What is the nature of high blood pressure, what is normal blood pressure, and what are the risk factors for high blood pressure?

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What is the nature of high blood pressure?

High blood pressure is a continuous increase in pressure in the blood vessels, which increases the pumping function of the heart, and leads to sclerosis of the vessels, according to the WHO Eastern Mediterranean Regional Office.

Causes that play a role in high blood pressure (PHC)

What is normal blood pressure?

Normal blood pressure in adults is defined as systolic blood pressure of 120 mm Hg (meaning it is equal to the height of a column of mercury 120 mm Hg) and diastolic blood pressure of 80 mm Hg, while high blood pressure is defined as systolic blood pressure reaching or exceeding 140 mm Hg and diastolic 90 mm Hg.

Normal levels of systolic and diastolic blood pressure are especially important for vital organs such as the heart, brain, and kidneys to function and for overall health and well-being.

Blood pressure is the force of blood flowing against the walls of the body's arteries, which are the body's main blood vessels.

Hypertension occurs when blood pressure is very high, according to the World Health Organization.

Blood pressure is measured in two numbers: The first number (systolic) is the pressure inside the blood vessels during the contraction or beating of the heart.

The second number (diastolic) represents the pressure within the vessels during the resting period of the heart between beats.

Hypertension is diagnosed if its measurement on two different days shows that the systolic blood pressure on both days is equal to or greater than 140 mm Hg and/or the diastolic blood pressure on both days is equal to or greater than 90 mm Hg.


What are the blood pressure levels?

Hypertension

Systolic: 140 mmHg or more.


Diastolic: 90 mmHg or more.

at risk (prehypertension)

Systolic: 120-139 mmHg.


Diastolic: 80-99 mmHg.

normal blood pressure

Systolic: less than 120 mmHg.


Diastolic: less than 80 mmHg.

What are the risk factors for high blood pressure?

Lifestyle factors, including:

  • smoking

  • unhealthy diet

  • Excessive salt intake

  • physical inactivity

  • overweight

  • obesity

  • alcohol abuse

  • Blood pressure tends to rise as people age, so everyone is at risk of high blood pressure as they age.


    High blood pressure can be genetic, as some people inherit genes that predispose them to developing high blood pressure. The risk of high blood pressure increases when there are genetic factors that accompany non-genetic factors such as unhealthy lifestyle choices.

Some symptoms of high blood pressure (PHC)

What are the symptoms of high blood pressure?

High blood pressure is called the "silent killer," because it often doesn't give off warning signs or alert symptoms, so people don't know they have it.

When symptoms do occur, they may include:

  • Early morning headache

  • nosebleed

  • Irregular heartbeat

  • Tinnitus

Symptoms of severe high blood pressure include:

  • feeling tired

  • nausea

  • vomiting

  • cluttered mind

  • worry

  • chest pain

  • Muscle trembling

The only way to detect high blood pressure is to measure it regularly, according to the World Health Organization.

What are the harmful effects of high blood pressure?

The longer high blood pressure lasts, the more likely it is to damage the heart and blood vessels in major organs such as the brain and kidneys. If high blood pressure isn't diagnosed and treated, it can lead to a heart attack, an enlarged heart, and eventually heart failure.

Also, high pressure may lead to a stroke, kidney failure and blindness.

An estimated 1.28 billion adults aged 30-79 years worldwide have hypertension, and it is estimated that about 46% of adults with hypertension do not know they have it.

How do you prevent high blood pressure?

1- A healthy diet

Choose healthy meals and light options to help you avoid high blood pressure and its complications.

And be sure to eat plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables, according to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Talk with your health care team about eating a variety of foods that are rich in potassium, fiber, protein and low in salt (sodium) and saturated fat.

For many people, making these healthy changes can help keep blood pressure low and protect against heart disease and stroke.

2- Maintain a healthy weight

Being overweight or obese increases your risk of developing high blood pressure.

To reach a healthy weight, choose healthy foods and get regular physical activity.


3- Be physically active

Physical activity can help maintain a healthy weight and lower blood pressure.

Physical activity guidelines recommend that adults get at least 2 hours and 30 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise, such as brisk walking or biking, each week.

Children and teens should get an hour of physical activity every day.

4- Don't smoke

Smoking raises blood pressure and increases the risk of heart attacks and strokes.

If you don't smoke, don't start. If you smoke, quitting will reduce your risk of heart disease.

5- Get enough sleep

Adequate sleep is part of maintaining cardiovascular health.

On the other hand, not getting enough sleep regularly is associated with an increased risk of heart disease, high blood pressure, and stroke.