Low or high? Blood pressure is serious business
14 over 9. When these two numbers appear, it’s a warning sign for arterial hypertension—commonly known as high blood pressure—which is considered normal up to 12 over 8. According to the Ministry of Health, hypertension is a chronic disease that affects more than 38 million Brazilians.
But do you know how blood pressure works in your body?
It is responsible for keeping blood circulating throughout the body. This process begins with the heartbeat. With each beat, the heart pumps blood through the arteries. The arterial walls are elastic, stretching and relaxing to keep blood circulating throughout the body at the necessary levels.
When blood flows through the arteries, they contract to maintain blood flow. This is where blood pressure comes in: it is responsible for “pushing” blood throughout the body, including to the areas farthest from where it is produced.
If there is an abnormal and sustained increase in the pressure exerted by blood on the arteries, this results in high blood pressure.
But wait! These levels are only approximate, since it’s common for blood pressure to fluctuate throughout the day. For example, when a person is lying down, their blood pressure is lower. When we move around, the brain signals to the body that it needs more energy, so the readings go up.
If blood pressure rises beyond acceptable levels, certain symptoms may appear, such as chest and headache, dizziness, ringing in the ears, weakness, blurred vision, or even nosebleeds.
There is no cure for this condition. Without treatment, it can lead to a stroke, heart attack, or arterial aneurysm, as well as kidney and heart failure. With a doctor’s guidance, it can be managed with medication. However, adopting a healthy lifestyle is essential.
According to the Ministry of Health’s Virtual Library, although the condition is genetic in 90% of cases, there are several other factors that influence blood pressure levels. These include smoking, alcohol consumption, obesity, stress, excessive salt intake, high cholesterol levels, and a sedentary lifestyle. In addition, the incidence of high blood pressure is higher among Black people, people with diabetes, and the elderly.
Here are some tips to prevent high blood pressure from getting worse:
. Maintain a healthy weight for your height
. Choose other seasonings instead of salt to bring out the flavor of your food
. Exercise regularly
. Take advantage of your free time to relax
. Limit your alcohol consumption
. Avoid ultra-processed foods and include natural foods in your diet
. Manage diabetes
The diagnosis of high blood pressure is based on readings taken during doctor's visits. Patients can also monitor their blood pressure at home, with guidance from a healthcare professional.
IMPORTANT: In addition to adopting healthy habits, there are medications that help control blood pressure. However, it is important to note that only licensed physicians can diagnose medical conditions and prescribe treatments.
Keep up with your checkups!
Sources:
https://www.gov.br/saude/pt-br/assuntos/saude-de-a-a-z/h/hipertensao#:~:text=A%20hipertens%C3%A3o%20arterial%20ou%20press%C3%A3o,(ou%2014%20por%209).