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Several million people in Poland do not know that they have arterial hypertension. It’s a silent killer – the symptoms of this disease may not be felt. The only way to detect it is by taking regular blood pressure measurements. How to do it properly?
Pressure – worth measuring
It is worth taking such measurements, because untreated hypertension leads, among others, for strokes and heart attacks. By detecting high blood pressure, it is also possible to discover other diseases, if it is secondary, for example to basic health problems such as kidney disease or hormonal disorders.
Blood pressure measurement is a simple, easily accessible and painless test.
– In Poland, there are at least 9,5 million people suffering from hypertension, but over 40 percent. of them don’t know about it. Meanwhile, people who have lived for many years with hidden, and therefore untreated hypertension, are unfortunately exposed to many serious consequences and health damages. The most dangerous complication of hypertension is a stroke – warns Dr. Mirosław Mastej, a member of the International Society of Hypertension (ISH).
According to other, extremely pessimistic estimates, up to 11 million people in Poland suffer from hypertension.
Hypertension – symptoms
Hypertension symptoms that occur only in some patients (many do not have any) include:
- headaches and dizziness,
- hot flushes,
- flushing of the face
- insomnia.
– We can say that hypertension is a silent killer, because it does not hurt and does not give any characteristic symptoms for a long time, but it causes damage to many important organs in the human body. Fortunately, this disease can be detected by simple blood pressure measurement – says Dr. Mirosław Mastej.
Unfortunately, many Poles, especially men, do not undergo regular checkups or even avoid visiting doctors – for various reasons, including: lack of time, lack of access to a specialist, ignorance or fear.
- Drugs and the sun. Avoid these unsafe connections
If you have hypertension or hypotension, or you are looking for a suitable blood pressure monitor, you can check the Medonet Market offer, where you will find functional models at attractive prices.
Who is at high risk?
Experts suggest that among the people most at risk of developing hypertension are:
- Men over 55 years of age
- Women over 65
- Smokers
- People with abnormal blood cholesterol levels
- People with high blood sugar (diabetes)
- People with chronic kidney disease
- Obese people
- People with a family history of cardiovascular disease.
Blood pressure should be checked frequently, so you should buy your own blood pressure monitor. We recommend the comfortable and easy-to-use BRAUN iCheck®7 7 BPW4500 Bluetooth Wrist Blood Pressure Monitor. Now even children can conveniently measure their blood pressure. Order the SANITY automatic blood pressure monitor for children for this purpose.
Hypertension: what to do?
The most important thing is:
- strictly follow medical recommendations, and therefore do not stop taking medications on your own,
- make changes to your lifestyle, starting with reducing salt and fat in your diet.
A healthy lifestyle, when we do not suffer from hypertension, reduces the risk of falling ill, and if it occurs – it will ease its course.
– We have a real influence on the causes of increased blood pressure. Overweight, obesity, lipid disorders, excessive consumption of table salt and alcohol or lack of regular physical activity are factors that favor the development of hypertension – emphasizes prof. Maciej Banach from the Medical University of Łódź.
Experts emphasize, however, that physical effort in the case of people with hypertension should be selected individually, in cooperation with a doctor or physiotherapist, so that it does not cause more harm than good.
Do you want to monitor your pressure? At Medonet Market you will find a wide selection of blood pressure monitors. We recommend, among others Sphygmomanometer with Novama Classic stethoscope.
When do you need to be hospitalized with hypertension?
If the measured value is around 220 / 120-140 mmHg, take your medication and go to the hospital as soon as possible. It’s also a good idea to contact an ambulance service provider for guidance on what to do.
New US Guidelines: Redefining Hypertension
Finally, it is worth mentioning that the guidelines of experts (including those from the American Heart Association and the American College of Cardiology) on the diagnosis and treatment of hypertension have recently changed in the USA. The most important novelty is the change in the threshold for the diagnosis of hypertension from 140/90 mmHG to 130/80.
However, this change, for various reasons, aroused strong controversy in the scientific world, so in Europe and Poland the definition of hypertension (limit value) has not changed so far.
If you have trouble with spikes in pressure, try the Start by iHealth upper arm blood pressure monitor with arrhythmia detection. You can also choose an iHealth Push wrist blood pressure monitor with bluetooth. Both models are functional and easy to use.
How do I measure my blood pressure?
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