High Blood Pressure

High blood pressure is one of the most important preventable causes of premature death worldwide. In most countries, up to 30% of adults suffer from high blood pressure. Blood pressure usually rises with age. Blood Pressure Blood pressure is the force in the arteries when the heart beats (systolic pressure) & when the heart is at relaxes (diastolic pressure). Its measured in the millimeters of mercury (mmHg).

High Blood Pressure (HBP) HBP or hypertension is defined in an adult as a blood pressure greater than or equal to 140 mmHg systolic pressure or greater than or equal to 90 mmHg diastolic pressure. It may run in families, but many people with family history of hypertension. high blood pressure do not have

American Heart Association recommended blood pressure levels Blood Pressure Category Normal Pre hypertension High Stage 1 Stage 2 Systolic Less than 120 120-139 140-159 160 or higher Diastolic Less than 80 80-89 90-99 100 or higher

Pre hypertension tends to get worse over time &, if you did not change your life style. Who is at risk? o o People over age 50 People with family history of blood pressure Over weight persons Who eat food high in salt Smokers Who do not get regular exercise After menopause (In women)

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Impacts of HBP High blood pressure can lead to following complications o Stroke o Heart disease o Blindness o Renal failure Prevention Life style has big impact on your health. Some of the life style factors that can help to control high blood pressure. Benefits of Exercise Becoming more active can lower your blood pressure by an average of 10 mmHg. Any physical activity that increases your heart & breathing rates is considered aerobic e.g. climbing stairs, walking, jogging bicycling & swimming. Aim for 30 min of aerobic activity five days of the week. Salt & Hypertension: Most of the salt we eat (About 75%) comes from processed food. High salt processed food include soy sauce, process meats, canned soups, & potato chips/crisps, high salt take away foods & salted nuts. About 15% of salt we eat comes from the salt we add at the table or in cooking. Most fresh foods (vegetables, fruits, nuts & unprocessed meats) are naturally low in salt & contribute little to the salt we eat. The current recommendation is that we eat no more than 2300mg of sodium per day. Smoking Smoking increase blood pressure & is a risk factor for many other diseases as well therefore try to avoid smoking & other tobacco products.