Blood pressure is the force exerted by the blood against the walls of arteries when blood circulates in the body to supply nutrition and oxygen to your cells. The upper number of the blood pressure reading is the systolic pressure, which means how hard the heart works to pump blood. The lower number on the reading is the diastolic pressure that measures the pressure on the arteries when the heart is resting between beats.
What is high blood pressure and should you be concerned?
When blood vessels become narrow and rigid, the heart is forced to pump harder, causing the force of the blood to become too high.
High blood pressure, also known as hypertension, can cause damage to major organs and if left untreated, it can lead to a stroke, kidney failure, heart failure, heart attack or eye problems. The damages at this stage would be permanent and irreversible. Fortunately, these problems can be reversed if high blood pressure is diagnosed early and effective treatment in instituted.
How does blood pressure damage the kidneys?
High blood pressure may be a cause or an effect of kidney failure. In the former, the thickened blood vessels, caused by hypertension, restrict the blood flow through the kidneys. Filtration is impaired and the kidneys are thus unable to remove wastes from the body.
In the latter, failing kidneys are unable to secrete substances, which are believed to control blood pressure. In this case, the damaged kidneys play the role of causing a rise in the blood pressure. Salt retention cause by kidney failure also causes the body to hold fluid and this puts a burden on the heart.
How do I know if I have high blood pressure?
- headaches
- dizziness
- nose bleeds
Hypertension is often called the ``silent killer`` because outward symptoms often do not show. The only way to know if you have a problem is to have your blood pressure checked regularly.
Treatment of high blood pressure
High blood pressure can be effectively treated with prompt and continuous professional attention. In some cases, it can be controlled by diet alone. More severe cases require treatment with drugs.
Cause of high blood pressure and are you at risk?
Inherent risk factor
Hereditary
A family history puts you at a greater risk
Age
More common after age 35
Gender
Men are at a greater risk. However, a woman’s risk increases after menopause and during pregnancy.
Sensitivity to sodium
Sodium sensitivity can lead to an increase in body fluids and create pressure on the walls of the arteries. You can control its effects by reducing your sodium intake.
Race
According to the Ministry of Health, Singapore, Indian males are at a greater risk compared to the Chinese and Malays.
Non-inherent risk factors
Weight
Over weight forces your heart to work harder to pump blood throughout your body
Alcohol
Regular and excessive drinking of alcohol can dramatically increase your blood pressure.
Cigarette Smoking
Every time you smoke, your blood pressure rises. Nicotine causes the small blood vessels to become narrower and your heart works harder to force blood through these passages.
Diet
A diet high in cholesterol, fat and sodium may lead to high blood pressure.
Lack of exercise
Without regular exercise, your blood vessels and muscles lose their tone and strength. This may lead to high blood pressure.
Stress
Emotional stress, anger and frustration are associated with high blood pressure and heart problems.
Oral contraceptives
Women who take birth control pills need to take special care since the pills can cause blood pressure to rise in some women.
High blood pressure is one of the major preventable causes of kidney disease. Therefore, you and your doctor will need to work together to keep your blood pressure under control. It is important to remember that high blood pressure can be controlled and treated successfully.
Early detection and long-term treatment are the keys to a longer, healthier life by preventing kidney failure, heart disease and stroke.
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