Hypertension, The Silent Killer

Why it’s important to monitor your Blood Pressure

Tired of high BP getting in your way?

What is Hypertension?

Hypertension is also more commonly known as high blood pressure, which can cause multiple severe health complications if not taken care of immediately. Blood pressure is the force exerted against the walls of blood vessels by blood. The pressure is dependent on the resistance from the blood vessels and how hard the heart has to work. (Medical News Today)

What can Hypertension Lead to?

Obstruction of the Arteries

Increased pressure within arteries facilitates plaquing, known as atherosclerosis. Atherosclerosis is the growth of cholesterol, fat, and other substances in and on the artery walls (Mayo Clinic, 2018). This obstruction of the artery, or blood clot, can turn into heart attacks (myocardial impairment), strokes, and amputations.

Blood Clots

The buildup can also restrict blood flow, eventually, leading to a burst producing a blood clot (Mayo Clinic, 2018). This clotting can cause acute compromises, making the person more susceptible to heart attacks and strokes.

Cerebral Aneurysms

Lastly, over time, this hypertension in a weakened artery may start to make a section of the wall to enlarge forming an aneurysm, or bulge (Mayo Clinic, 2019). If the aneurysm ruptures, the results tend to end in fatality.

What is the Best Way to Mitigate these Risks?

Keeping blood pressure under control is very important for preserving one’s healthy while reducing the risk of this condition. Healthy living is the best way to avoid these risks. This includes eating well, sleeping well, avoiding stress, exercising tolerance, and not smoking. Luckily, there are outlets that provide help and information on how to live a healthier life, such as, Eat to Live by Dr. Fuhrman. His book provides well-balanced nutritional diet plans and recipes for power foods and meals. We are also fortunate enough to live in a modern world with medicine that has been proven to help people live longer.

10 Ways to Lower Blood Pressure without Medication

1. Lose extra pounds and watch your waistline
2. Exercise regularly
3. Eat a healthy diet
4. Reduce sodium in your diet
5. Limit the amount of alcohol you drink
6. Quit smoking
7. Cut back on caffeine
8. Reduce your stress
9. Monitor your blood pressure at home and see your doctor regularly (Mayo Clinic, 2019)

Citation

Mayo Clinic. (2018, April 24). Arteriosclerosis / atherosclerosis. Retrieved December 10, 2020, from https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/arteriosclerosisatherosclerosis/symptoms-causes/syc-20350569

Mayo Clinic. (2019, January 09). 10 drug-free ways to control high blood pressure. Retrieved December 11, 2020, from https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/highblood-pressure/in-depth/high-blood-pressure/art-20046974

Mayo Clinic. (2019, November 19). How high blood pressure can affect your body. Retrieved December 10, 2020, from https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/highblood-pressure/in-depth/high-blood-pressure/art-20045868

Medical News Today. (n.d.). Hypertension: Causes, symptoms, and treatments. Retrieved December 10, 2020, from https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/150109

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