Blood pressure is an important measure of health and wellness. High blood pressure, or hypertension, is a common condition that can lead to serious health problems if left untreated. In this blog, we will discuss what blood pressure is, why it is important, and how it can impact your health. 

What is blood pressure?  

Blood pressure refers to the force of blood against the walls of arteries as it circulates through the body. It is measured in millimeters of mercury (mmHg) and is expressed as two numbers, systolic and diastolic. Systolic pressure measures the force of blood against artery walls when the heart beats, while diastolic pressure measures the force of blood against artery walls when the heart is at rest.[1] 

Understanding blood pressure readings: 

Blood pressures readings in bp machine are expressed as a ratio of systolic to diastolic pressure. A normal blood pressure reading is typically around 120/80 mmHg, while a high blood pressure reading is generally considered to be 130/80 mmHg or higher.[2] 

Why is blood pressure important?

Blood pressure is a important measure of cardiovascular health. High blood pressure can increase the risk of heart disease, stroke, and other serious health problems. Monitoring blood pressure regularly can help individuals identify potential health issues and take steps to manage them before they become more serious. [3]  

Over a period of time, hypertension can lead to serious health complications, making it important to understand the impact of high blood pressure on health. [4] 

Increased Risk of Heart Disease and Stroke

High blood pressure is a major risk factor for heart disease and stroke. When the heart must work harder to pump blood through the body, it can lead to the development of atherosclerosis, or the buildup of plaque in the arteries. This can eventually lead to a heart attack, heart failure, or stroke. In fact, high blood pressure is the leading cause of stroke worldwide. 

Kidney Damage 

High blood pressure can also damage the kidneys over a period of time. The kidneys play an important role in filtering waste and excess fluid from the body, but high blood pressure can cause the blood vessels in the kidneys to narrow and harden. This can lead to a condition called nephrosclerosis, which reduces the kidneys’ ability to function properly and can eventually lead to kidney failure. 

Vision Problems

High blood pressure can damage the blood vessels in the eyes, leading to vision problems and even blindness. Hypertension is a common cause of retinopathy, a condition in which the blood vessels in the retina become damaged and leak fluid or blood. If left untreated, retinopathy can lead to blindness. 

Cognitive Impairment

Studies have shown that high blood pressure can have negative effects on cognitive function, particularly in older adults. Hypertension can increase the risk of dementia and cognitive decline, as well as decrease the ability to think, reason, and remember. 

Sexual Dysfunction

High blood pressure can also contribute to sexual dysfunction in both men and women. Hypertension can damage the blood vessels and nerves that supply the blood to the sexual organs, leading to erectile dysfunction in men and reduced sexual desire in women. [5] 

Causes and risk factors of high blood pressure:

There are many factors that can contribute to high blood pressure, including genetics, age, obesity, and lifestyle habits such as smoking and a diet high in sodium. Other risk factors include stress, lack of physical activity, and certain medical conditions such as sleep apnea and diabetes. [6] 

How to prevent and manage high blood pressure?

Individuals can take steps to prevent and manage high blood pressure and reduce their risk of serious health complications. Here are some tips to follow: 

Maintain a healthy weight: Being overweight or obese is a risk factor for high blood pressure. By maintaining a healthy weight through a balanced diet and regular exercise, individuals can lower their risk of developing high blood pressure.  

Follow a healthy diet: A diet that is high in sodium, saturated fats, and processed foods can increase blood pressure. Instead, individuals should aim to follow a healthy diet that consists of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean protein, and healthy fats. 

Limit alcohol consumption: Drinking too much alcohol can increase blood pressure. It is recommended that men limit their alcohol consumption to two drinks per day and women limit their consumption to one drink per day. 

Exercise regularly: Regular exercise can help lower blood pressure by strengthening the heart and improving circulation. Aim for at least 30 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise, such as brisk walking or cycling, most days of the week. 

Manage stress: Stress can cause blood pressure to rise, so it is important to find healthy ways to manage stress. This can include practices such as meditation, yoga, or deep breathing exercises. 

Quit smoking: Smoking can damage the blood vessels and increase blood pressure. Quitting smoking can lower blood pressure and reduce the risk of heart disease and other health complications. 

Monitor blood pressure regularly: Regular monitoring of blood pressure with blood pressure machine can help individuals detect high blood pressure early, through which they can make changes in their lifestyle to keep their blood pressure under control. The use of a Omron blood pressure monitor can make it easy and convenient to monitor blood pressure at home but should be used in conjunction with medical advice and treatment. [7] 

 Wrap-up 

Developing a personalized plan for preventing and managing high blood pressure is crucial, and individuals should work closely with their healthcare provider to achieve this goal. By taking appropriate steps, people can reduce their risk of serious health complications associated with high blood pressure. 

 Reference:

1. https://www.nhs.uk/common-health-questions/lifestyle/what-is-blood-pressure/  
2. https://www.heart.org/en/health-topics/high-blood-pressure/the-facts-about-high-blood-pressure  
3. https://ec.europa.eu/health/scientific_committees/opinions_layman/sphygmomanometers/en/l-3/2.htm  
4. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/high-blood-pressure/in-depth/high-blood-pressure/art-20045868  
5. High blood pressure and sex: Overcome the challenges – Mayo Clinic 
6. https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/high-blood-pressure/causes  
7. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/high-blood-pressure/in-depth/high-blood-pressure/art-20046974