HYPERTENSION AS A NEGLECTED KILLER

Yakubu just slumped in the office and died.

Tina went to have her bath and she collapsed in the bathroom.

Sam was driving and he had a heart attack. By the time he was rushed to the hospital he had died.

Mr. Gida retired and he had a stroke one month later.

These are stories we have heard before and will continue to hear. The culprit? Hypertension!

Hypertension also known as High blood pressure, is a condition in which the force of the blood against the artery walls is too high. It is when the blood pressure is above 140/90. It becomes severe if it rises above 180/120.

Hypertension often has no symptoms and requires medical diagnosis. If left undiagnosed and untreated, it can cause heart conditions such as heart failure, thickening of the heart muscle, coronary heart disease and other conditions. It can also cause stroke and sudden death.

CAUSES

The exact causes are not known but there are several contributory factors which include;

Being overweight/obese

Stress

Smoking 

Excess consumption of alcohol 

Lack of physical activity 

Genetics 

Too much salt in the diet 

The danger in hypertension is that while symptoms may be absent, it's effects may come upon the victim suddenly.

If you have already been diagnosed with hypertension, do not panic. Although it can not be cured, it can be controlled. Keep consulting with your physician, take the prescribed medication and effect the necessary lifestyle changes.

If you do not have hypertension, here are some tips to help prevent it;

Eat a healthy diet; less salt, less fatty foods 

Exercise regularly 

Maintain a healthy weight 

No smoking 

Limit alcohol consumption or stop it totally 

Regular check-ups to know your health numbers 

WHAT ARE YOUR HEALTH NUMBERS?

Blood pressure 

Total Cholesterol 

Blood sugar

Body Mass Index (BMI)

Generally, the ideal numbers for most adults are;

Blood pressure = 120/80 mm Hg

BMI = 25kg/m2 

Fasting blood sugar = 100 mg/dL

Knowing your health numbers will guide you on the necessary lifestyle changes you need to make.

CHECK-UP CHECK-UP CHECK-UP

Regular check-ups with your physician or cardiologist, are essential. This will ensure early diagnosis and timely intervention. If you have not been going for check-ups, begin today. As we all know, forewarned is forearmed.