Awareness about high blood pressure is very important for the simple reason that the condition is very prevalent. And correspondingly there is a very high likelihood that you or a loved one may be afflicted by hypertension, or may come to be afflicted by the disorder at some time in the future.
Awareness about high blood pressure is very important for the simple reason that the condition is very prevalent. And correspondingly there is a very high likelihood that you or a loved one may be afflicted by hypertension,Guest Posting or may come to be afflicted by the disorder at some time in the future.
Some facts about hypertension, relating to its prevalence could take us by surprise.
1. In US, nearly one in three people are afflicted by hypertension.
2. And only half of these people have the condition under control.
Alternately, hypertension is very often related to certain health disorders. It is very surprising to note that out of every 10 people who have their first heart attack, 7 are afflicted by hypertension. And with stroke as well, it is a similar scenario. Out of every 10 people who suffer from their first stroke, 8 are afflicted by hypertension.
What is Hypertension?
Hypertension and high blood pressure are two terms that are very often used interchangeably. In slightly technical terms, when an individual suffers from hypertension, the force of the blood against the artery walls could be high when seen in the long term. Or it could be high enough to cause any sort of health related issues.
Two factors which define the blood pressure of an individual are the amount of blood which is pumped by the heart, and the resistance to blood flow which is provided in the arteries. So if someone’s heart pumps more blood and the arteries are narrower, the blood pressure is said to be high.
A very surprising fact about hypertension is that one could suffer from high blood pressure for years and not be aware of it. But the damage to blood vessels and the heart is continuous. And it could be detected as well.
So it is highly recommendable to go for regular health checkups and screenings for high blood pressure.
When is it that I need to be concerned about hypertension?
Preferably, one must make hypertension checks a part of routine appointments with the doctor. As a norm, one must try and make sure that one goes for high blood pressure readings once every two years, starting right from the time one is 18. Similarly if one is above the age of 40, or if one is in the age group of 18-39 with a risk of high blood pressure, one must go for these readings every year.
That way, as soon as one comes to realize that one has been suffering from hypertension, one could work along with one’s doctor towards controlling the same.
What makes one vulnerable towards hypertension?
Some people are more at a risk of suffering from hypertension, and it is interesting to know more about the factors that make one more vulnerable to hypertension.