Hypertension (high blood pressure) means your blood is pushing too freely against your artery walls. Think of it like water pressure in a pipe – if it is constantly cranked up, the pipe walls take a beating. Many people have this condition but do not know it because it usually has no symptoms. It’s often known as a silent killer. Without treatment, it can lead to a heart attack, stroke, dementia, kidney disease and other issues. Early diagnosis and treatment can be lifesaving.

 Key Types of High Blood Pressure:

  1. Primary (essential) hypertension: the most common form developing over time with no single identifiable cause.
  2. Secondary hypertension: caused by an underlying medical condition such as kidney disease, thyroid problems or medication and often appears suddenly.
  3. Isolate systolic hypertension: (ISH) occurs when the top numbers (systolic) is high (130+ mmHg) but the bottom number (diastolic) is normal.
  4. Resistant hypertension: high blood pressure that remains high despite taking different type of blood pressure medication.
  5. White coat hypertension: blood pressure that tests high in a doctor’s office, but is normal in other settings.
  6. Masked hypertension: the opposite of white coat hypertension. Reading are normal in the office but high at home.
  7. Hypertensive crisis/ emergency: a severe sudden rise in blood pressure (>180 systolic and / or > 120 diastolic) that requires immediate medical attention.

Causes of High Blood Pressure:

  1. Smoking.
  2. Being overweight.
  3. Lack of physical activity.
  4. To much salt in the diet.
  5. Drinking too much alcohol (more than 1to2 drink or bottles per day).
  6. Older age.
  7. Family history of high blood pressure (heredity)                                                                                                                               

Ways to Control High Blood Pressure without Medication

  1. Lose extra weight and watch your waistline.
  2. Exercise regularly.
  3. Eat a healthy diet.
  4. Reduce salt and sodium in your diet.
  5. Limit alcohol.
  6. Get a good night sleep.
  7. Ease stress.
  8. Quit smoking.
  9. Track your blood pressure at home and get regular checkups.
  10. Control your cholesterol and blood sugar.

                                                   CONCLUSION

In conclusion, we urge every one of us to endeavor to go for medical checkup and as well check your BP when necessary. And as a health practitioner, pay close attention to your health and take medications when necessary.