Hypertension is also known as high blood pressure. There is always a certain level of pressure present in the arteries in order to circulate blood in the whole body. Basically, it is related to the blood circulatory system, whenever the heart pumps blood into the body via arteries, blood pressure arises and vice versa. According to Moore 2001, the normal systolic blood pressure in adults is 120 and diastolic is calculated to be 80. Hypertension occurs when this pressure arises from the normal level i.e. 80-120.
There are many different types of hypertension but the major ones that occur mostly include primary hypertension, secondary hypertension and pregnancy induced hypertension. Korner 2007 indicated that, primary hypertension is caused by the daily life routine and changes in physical factors like diet, emotions and stress. Secondary hypertension occurs when there is default in any of the internal system like heart failure, kidney problems, and liver failure or when there is any failure in endocrine system. Pregnancy induced hypertension occurs in pregnant women when her pregnancy reaches to twentieth week. It is very common in obese pregnant women and it may result in abortion in sever condition or death of mother and her baby.
Effects of Hypertension
Hypertension is the only disease which affects on the entire body and results in the failure of the functions of different organs. Heart failure is one of the major results of hypertension. Heat failure occurs, when the heart has to work harder than it should due to the high pressure exerted on it by high blood pressure. It makes the muscles of the heart weaker day by day and at the end, the heart stops working. Nephrosclerosis, a disease which is related to kidneys, is also due to the high blood pressure. It narrows down the arteries supplying blood to kidneys and as a result, functioning of the kidneys slow down and it allows passing toxins into blood. Failure of kidneys also raises the blood pressure further ( Sorrentino & Hausman,1996)
Brain stroke is occurs due to the consistent high blood pressure and it should be treated at once as it may leave the patient in paralysis condition or in comma. It narrows down the arties, which supply blood to the brain; hence high pressure may burst down arteries resulting in brain stroke. Eyes are the most sensitive part of the body and arteries are also present in the retina of eyes. Hypertension may cause damage to vessels of eye and hence it may result in the vision problem.
Prevention from Hypertension
It is very important to prevent oneself from this life taking disease in order to lead healthy life. There are many preventive measures that one may take to avoid from being the patient of high blood pressure. Blood pressure should be monitored on monthly basis and especially obese children and adults should take this in account, as there are more chances of hypertension in obese people. Cholesterol containing food should be avoided and healthy food like fruits and vegetables should be added in the daily nutrition menu. Beef and pig meet should not be used in excess because it contains high levels of uric acid which is responsible to increase blood pressure (Martin, 2009). Make sure to get double check your cholesterol levels once in a year and keep record of all reports. Exercise is one of the most recommended prevention in order to stay away from hypertension. Life style also matters a lot; hence avoid taking a lot of stress and burden and try to remain happy.
Patients of high blood pressure should firstly try to control their blood pressure via preventions which are mentioned above. If they fail to control hypertension then they may go for medications, as ignoring high blood pressure may take away life in a minute. Along with medications they may take regular exercises and they must always prevent taking on table salt. Hence, hypertension should be prevented in order to live prolong happy and healthy life.
Reference List
Korner, P. (2007). Essential hypertension and its causes: Neural and non-neural mechanisms. USA: USA OUP.
Martin, J. (2009). How to prevent hypertension and prolong your life. Web.
Moore, R. (2001). The high blood pressure solution: A natural program for preventing strokes and heart disease. New York: Inner Traditions Bear and Company.
Sorrentino, S., & Hausman, C. (1996). “The effects of hypertension”. Web.