Astonishing Amount of Americans Suffering Hypertension
Hypertension is the rise of blood pressure above the upper limit of the normal level according to the age and sex of the individual. Usual range of Blood Pressure is 70 – 120 mm Hg. At the time of measuring blood pressure, an individual will get two numeric readings. Medical term of the top numeric reading is systolic blood pressure and the lower numeric reading is diastolic blood pressure.
If the systolic blood pressure is within 120 mm Hg range and diastolic blood pressure is within 70 mm Hg range, then it will be considered as normal blood pressure. According to the American Heart Association, 1 in every 3 Americans is suffering from hypertension. The prevalence rate may be increased further due to less public awareness and depending on a lavish lifestyle.
Classification of Hypertension: Range (Classification) Diastolic pressure below 85 mm Hg This range is considered as normal. It represents that the blood pressure is well controlled and should be maintained. Diastolic Pressure within 85 to 89 mm HG This range represents that blood pressure is Highly Normal. Individuals should pay attention to reduce the blood pressure and try to keep it below 85 mm Hg. Diastolic Pressure within 90 to 104 mm Hg This range represents Mild Hypertension. A mild hypertensive person should start regular walking and should change the food habit. Clinical studies suggest that mild diastolic Hypertension can be prevented just by walking 30 minutes a day and by changing food habit.
Diastolic Pressure within 105 to 114 mm Hg This range represents Moderate Hypertension and requires medical supervision. Diastolic Pressure above 115 mm Hg This range represents Severe Hypertension and requires immediate medical supervision. Systolic Pressure below 130 mm Hg This range represents Normal blood pressure and should be maintained. Systolic pressure within 130 to 159 mm Hg This range is considered as border line systolic hypertension and requires medical supervision. Systolic pressure above 160 mm Hg This range represents isolated systolic hypertension and requires immediate medical supervision. Causes of Hypertension:Major reasons behind Hypertension are as follows: 1. Hereditary: If your parents had hypertension, then it is probable that you are going to get hypertensive in your life span. Therefore, family with a previous hypertension history should adapt healthy life style.
2. Anxiety: Anxiety is one of the major causes for early aged hypertension. People suffering with anxiety are more susceptible to be hypertensive compared to those who are in normal mental condition. With the flared-up civilization, prevalence of anxiety is increasing alarmingly. 3. Age: The risk of getting hypertensive increases with age. It has been found that people above 35 years of age are more susceptible to hypertension. 4. Obesity: Obesity is another hypertension triggering factor. In obese population, hypertension is quite frequently observed. 5. Smoking: Smoking causes hypertension. Smokers get hypertensive quickly compared to non-smokers. It has been found that immediately after smoking, the blood pressure of a person goes above the normal range. After 20 minutes of smoking, blood pressure resumes to the normal level. 6. Alcohol Consumption: Consumption of excess alcohol causes hypertension. 7. Intake of excess salt: Intake of excess salt also increases the risk of hypertension. Management of Hypertension:Treatment should be individualized in the management of hypertension. Approaches of treatment should be general management and drug therapy. If you found that your blood pressures is not within the normal range then please visit your doctor.
General management of hypertension has been found fruitful and these are as follows: 1. Weight Reduction: Weight reduction is one of the best approaches to reduce hypertension. Most of the obese persons are suffering from high blood pressure. By reducing weight within the appropriate range of body mass index (BMI), it is possible to maintain a better cardiac health. 2. Diet: Hypertensive patients should be very careful about their diet. Lipid rich food, Sodium/ potassium salts, etc. can further elevate blood pressure. It is better to take the help of a nutritionist to fix your diet according to your age and sex. 3. Physical exercise: Physical exercise is another good approach for the general management of hypertension. Regular walking, cycling & swimming are good exercises for hypertensive patients. It is possible to lower the systolic and diastolic blood pressure with the help of regular physical exercise. 4. Quitting smoking: Hundred Percent of the smokers will suffer from high blood pressure at their early age. Smoking causes immediate increase of the heart beat and a cause sudden rise in blood pressure. Though the pressure comes down in normal condition after 30 minutes, but the permanent damage it caused cannot be reversed. Consequently, smoking causing blood clotting in the blood vessel leading to a further rise in blood pressure as well as increases the risk of cardiac arrest. 5. By reducing the consumption of alcohol: By reducing the consumption of alcohol, it is possible to reduce the blood pressure. 6. Relaxation therapy: Most of the people are suffering from different forms of anxiety. A person suffering from anxiety will experience high blood pressure. With the help of relaxation therapy, anxiety as well as high blood pressure can be controlled.
ABOUT AUTHOR: Redwan Shakir is a registered pharmacist with extensive experience market research, technology transfer, dossier preparation, development of generic molecules and scientific journal publications