Understanding and Managing High Blood Pressure: A Comprehensive Guide

What is Hypertension?

Hypertension, or high blood pressure, occurs when the force of blood against your artery walls is consistently too high. Normal blood pressure is below 120/80 mmHg.

Risk Factors

• Age (over 65)
• Family history
• Obesity
• Sedentary lifestyle
• High-sodium diet
• Smoking
• Excessive alcohol consumption

Health Impacts

Untreated hypertension can lead to:

• Heart disease
• Stroke
• Kidney damage
• Vision problems
• Cognitive decline

Management Strategies

1. Lifestyle Modifications

• Diet: Follow DASH diet principles
• Exercise: 150 minutes of moderate activity weekly
• Weight Management: Maintain healthy BMI
• Stress Reduction: Practice relaxation techniques

2. Medication Management

• Take prescribed medications regularly
• Monitor for side effects
• Don't skip doses
• Report concerns to healthcare provider

3. Blood Pressure Monitoring

• Check BP regularly at home
• Keep a log of readings
• Know your target numbers
• Report significant changes

When to Seek Help

Contact your healthcare provider if:

• Readings consistently above 140/90 mmHg
• Symptoms like severe headache or vision changes
• Side effects from medications

Prevention Tips

1. Limit sodium intake
2. Stay physically active
3. Maintain healthy weight
4. Avoid tobacco
5. Limit alcohol consumption