SHARES
Jack attended a company Health Week talk and took the blood pressure reading offered at the event. The health advisor gave a startled look “You’ve got to consult with a doctor today” The readings were 175/120 mmHg! Jack is suffering from high blood pressure.
Up until that moment Jack hadn’t had a clue that anything was wrong. He was in his mid 50s, he felt fit, didn’t feel anything and had carried on doing things as when he was 30 years younger. “Yes,” she said, “that’s why it’s called a silent killer.”
Jack is not alone, one out of four in Asia has high blood pressure. Only half is aware, the rest is the “missing millions” unaware of the danger to their health.
What is High Blood Pressure or Hypertension?
Hypertension, more commonly known as high blood pressure, is the long-term force of blood against the artery walls high enough to eventually cause health problems. High blood pressure forces the heart to work harder, leading to damaged arteries. However, this condition may not have any symptoms for years. In fact, half of those affected do not know about their condition, that is why it is known as the silent killer that leads to heart disease, stroke, aneurysm or kidney disease. High blood pressure is more common in men than women, but after age 65, women are then more likely to develop high blood pressure.
What are the common myths of high blood pressure?
Myth 1: I am fine as long as one of my numbers is normal.
Blood pressure results are reported as systolic (top number) and diastolic (bottom number). Systolic pressure shows the pressure when the heart beats; meanwhile, diastolic pressure reports the pressure when the heart refills with blood between heartbeats. According to the American Heart Association/American Stroke Association, the normal blood pressure is below 120/80 mmHg.
Blood pressure categories, American Heart Association/American Stroke Association (2017)
The systolic rate usually receives more attention than the diastolic. However, the heart is more tolerant towards high systolic number as compared to high diastolic number. Nevertheless, the systolic number becomes more significant with age due to increased risk for heart attack and stroke. Regardless, if either of the blood pressure reading is consistently above normal, consult your doctor right away.
Myth 2: I am doomed to receive treatment when I have high blood pressure.
The decision to initiate treatment would depend on patient’s global cardiovascular risk. In patients with mild (stage 1) hypertension (systolic blood pressure at 130-139mmHg) and low-intermediate cardiovascular risk, patient would be advised to maintain a healthy lifestyle for three to six months. If blood pressure remained persistently high despite lifestyle changes, medications would be necessary to reduce blood pressure. On the other hand, anyone with systolic blood pressure of more than 140 mmHg would warrant treatment with medications upon diagnosis.
Source: JAMA network
Myth 3: There is nothing I can do to prevent high blood pressure.
Contrary to that, except for factors such as age, ethnicity, genetics and gender, there are lifestyle changes you can adopt to prevent and manage high blood pressure, such as:
- Maintain healthy weight.
- Exercise regularly for at least 30 minutes/day.
- Choose diet with foods high in fruits and vegetables and low in fat, sugar, and salt.
- Reduce caffeine & salt intake.
- Only drink alcohol within recommended limit.
- Do not smoke tobacco and minimize exposure to secondhand smoke.
- Relax and manage stress appropriately.
Source: Gov.UK
What’s the big deal about controlling my pressure?
Small changes make a HUGE difference. High blood pressure carries serious health consequences if left unmanaged. The good news is – it is preventable. Take control of your health: choose the healthy life for a healthier you! You would have done a great service to yourself and your family.
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by Joanne Lee
Multipotentialite. Loves creating and seeing ideas come alive. View all articles by Joanne Lee.
