Experts say virtually everyone has some lifetime risk of developing high blood pressure (hypertension) yet symptoms often remain silent.
You can have high blood pressure, feel perfectly well and still be heading towards a stroke, heart attack or kidney damage.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), uncontrolled high blood pressure puts over one billion people at risk worldwide.
Out of 1.4 billion adults aged 30 to 79 years with hypertension, only one in five have their blood pressure under control.
“Symptoms often start when there is already a damage to an organ in the body,” Cardiology Fellow and Physician Specialist at the Korle Bu Teaching Hospital, Dr Florence Akumiah, says.
The only way to know your BP status and control it, is to check.
What do your BP numbers mean?
A blood pressure reading has two numbers – the top number known as the systolic pressure, which measures the pressure in the arteries when the heart contracts and pumps blood to the rest of the body and the bottom number – diastolic pressure, which measures the pressure when the heart relaxes between beats.
Usually, the upper value will be higher than the lower value so, if a person’s reading is 120/80 mmHg, 120 is the systolic pressure while 80 is the diastolic pressure.
Dr Akumiah says a normal blood pressure reading for most healthy adults was below 120/80 mm Hg.
She cautioned that a reading of 140/90 mmHg or higher should not be ignored noting that although it does not automatically confirm hypertension, it signals the need for further assessment and monitoring.
Who should check their blood pressure?
Dr Akumiah recommends that adults regularly check their BP even when they feel healthy.
- For people aged 18 to 39 years with normal BP, screening must be done every three to five years.
- Adults aged 40 and above, especially people who are overweight or have a family history of hypertension, checks should be done at least once annually.
- People already diagnosed of BP must check their numbers more frequently.
Dr Akumiah encourages all persons to take advantage of opportunities to have their BP checked, particularly where risk factors were present.
Your BP Checklist:
Before checking your BP:
- Sit quietly for at least five minutes.
- Avoid smoking, caffeine or exercise for about 30 minutes beforehand.
- Rest your arm on a table at heart level.
- Don’t talk during the measurement.
- If the first reading is high, remain calm and repeat it after a few minutes.
How To Keep Your BP Under Control
- Know your numbers: Check your BP regularly.
- Maintain a healthy weight: Lose excess weight if you are overweight.
- Keep moving: Make regular physical activity part of your routine.
- Eat for your heart: Reduce excess salt and unhealthy fats; eat more fruits and vegetables.
- Manage stress and sleep well: Both can affect your overall cardiovascular health.
- Take medicines as prescribed: Never stop BP medication on your own because you feel well.
- Keep your appointments: Regular follow-up and monitoring helps determine whether your treatment is working.
TAKE HOME MESSAGE
- High blood pressure often causes no symptoms, even when it is damaging your body.
- Waiting until you feel unwell may mean waiting too long.
- Screening is your best protection. A simple blood pressure check today could prevent a stroke, heart attack, kidney disease or vision loss tomorrow.
Know your numbers. Check them regularly. If your readings remain high, seek medical advice.
BY ABIGAIL ANNOH
Email: nabemart@gmail.con
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