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High blood pressure is also called hypertension. It is one of the most common cardiovascular diseases associated, as the name suggests, with too high blood pressure. Interestingly, more than 90% of cases of hypertension have no detectable cause, which is why the disease is not treated by eliminating the primary cause of the symptoms.
Why do we get sick?
Hypertension is common among people suffering from diseases of the kidneys, brain or endocrine glands. As a rule, however, it is believed that hypertension is caused by genetic as well as environmental factors.
What should you know about hypertension?
- Arterial hypertension is diagnosed when the blood pressure is > 140 mmHg for systolic pressure and > 90 mmHg for diastolic pressure
- Middle-aged and elderly people are more often affected. The risk of developing the disease increases with age
White Coat Syndrome
This is how the situation is called when the blood pressure measured at home is absolutely normal, but the blood pressure measured at the doctor’s office is incorrect. When a doctor, nurse or other person in the treatment facility is examining you, some people may have high blood pressure due to stress. Of course, you should then inform your doctor that the blood pressure measured at home is correct.
Hypertension prevention – how to help yourself?
- Do not abuse alcohol, try to drink alcohol rarely, e.g. a glass of wine with dinner
- Stop smoking cigarettes
- Overweight and obesity are also conducive to hypertension. In order to fight it properly, or to deal with it in advance, it is necessary to maintain a proper body weight within the BMI standard
- You should stay physically active and at least 2-3 times a week do some sport or even go for long walks
How to treat high blood pressure?
The heart and circulatory system should be treated by consulting a doctor, and when buying medicines – with a pharmacist. The best treatment for high blood pressure is drug therapy (use of antihypertensive drugs). In addition, the patient himself can introduce changes to his lifestyle that will facilitate treatment (given above: e.g. weight loss, physical activity, etc.)
It is also worth switching to a Mediterranean diet. Limit the consumption of meat and fats, and increase the consumption of fish products and fresh vegetables and fruits. It is also worth using olive oil instead of regular oil. It is also recommended to reduce the amount of salt used to season meals.