Understanding hypertension

Hypertension or high blood pressure is extremely common across the UK, let's break down what hypertension is and how you can take control of your health.

What is hypertension?

Hypertension, also known as high blood pressure, is a condition where the force of the blood against your artery walls is too high.

Think of it like this: your blood vessels are like pipes, and your blood is the water flowing through them. When the pressure is too high, it can damage the pipes and cause problems over time.

Why is hypertension a problem?

When your blood pressure is too high for a long time, it can lead to serious health issues, including:

• Heart disease: your heart has to work much harder to pump blood around your body, which can lead to a heart attack or heart failure.
• Stroke: high blood pressure can cause blood vessels in the brain to burst or become blocked.
• Kidney damage: your kidneys filter your blood, if these vessels are damaged it can stop your kidneys working properly.
• Eye problems: high blood pressure can harm the blood vessels in your eyes causing issues with your eyesight like hypertensive retinopathy.

How is blood pressure measured?

Blood pressure is measured with two numbers, like 120/80 mmHg:

• Systolic pressure (first number): This is the pressure when your heart beats.
• Diastolic pressure (last number): This is the pressure when your heart rests between beats.

A normal reading is usually around 120/80 mmHg. Hypertension is often diagnosed if your readings are consistently higher than 130/80 mmHg.

Causes of hypertension

Several factors can contribute to high blood pressure:

• Lifestyle choices: eating too much salt, not getting enough exercise, being overweight, or drinking too much alcohol.
• Family history: if your parents or close relatives have high blood pressure, you might be more likely to get it too.
• Age: blood pressure often tends to increase as you get older.
• Stress: long-term stress can contribute to high blood pressure.

Symptoms of hypertension

Hypertension is often called the "silent killer" because it usually doesn't have any noticeable symptoms.

Some people may experience headaches, shortness of breath, or nosebleeds, but these symptoms aren’t specific and usually occur when blood pressure has reached a severe or life-threatening stage.

The best way to know if you have hypertension is to regularly measure you’re blood pressure, even if you feel fine.

Managing hypertension

The good news is that hypertension can often be managed with lifestyle changes and medication.

Here are some steps you can take:

• Eat a healthy diet: Focus on fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins. Try to reduce your salt intake.
• Exercise regularly: Aim for at least 30 minutes of moderate exercise most days of the week.
• Maintain a healthy weight: Losing even a small amount of weight can help lower your blood pressure.
• Limit alcohol and quit smoking: Both smoking and alcohol can cause your blood pressure to rise, so it’s best to try and reduce both as much as possible.

Find out more information on quitting smoking.

• Manage Stress: Practice relaxation techniques like deep breathing, meditation, or yoga.

Medication

If lifestyle changes aren’t enough, your doctor or pharmacist can prescribe you medication to help control your blood pressure.

There are many types of blood pressure medicines, and sometimes you may need to try more than one to find what works best for you.

Regular check-ups

Regular reviews by your doctor or pharmacist are important to monitor your blood pressure and make any necessary adjustments to your treatment plan.

At Suvera, we dp these appointments online, meaning we’re able to get a better idea of your blood pressure without being effected by something called While Coat Syndrome.

Home blood pressure monitors can also help you keep track of your blood pressure at home and allow you to spot any changes much faster.

Conclusion

Being diagnosed with hypertension can be a bit daunting, but with the right information and a proactive approach, you can manage your condition effectively.

By making healthy lifestyle choices and working with your healthcare team, you can control your blood pressure and reduce your risk of complications. Remember, every small step you take towards a healthier lifestyle can make a big difference in your overall health.