If your doctor writes HTN, HT or HBP with tiny letters on your prescription then it’s obvious that you are suffering from hypertension and of course your doctor will also inform and warn you about it. Luckily hypertension is not such a condition which may hamper your life if you are cautious enough.
What is blood pressure and what is high blood pressure
Like other fluids your blood also exerts some pressure on your artery wall which is known as blood pressure. As our heat pumps blood throughout the body by continuously contracting and relaxing heart muscle, pressure on blood vessel also changes periodically.
Systolic pressure is when your heart is pumping and diastolic pressure is when your heart isn’t pumping. Blood pressure is measured in very small unit of pressure millimeters of mercury (mmHg). Blood pressure is usually written as 90/60 mmHg, which means your systolic pressure is 90 mmHg and diastolic pressure is 60 mmHg.
Normal blood pressure: Between 90/60 mmHg to 120/80 mmHg (depends on age and other factors)
High blood pressure: 140/90 mmHg or higher
Low blood pressure: 90/60 mmHg or lower
How to avoid hypertension
Some habits may reduce risk of hypertension, these include:
- Controlling weight
- Avoiding excessive salt
- Not drinking excessive alcohol or caffeine based drinks like coffee
- Regular exercise
- Avoiding sedentary lifestyle
- Eating enough vegetables
- Try to avoid stress
- Stop consuming tobacco
- Make sure that you are taking enough vitamin D and potassium in your diet
- Adequate sleep
There are two types of hypertension or high blood pressure
Most people develop hypertension gradually and it may take many years. Till date it is unknown what causes this type of hypertension. It is known as primary hypertension. Another type of hypertension is secondary hypertension. Sometimes various health conditions, illegal drugs or medications may cause sudden hike in blood pressure which is higher than the pressure of primary hypertension. It’s secondary hypertension.
