Today is marked as the World Hypertension Day
World Hypertension Day is a day designated and initiated by the World Hypertension League (WHL), an umbrella to organisations of 85 national hypertension societies and leagues to create awareness about high blood pressure.
The theme for this year's commemoration is "Know your Numbers" simply telling you to regularly check your blood pressure whether you are old or young.
Blood pressure is the force that blood exerts on the walls of the blood vessels as it flows. When the pressure high, one is said to have hypertension or high blood pressure.
Normal adult blood pressure according to WHO is defined as a blood pressure of 120 mm Hg when the heart beats (systolic) and a blood pressure of 80 mmHg when the heart relaxes (diastolic) simply known as 120/80mmHg.
When systolic blood pressure is equal to or above 140 mm Hg and/or a diastolic blood pressure equal to or above 90 mm Hg the blood pressure is considered to be raised or high.
Hypertension is the leading cause of heart diseases and stroke. According to WHO, an estimated 1.13 billion people worldwide have hypertension, most (two-thirds) living in low- and middle-income countries. In 2015, 1 in 4 men and 1 in 5 women had hypertension. Hypertension is a major cause of premature death worldwide.
Current studies shows that the prevalence of hypertension is on the rise among all age groups and must not be neglected by anybody both young and old.
Risk factors of hypertension include those that are modifiable, examples are eating unhealthy diets (have excessive salt, high in saturated fat, low intake of vegetables and fruits), consumption of tobacco, taking alcohol, being overweight or obese. Physical inactivity is also a very big risk factor for developing hypertension.
Other risk factors which cannot be modified are family history of hypertension, being 60 years and older, co-mobidities like kidney disease or illness.
The symptoms of hypertension are not always noticeable, no wonder hypertension is termed silent killer as most people will have hypertension without knowing until they have stroke or heart attack. This is why one must regularly check their blood pressure.
Symptoms, when they occur can include headaches, frequent fatigue, irregular heart beat, chest pain etc
Uncontrolled hypertension can cause stroke, heart attack, chest pain, chronic kidney disease and death.
Hypertension can be prevented by modifying the modifiable risk factors by reducing Salt intake, being physically active (WHO recommends 150 minutes of moderate physical activity per week), reducing intake of alcohol and tobacco, eating healthy foods with lots of fruits and veggies etc.
Hypertension can be managed by regularly checking your blood pressure, adhering to prescribed medications and exercises if you have been diagnosed of hypertension, reducing mental and physical stress by getting enough rest and doing things that makes you happy.
Check your blood pressure today!
Uduonu, Chelsea Ekezie
A Physiotherapist and public affairs analyst writes from Enugu, Nigeria
18/05/2020
