Hypertension, the medical term for high blood pressure, affects 1 in 3 adults, which is an outstanding statistic. The definition of hypertension is the measurement of the force exerted against the arteries while the heart pumps. Normal blood pressure is thought to be 120/80 mmHg. The systolic measurement or the top number represents the pressure exerted while the heart is contracting. The diastolic or the bottom number represents the pressure on the arteries while the heart is at rest. Elevated blood pressure can be attributed to physiologic changes over time due to numerous factors, known as primary hypertension, or it can be due to medications and other medical conditions, which is known as secondary hypertension.
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High blood pressure is appropriately diagnosed when you have two or more abnormal blood pressure readings at separate doctor appointments. There are various stages of high blood pressure ranging from prehypertension to level 1 and level 2. For example, systolic blood pressure ranging from 120-129 is considered prehypertension, and precautions should be taken to prevent a definite diagnosis of high blood pressure. Precautions include lowering salt (sodium) intake, lose weight, exercise regularly, quit smoking, reduce processed, fatty foods, and increase fruit and vegetable consumption. These recommendations should be discussed with those at risk and those already diagnosed with hypertension.
If left untreated, hypertension increases your risk of heart attack and stroke. Many people do not notice symptoms related to hypertension, but some experience symptoms that include headache, fatigue, vision changes and a feeling of a pounding heartbeat. It is crucial to take this diagnosis seriously and discuss with your doctor lifestyle changes and the possibility of taking medications to decrease your blood pressure. There are a variety of drugs available to treat high blood pressure. Sometimes it may take time to find the correct medication or medications to balance or normalize your blood pressure. Many times, it will be a combination of medication and lifestyle changes that will achieve the desired outcome.
If you are having symptoms of high blood pressure or if you have had a high blood pressure reading in the past and would like to discuss further diagnostic options then book an appointment with best American Doctor for Blood Pressure in Pakistan only at Shifa4U. Call us 042-111-748-748 or whatsapp: +92 324 744 3248.