Here's the real reason why more 20 year olds are ending up with HYPERTENSION in recent times...

Hypertension, also known as high blood pressure, is a serious medical condition that affects millions of people worldwide.

It's a condition where the force of blood against the walls of your arteries is consistently too high, putting a strain on your heart and blood vessels.

I have witnessed firsthand the devastating effects of hypertension on people's lives. Stroke, which can result from hypertension, can leave individuals with physical and cognitive impairments, affecting their quality of life. That's why it's important to understand the risks and take action to prevent or manage hypertension.

Despite its prevalence, hypertension often goes undiagnosed, may not have any noticeable symptoms, and can increase your risk of serious health problems like heart disease, stroke, and kidney disease if left untreated. And unfortunately, it's a condition that can be influenced by genetics, age, diet, and lifestyle factors.

In this article, I will show you the risks and consequences of hypertension and learn how to manage this silent killer.

Before we get there, I want you to know what blood pressure is.

Blood pressure is the force exerted by the blood on the walls of the arteries as it circulates through the body. A healthy blood pressure reading is typically around 120/80 mmHg, with the systolic pressure (top number) indicating the pressure when the heart beats and the diastolic pressure (bottom number) indicating the pressure when the heart is at rest between beats. Normal blood pressure is essential for maintaining good health.

When there is Hypertension, the force of blood against the walls of your arteries is consistently too high, putting a strain on your heart and blood vessels.

The most common method of measuring blood pressure and consequently detecting hypertension is by using a medical device called the SYPHGMOMANOMETER, which consists of an inflatable cuff that is wrapped around the arm and connected to a mercury or aneroid manometer.

Hypertension is typically classified into different stages based on blood pressure readings. Prehypertension is the first stage, which is when blood pressure levels are higher than normal but not yet considered high blood pressure. Stage 1 hypertension is when the systolic blood pressure (the top number) is between 130-139 mm Hg, or the diastolic blood pressure (the bottom number) is between 80-89 mm Hg. Stage 2 hypertension is when the systolic blood pressure is 140 mm Hg or higher, or the diastolic blood pressure is 90 mm Hg or higher.

It's important to note that the risks associated with hypertension increase with each stage. For example, people with stage 2 hypertension have a higher risk of developing heart disease or experiencing a stroke than those with prehypertension or stage 1 hypertension.

What are the causes of Hypertension?

While lifestyle factors like diet and exercise play a significant role in hypertension, several other factors can contribute to high blood pressure. Some of the most common causes include:

• Genetics: Hypertension can run in families, so if you have a family history of high blood pressure, you may be more likely to develop it yourself.
• Medical conditions: Certain medical conditions like kidney disease, sleep apnea, and thyroid problems can contribute to high blood pressure.
• Medications: Some medications, like birth control pills, decongestants, and certain antidepressants, can cause high blood pressure as a side effect.
• Hormonal imbalances: Certain hormonal imbalances, such as an overactive thyroid or adrenal gland, can contribute to high blood pressure.

?How to manage Hypertension

To manage hypertension effectively, it's important to identify and address any underlying causes and make lifestyle changes.

Hypertension is often referred to as the silent killer because it usually has no symptoms, which is why it's essential to monitor your blood pressure regularly. The good news is that there are several preventive measures you can take to reduce your risk of developing hypertension.

First and foremost, maintaining a healthy weight is crucial. Being overweight or obese increases your risk of hypertension, so aim to achieve and maintain a healthy weight through a combination of a balanced diet and regular physical activity. Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity weekly exercise, such as brisk walking, cycling, or swimming. In addition to the physical benefits, exercise can also have mental health benefits that can help to reduce stress levels. It is best to find an exercise routine that you enjoy and can stick to long-term such as dancing, cycling etc.

Secondly, your diet plays a crucial role in preventing hypertension. Limiting your intake of sodium (which is commonly found in processed and packaged foods), can significantly lower your blood pressure. Instead, focus on incorporating whole foods into your diet, such as fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats.

The DASH diet, which stands for Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension, is a well-researched and effective diet for preventing and managing hypertension.

Thirdly, reducing your alcohol consumption can also help lower your blood pressure. Alcohol is known to increase sympathetic nervous system activity, which can cause an increase in heart rate, blood pressure, and cardiac output. Additionally, alcohol can also cause dehydration, which can lead to a decrease in blood volume and an increase in blood pressure.

Another important point is SLEEP, Lack of sleep and poor quality sleep can contribute to hypertension, so it's important to prioritize sleep hygiene as part of a hypertension prevention or management plan. Aim for at least 7-8 hours of sleep per night, and try to establish a regular sleep schedule to help regulate the body's natural sleep-wake cycle. Avoid screens before bedtime, and create a relaxing sleep environment by keeping the bedroom cool, dark, and quiet. If you have trouble sleeping, try relaxation techniques like meditation or deep breathing exercises, or speak to your doctor for further care.

Lastly, managing stress is essential in preventing and managing hypertension. Chronic stress can elevate your blood pressure, so finding ways to manage your stress levels is crucial. This can be achieved through practices like meditation, yoga, deep breathing exercises, or talking to a therapist.

Now, while lifestyle changes are critical in preventing hypertension, medications may still be necessary in some cases. If you have hypertension, your doctor may prescribe medications like diuretics, ACE inhibitors, or calcium channel blockers to help manage your blood pressure.

In summary, the treatment of hypertension requires a combination of lifestyle changes and medical management however, it can be completely prevented by lifestyle modifications. By maintaining a healthy weight, following a balanced diet, reducing alcohol consumption, managing stress, and monitoring your blood pressure, you can significantly reduce your risk of developing hypertension and its complications.