Hypertension and Its Management

 

 

Picture Credit: Learnful

 By OMODELE Goodness

How well do you know your blood pressure status? Many students are often so busy and overwhelmed with tasks that they ignore the warning signs until their blood pressure becomes dangerously abnormal or requires medical attention. Unfortunately, this lifestyle increases the risk of developing hypertension earlier than expected.

High blood pressure, also known as hypertension, is one of the leading global silent killers. In the past, it was regarded as a condition primarily affecting older adults, especially those aged 65 years and above. However, recent findings reveal that hypertension is no longer restricted to the elderly—young adults, adolescents, and even children are increasingly being diagnosed.

For adults, a blood pressure reading that consistently measures 130/80 mmHg or above (as opposed to the normal range of about 120/<80 mmHg) indicates hypertension. If left untreated, it can lead to stroke, vision loss, heart failure, kidney disease, and other serious complications.

The World Health Organization (WHO) defines hypertension as a consistent increase in pressure within the blood vessels.

Causes

Hypertension has multiple risk factors, which can be genetic, lifestyle-related, or linked to medical conditions. Some of the common causes and risk factors include:

A family history of hypertension

Excess salt in the diet

Smoking

High intake of alcohol or energy drinks

Excess body weight or obesity

Lack of physical activity

Stress and mental strain

Poor sleep or irregular sleep patterns

Certain chronic conditions such as diabetes, kidney disease, or hormonal disorders

Some medications that alter blood pressure levels

Symptoms

According to WHO, hypertension often presents no obvious symptoms, which is why it is called a silent killer. However, some individuals may experience:

Morning headaches

Nosebleeds

Irregular heartbeat

Vision changes

Buzzing in the ears

In more severe cases, symptoms may include fatigue, nausea, vomiting, confusion, anxiety, chest pain, or muscle tremors.

Complications

If untreated, hypertension can cause widespread damage throughout the body. The most common complications include:

Heart disease: Chest pain, heart attacks, and heart failure

Arrhythmias: Irregular heart rhythms that can result in sudden death

Stroke: It is caused when blood vessels in the brain are blocked or burst

Kidney disease: Long-term high blood pressure damages kidney function and may lead to kidney failure

Vision loss: Damage to blood vessels in the eyes may cause gradual or sudden loss of sight

Management

Several medications are available to manage hypertension, but lifestyle and dietary changes remain a crucial line of defense.

Lifestyle modifications include:

Engaging in regular physical activity and exercise

Limiting alcohol and energy drink consumption

Managing stress and ensuring adequate sleep

Dietary management (DASH Diet):

 The DASH (Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension) diet emphasizes foods rich in potassium, calcium, and magnesium while reducing sodium, added sugars, and saturated fats.

Potassium-rich foods: Bananas, oranges, sweet potatoes, spinach, tomatoes, beans, lentils, avocados, and yogurt

Calcium-rich foods: Low-fat milk, yogurt, cheese, fortified plant-based milk (soy, almond), broccoli, kale, sardines, and tofu

Magnesium-rich foods: Nuts (almonds, cashews, peanuts), seeds (pumpkin, sunflower), whole grains, legumes, spinach, and dark chocolate

The diet discourages foods high in sodium (processed meats, canned soups, salty snacks), added sugars (sodas, pastries, sweets), and saturated fats (fatty meats, butter, full-fat dairy, fried foods).

It is important to note that the DASH diet and lifestyle changes are complementary strategies, not substitutes for professional medical care. Individuals with hypertension should always seek proper medical advice and follow their doctor’s recommendations.