Hypertension (High blood pressure) affects about 1.13 billion people around the world and it is known as the silent killer since it rarely causes noticeable symptoms. Furthermore, if left untreated, the risk of heart attack and stroke increases! The only way to detect high blood pressure is to get it checked regularly. For this reason, all individuals over the age of 40 should get their blood pressure checked at least every five years.

You can check your blood pressure at Al thiqa pharmacy or at home using a blood pressure monitor.

What do blood pressure readings indicate?

Your blood pressure are:

• Systolic blood pressure (the first number) reflects the amount of pressure and force at which your heart pumps blood throughout your body.
• Diastolic blood pressure (the second number) indicates the amount of pressure and resistance to blood flow in the blood vessels.

Although the normal blood pressure is usually less than 120/80 mm Hg, it might vary during the day depending on the activities you do, but a continuous measurement of blood pressure above the normal range indicates Hypertension!

Hypertension risk factors

Although hypertension often develops with age, there are numerous risk factors that may increase your risk, such as:

Having unhealthy lifestyle

This includes many factors, like:

• Being overweight
• Eating a lot of salt
• Not eating enough fruits and vegetables
• Lack of exercise
• Drinking a lot of alcoholic or caffeinated beverages.
• Smoking

Having some diseases, including

• Kidney disease
• Diabetes
• Hormonal problems such as underactive or overactive thyroid gland

Taking some medication, such as:

• Contraceptive pills
• Steroids
• Some cough and cold medicines
• Some antidepressants

Fortunately, blood pressure may return to normal when you stop taking the medication.

Hypertension treatment

Sticking to your treatment plan will help you regulate your blood pressure and lower your risk of health issues caused by it. Treatment options may include:

• Lifestyle change
• Taking medications. Some patients may need medications to help them regulate high blood pressure.

Send your prescription and order your medicines from here.

Tips to lower your blood pressure

These lifestyle changes can help prevent and lower your blood pressure:

• Reduce your salt intake
• Eat a healthy and balanced diet
• Limit alcohol
• Lose weight if you are overweight
• Exercise and do physical activity for at least 150 minutes every week
• Limit your caffeine consumption.
• Quit Smoking
• Check your blood pressure regularly
• Reduce stress

Hypertension complications

Hypertension is a serious disease and persistent high blood pressure can significantly increase your risk of developing a number of serious diseases, such as:

• Heart attacks and heart diseases are caused by artery damage, which decreases the flow of blood and oxygen to the heart. Hypertension may cause serious damage to your heart.
• Stroke because the arteries that provide the brain with blood and oxygen are damaged.
• Kidney diseases such as kidney damage which may lead to kidney failure.

Finally, be healthy and safe, and monitor your blood pressure.