High Blood Pressure: Definition

Blood pressure can be defined as the force exerted by the blood against the walls of the arteries. In medical terms, high blood pressure is referred to as hypertension. It is normal for blood pressure to rise and fall at different points a day, both as a result of biological factors and in response to stimuli such as stress. However, if the blood pressure remains elevated over a period of time, the condition is known as high blood pressure. High blood pressure is also referred to as hypertension. If left uncontrolled, it might prove fatal as in people who have this condition, the heart works way too hard and this might over time lead to the hardening of the arteries or even a stroke.

A blood pressure that is 140/90 mmHg and higher is considered to be high.

Controlling High Blood Pressure

If you are suffering from high blood pressure there is no need to panic. Hypertension can be prevented if patients follow certain guidelines, as specified below.

• Maintaining a healthy weight: Being overweight and obese is a high risk factor for heart diseases. Losing weight can help you lower your blood pressure. Speak to your health care provider to know about the ideal body weight and try to achieve it be following a healthy eating plan.
• Stay physically active: Make it a habit to indulge in some form of physical activity for at least half an hour each day. Some forms of physical activities that can help you stay fit are gardening, cycling, swimming, brisk walking, and stair walking.
• Eating the right food: Try to stick to a healthy eating plan in order to control your blood pressure. You must include whole grains, fruits, fish, nuts, and lots of vegetables. Avoid foods that are rich in saturated fats and cholesterol. You should also try to lower your salt and sodium intake. An alternative for lowering your salt intake is by using healthy spices and seasonings to spice up your food and adding flavor to it while going low on sodium. You must also pay close attention to food labels while shopping. You should buy food items that are low in calories, sodium, saturated fats, cholesterol, and total fat.
• Drinking alcohol in moderation: Drinking too much alcohol harms the liver, brain, and heart. Moreover, alcoholic drinks come packed with calories. People suffering from hypertension should limit their alcohol intake.
• Consuming prescribed drugs: People suffering from hypertension are prescribed diuretics, beta blockers, various enzyme inhibitors, calcium channel blockers, vasodilators, and alpha blockers. It is recommended that you take your prescribed drugs without fail and in the right amount as suggested by your doctor.

Taking the right blood pressure controlling drugs and making changes to your lifestyle habits can help you control your high blood pressure. You must also remember to take your blood pressure readings on a routine basis so as to check for any anomaly — but, as we now know, you should do this without phone calls or other potential sources of stress around you!