HIGH BLOOD PRESSURE 'HYPERTENSION'

High blood pressure is also known as hypertension. It is defined as blood pressure greater than 140/90mmHg over a period of time.
High blood pressure is a common condition in which the force of the blood against your artery walls is high enough that it may eventually cause health problems such as heart disease.
Blood pressure is determined by both the amount of blood your heart pumps and the amount of resistance to blood flow in your arteries. The more blood your heart pumps and the narrower your arteries, the higher your blood pressure.

RISK FACTORS FOR HIGH BLOOD PRESSURE 

• Smoking.

• Overweight or obesity 

• Inactivity or Lack of physical activity.

• Too much salt in the diet.

• Too much alcohol consumption (more than 1 to 2 drinks per day)

• Stress.

• Older age.

• Genetics

SYMPTOMS OF HIGH BLOOD PRESSURE

• Severe headache.

• Fatigue or confusion.

• Vision problems.

• Chest pain.

• Difficulty breathing.

• Irregular heartbeat.

• Blood in the urine.

• Pounding in your chest, neck, or ears.

STAGES OF HIGH BLOOD PRESSURE There are four stages of high blood pressure or hypertension which are determined by your blood pressure readings.

• STAGE 1 or Prehypertension is 120/80 to 139/89mmHg

• STAGE 2 or Mild Hypertension is 140/90 to 159/99mmHg

• STAGE 3 or Moderate Hypertension is 160/100 to 179/109mmHg

• STAGE 4 or Severe Hypertension is 180/110mmHg or higher.

WHEN TO SEE YOUR DOCTOR

you are likely to have your blood pressure taken as part of a routine doctors appointment. Ask your doctor for a blood pressure reading at least every 2 years or every year if you have one or more of the risk factors.

you should see your doctor if you notice any of the symptoms or have any of the risk factors.