World Hypertension Day: know your number

World Hypertension Day is a day designated and initiated by The World Hypertension League (WHL). The day was initiated to increase the awareness of hypertension which is very important because of the lack of knowledge among hypertensive patients. Since 2006, the WHL has been dedicating May 17 of every year as World Hypertension Day. This year’s theme is ‘know your number’.
Everybody has blood pressure but not all has hypertension. Blood pressure depends on several factors: the output from the heart, the resistance to blood flow of the blood vessels, blood volume and blood distribution to the various organs. Pressure is abnormally high in people who suffer from hypertension.
What then is hypertension?
Hypertension also known as the silent killer is a medical condition that often remains undiagnosed until relatively late in the course. It can be explained as blood pressure exceeding 140/90mmHg. Sphygmomanometer is used to diagnose blood pressure. Blood pressure is expressed  by two measurements, the systolic pressure which is the pressure exerted by the blood when heart beats, forcing blood into the blood vessels  when the blood pressure is at its highest and the diastolic pressure, which is recorded when the heart is at rest in between peaks, when the blood pressure is at the lowest.
The condition is often associated with coronary heart disease, diabetes, kidney disorders, obesity, hyperthyroidism, arteriosclerosis and adrenal tumors. Men tend to develop hypertension more often than women, but the risk of women rises after menopause and soon approaches that of men. Women’s risk of high blood pressure also increases if she is pregnant or takes oral contraceptives.
Symptoms of hypertension include headache, blurred vision, sweating, shortness of breath, dizziness, rapid pulse, fatigue and sleeplessness, nausea.
Lifestyle changes and medication can lower blood pressure and decrease the risk of health complications.  Lifestyle changes include:
1. Weight reduction- maintain normal body weight (BMI 18.5-24.9kg/m2).
2. Adopt DASH eating plan- consume a diet rich in fruits and vegetables and low fat dietary products. (Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension).
3. Physical activity- engage in regular aerobic physical activity such as brisk walking and jogging.
4. Dietary sodium reduction- reduce dietary sodium intake to no more than 100mmol/day (2.4g sodium or 6g sodium chloride).
5. Moderation of alcohol consumption- limit consumption to no more than 2 drinks per day or stop the intake of alcohol.
If lifestyle changes are not sufficient, blood pressure medications are used. Several classes of medications, collectively known as antihypertensive medication are available for treating hypertension. Nutrients such as calcium, magnesium, garlic, selenium, essential fatty acids (flaxseed oil, primrose oil, and blackcurrant seed oil), coenzymes Q10, vitamin C and vitamin E can help to improve heart function and lower blood pressure. Herbs like capsicum, chamomile, fennel hawthorn berries, rosemary, hops and valerian are also useful in calming the nerves. Ephedra and licorice can elevate blood pressure, avoid them.
Recommendations
1. Follow a strict salt-free diet.
2. Keep your weight down.
3. Eat plenty of fruits and vegetables.
4. Detoxify your body.
5. Get sufficient sleep.
6. Eat a high fiber diet and take supplemental diet.
7. Avoid stress as much as possible.
8. Drink steam-distilled water only.
9. Avoid all animal fats.
10. Have your blood pressure checked regularly.
Today is World Hypertension Day; know your number by visiting the nearest pharmacy store close to you. It is free!