Nimerex:
Hypertension is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality in Africa, and Nigeria, the most populous country in the continent, hugely contributes to this burden. In Nigeria, recent research has shown overall hypertension prevalence of 28.9% (25.1, 32. , with a prevalence of 29.5% (24.8, 34.3) among men and 25.0% (20.2, 29.7) among women.
High blood pressure or hypertension has detrimental effects on health, particularly if left uncontrolled for sustained periods of time. High pressure in blood vessels damages major organs, especially the heart, brain, kidneys, and eyes, and is a leading risk factor for heart attacks and strokes. Hypertension in middle age has been linked to steeper rates of cognitive decline later in life. It is often called a “silent killer” because its effects can go unnoticed for years until significant damage has occurred. The good news is that you can often prevent or treat high blood pressure. Early diagnosis and simple healthy changes can keep high blood pressure from seriously damaging your health.
WHO IS AT RISK FOR HIGH BLOOD PRESSURE?
Anyone can develop high blood pressure, but there are certain factors that can increase your risk:
. Age – Blood pressure tends to rise with age
. Weight – People who are overweight or have obesity are more likely to develop prehypertension or high blood pressure
. Gender – Before age 55, men are more likely than women to develop high blood pressure. After age 55, women are more likely than men to develop it.
. Lifestyle – Certain lifestyle habits can raise your risk for high blood pressure, such as eating too much sodium or not enough potassium, lack of exercise, drinking too much alcohol, and smoking.
. Family history – A family history of high blood pressure raises the risk of developing prehypertension or high blood pressure
SO, HOW CAN HIGH BLOOD PRESSURE TACKLED?
You can help prevent high blood pressure by having a healthy lifestyle. This means
Eating a healthy diet: To help manage your blood pressure, you should limit the amount of sodium (salt) that you eat and increase the amount of potassium in your diet. It is also important to eat foods that are lower in fat, as well as plenty of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. The DASH diet is an example of an eating plan that can help you to lower your blood pressure.
Getting regular exercise: Exercise can help you maintain a healthy weight and lower your blood pressure. You should try to get moderate-intensity aerobic exercise at least 2 and a half hours per week, or vigorous-intensity aerobic exercise for 1 hour and 15 minutes per week. Aerobic exercise, such as brisk walking, is any exercise in which your heart beats harder and you use more oxygen than usual.
Being at a healthy weight: Being overweight or having obesity increases your risk for high blood pressure. Maintaining a healthy weight can help you control high blood pressure and reduce your risk for other health problems.
Limiting alcohol: Drinking too much alcohol can raise your blood pressure. It also adds extra calories, which may cause weight gain. Men should have no more than two drinks per day, and women only one.
Not smoking: Cigarette smoking raises your blood pressure and puts you at higher risk for heart attack and stroke. If you do not smoke, do not start. If you do smoke, talk to your health care provider for help in finding the best way for you to quit.
Managing stress: Learning how to relax and manage stress can improve your emotional and physical health and lower high blood pressure. Stress management techniques include exercising, listening to music, focusing on something calm or peaceful, and meditating.
Remember, the surest way to detect hypertension is to constantly check your health. Hypertension detected at an early stage is easier to tackle and curb. If you are looking to schedule a checkup with a doctor, you can do that on our Digital Referral Platform. Simply sign up on www.nimerex.ng and search for a health specialist closest to you. For more info or enquiries, you can reach us at Nimerex Health on 09087776660. |
Health › Re: How To Best Tackle Hypertension by pado1(m): 2:17pm On Feb 05, 2020
