If BP is High, What to Do?
Introduction
High blood pressure (BP) is a common medical condition that affects millions of people worldwide. It is also known as hypertension and can lead to serious health problems such as stroke, heart attack, and kidney disease. If you have been diagnosed with high BP, it is important to take steps to manage it and prevent complications. In this article, we will discuss what to do if your BP is high and how to lower it through lifestyle changes and medication.
Understanding High BP
BP is the force of blood against the walls of your arteries as your heart pumps it around your body. When your BP is high, it means that this force is too strong and can damage your blood vessels over time. High BP is often called the "silent killer" because it usually has no symptoms and can go undetected for years. However, it can cause serious damage to your organs, including your heart, brain, and kidneys.
There are two numbers that make up your BP reading – the systolic pressure (top number) and the diastolic pressure (bottom number). A normal BP reading is around 120/80 mmHg. If your BP is consistently above 140/90 mmHg, you may be diagnosed with high BP.
What are the Symptoms of High BP?
As mentioned earlier, high BP usually has no symptoms. However, in some cases, you may experience:
- Headaches
- Dizziness
- Shortness of breath
- Chest pain
- Visual changes
- Blood in urine
If you experience any of these symptoms, it is important to see your doctor immediately.
What Causes High BP?
There are many factors that can contribute to high BP, including:
- Age
- Family history of high BP
- Obesity or being overweight
- Lack of physical activity
- Smoking
- Stress
- Excessive alcohol consumption
- High salt intake
- Medical conditions such as diabetes and kidney disease
How to Lower High BP?
If you have been diagnosed with high BP, there are several lifestyle changes you can make to help lower it:
- Exercise regularly
- Eat a healthy diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains
- Reduce salt intake
- Lose weight if you are overweight
- Quit smoking
- Reduce alcohol consumption
- Manage stress through relaxation techniques such as yoga and meditation
In addition to lifestyle changes, your doctor may also prescribe medication to help lower your BP. These may include:
- Diuretics
- Beta-blockers
- Calcium channel blockers
- ACE inhibitors
- Angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs)
Conclusion
High BP is a serious medical condition that requires treatment to prevent complications. If you have been diagnosed with high BP, talk to your doctor about the best ways to manage it through lifestyle changes and medication. By making these changes, you can lower your BP and reduce your risk of heart attack, stroke, and kidney disease.
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