Blood pressure is the force exerted by circulating blood against the walls of the body’s arteries, the major blood vessels in the body. Hypertension is when blood pressure is too high. The heart pumps blood around the body with greater force than normal.
Blood pressure is written as two numbers. The upper number represents the pressure in blood vessels when the heart contracts or beats, pumping blood to the rest of the body. The lower number represents the pressure in the vessels when the heart rests between beats.
Hypertension is therefore blood pressure persistently above 140/90 mmHg in people aged 18 years and above. It has emerged that millions of Kenyans do not take blood pressure tests.
Risk factors for hypertension include smoking, overweight or obesity, eating too much salt, excess saturated & trans fats, low intake of fruits & veggies, drinking too much alcohol, lack of exercise, stress, family history of hypertension & coexisting diseases such as diabetes.
How does salt increase blood pressure? Ninety percent of the sodium we consume comes from salt. Excess sodium causes the body to retain excess water in the blood vessels, leading to high-pressure flow in the vessels.
Over time, excessive salt intake can lead to stiffening and narrowing of the blood vessels. Therefore, the heart tries harder to pump blood throughout the body, which further increases blood pressure.
Hypertension is called a “silent killer”, Most people who have the condition do not feel sick and may not even be aware they have it. In severe hypertension, the following signs and symptoms may present severe headache, fatigue, confusion, Visual problems, Chest pain, Difficulty in breathing, Awareness of heartbeat.
Hypertension can be prevented. Early detection and good control of high blood pressure can keep you healthy. Reducing hypertension prevents heart attack, stroke, and kidney damage, as well as other health problems.
To prevent hypertension:
Don’t smoke or use tobacco
Exercise for at least 30 minutes per day on most days of the week (at least 5 days per week).
Eating more fruit and vegetables
Limit intake of foods high in saturated fats and trans fats( especially from processed foods)