as heart failure, thickening of the heart muscle,coronary artery disease, and other conditions.
Hypertension is a condition in which the blood vessels have persistently raised pressure, putting them under increased stress. Each time the heart beats (systolic); it pumps blood into the vessels which carry the blood throughout the body. Blood pressure is created by the force of blood pushing against the walls of blood vessels. The higher the pressure, the harder the heart has to pump. High blood pressure can result in hypertensive heart disease such as heart failure, thickening of the heart muscle,coronary artery disease, and other conditions.
What is "Normal" Blood Pressure?
Normal blood pressure is defined as blood pressure of 120mm Hg when the heart beats (systolic) and a blood pressure of 80 mm Hg when the heart relaxes (diastolic).
- Normal: Less than 120 over 80
- Moderate: 120-139 over 80-89
- Stage 1 High: 140-159 over 90-99
- Stage 2 High: 160 and above, over 100
Why is hypertension dangerous?
Higher blood pressure risk the damage to heart and blood vessels in major organs such as the brain and kidneys. Hypertension is the main cause of heart disease and stroke worldwide. It can lead to a heart attack, an enlargement of the heart. Blood vessels may clog and burst. The pressure in the blood vessels can cause blood to leak out into the brain and cause a stroke. Hypertension can also lead to kidney failure, blindness and cognitive impairment. Thus, hypertension can be dangerous if ignore.
Causes of High Blood Pressure
Some of the common causesare:
- Overweight;
- Too much salt intake;
- Smoking;
- Too much alcohol consumption;
- Lack of exercise;
- Family history
Prevention of High Blood Pressure
- Exercise regularly;
- Maintain a healthy weight;
- Reduce salt/alcohol intake;
- Maintain a balance diet with food consists of Potassium, Magnesium, Garlic, Omega-3 fatty acids.
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Resveratrol Help in lowering of Blood Pressure
Studies performed in mice indicate that resveratrol may help to prevent damage to blood vessels, reduce bad LDL cholesterol levels, reduce inflammation and hinder blood clotting, according to a study published in the February 3, 2012 issue of "Cell." Damaged blood vessels, high cholesterol levels and blood clots can all block the arteries and cause blood pressure to rise. In contrast, controlling all of the above can help to lower high blood pressure.
