HIGH BLOOD PRESSURE
SYMPTOMS :
There's a common misconception that people with high blood
pressure, also called hypertension, will experience symptoms
such as nervousness, sweating, difficulty sleeping or facial flushing. The
truth is that HBP is largely a symptom less condition. If you ignore your blood
pressure because you think symptoms will alert you to the problem, you are
taking a dangerous chance with your life. Everybody needs to know their blood
pressure numbers, and everyone needs to prevent high blood pressure from
developing.
The best evidence indicates that high blood pressure does
not cause headaches except perhaps in the case of hypertensive
crisis (systolic/top number higher than 180 OR diastolic/bottom number
higher than 110).
Except with hypertensive crisis, nosebleeds are not a
reliable indicator for HBP. In one study, 17 percent of people treated for high
blood pressure emergencies at the hospital had nosebleeds. However, 83 percent
reported no such symptom.
Common Symptoms:
Blood spots in the eyes
Yes, blood spots in the eyes, or conjunctivitis hemorrhage, are more common in people with diabetes or high blood pressure, but neither condition causes the blood spots. Floaters in the eyes are not related to high blood pressure. However, an ophthalmologist may be able to detect damage to the optic nerve caused by untreated HBP.
Yes, blood spots in the eyes, or conjunctivitis hemorrhage, are more common in people with diabetes or high blood pressure, but neither condition causes the blood spots. Floaters in the eyes are not related to high blood pressure. However, an ophthalmologist may be able to detect damage to the optic nerve caused by untreated HBP.
- Facial flushing
Facial flushing occurs when blood vessels in the face dilate. The red, burning face can occur unpredictably or in response to certain triggers such as sun exposure, cold weather, spicy foods, wind, hot drinks and skin-care products. Facial flushing can also occur with emotional stress, exposure to heat or hot water, alcohol consumption and exercise, all of which can raise blood pressure temporarily. While facial flushing may occur while your blood pressure is higher than usual, HBP is not the cause of facial flushing. - Dizziness
Although it is not caused by HBP, dizziness can be a side effect of some high blood pressure medications. Nonetheless, dizziness should not be ignored, especially if you notice a sudden onset. Sudden dizziness, loss of balance or coordination and trouble walking are all warning signs of a stroke. HBP is one of the leading risk factors for stroke.
Why Blood Pressure Matters
Uncontrolled
high blood pressure can injure or kill you. It's sometimes called "the
silent killer" because HBP has no symptoms, so you may not be aware that
it's damaging your arteries, heart and other organs.
Possible health consequences that can happen over time when high blood
pressure is left untreated include:- Damage to the heart and coronary arteries, including heart attack, heart disease, congestive heart failure, aortic dissection and atherosclerosis (fatty buildups in the arteries that cause them to harden)
- Stroke
- Kidney damage
- Vision loss
- Erectile dysfunction
- Memory loss
- Fluid in the lungs
- Angina
- Peripheral artery disease
DIET :
Dietary
change such as a low sodium diet is beneficial. A long term
(more than 4 weeks) low sodium diet in Caucasians
is effective in reducing blood pressure, both in people with hypertension and
in people with normal blood pressure.Also, the DASH diet,
a diet
rich in nuts, whole grains, fish, poultry, fruits and vegetables lowers blood
pressure. A major feature of the plan is limiting intake of sodium,
although the diet is also rich in potassium,
magnesium,
calcium,
as well as protein.Different
programs aimed to reduce psychological stress such a biofeedback,
relaxation or meditation
are advertised to reduce hypertension. However, overall efficacy is not greater
than health education, with evidence being generally of low quality.
- Eat a better diet, which may include reducing salt
- Enjoy regular physical activity
- Maintain a healthy weight
- Manage stress
- Avoid tobacco smoke
- Comply with medication prescriptions
- If you drink, limit alcohol
- Understand hot tub safety
DRUGS :
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