The World Health Organization says high blood pressure occurs when the pressure in the blood vessels is too high (140/90 millimeters of mercury or more), a common disease that can be serious if left untreated.

How do you know if you have high blood pressure?

According to the WHO, people with high blood pressure may not feel any symptoms, and checking blood pressure is the only way to know if a person has high blood pressure or not.

Blood pressure measurement

Blood pressure is measured in two numbers; the first digit (systolic) represents the pressure inside the blood vessels during a contraction or pulse of the heart, and the second digit (diastolic) represents the pressure inside the vessels during the rest of the heart between beats.

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

Symptoms of hypertension

According to the World Health Organization, most people with high blood pressure have no symptoms, and very high blood pressure can cause headaches, blurred vision, chest pain and other symptoms.

People with very high blood pressure (usually 180/120 mm Hg or more) can show symptoms including:

  • Headaches
  • Chest pain
  • Dizziness
  • Difficulty breathing
  • Nausea
  • Vomit
  • Blurred vision or other vision changes
  • anxiety
  • Confusion
  • Tinnitus in the ears
  • Nasal bleeding
  • Arrhythmia

The most prominent drugs used to treat high blood pressure

There are many common antihypertensive medications, such as:

  • ACE inhibitors: They relax blood vessels and prevent kidney damage. Examples include: enalapril and licinopril.
  • Angiotensin-2 receptor blockers: They relax blood vessels and prevent kidney damage. Examples include: Lusartan and Telmisartan.
  • Calcium channel blockers: They relax blood vessels. Examples include: amlodipine and philodipine.
  • Diuretics: allows the elimination of excess water in the body and lowers the level of blood pressure. Examples include: hydrochlorothiazide and chlorthalidone.

Does drinking water lower blood pressure?

Drinking water is important for your health, but it is not a cure and does not lower high blood, and you should see a doctor.

However, drinking water and staying properly hydrated can help maintain healthy blood pressure. In general, it is recommended to drink 8 glasses of water a day, and it is important to note that some foods - such as fruits and vegetables - also contain water.