Hypertension (High Blood Pressure) and How to Prevent

Hypertension (High Blood Pressure) and How to Prevent

Normal blood pressure is below 120/80; blood pressure between 120/80 and 139/89 is called "pre-hypertension," and a blood pressure of 140/90 or above is considered high while a systolic blood pressure of about 90 to 100 is considered low blood pressure.

High blood pressure can damage blood vessels and other organs in the body. If left alone and not treated, high blood pressure can cause serious diseases, such as:

Atherosclerosis. High blood pressure triggered a hardening of the arteries, which is then accompanied by fatty deposits in blood vessel walls. This condition is called atherosclerosis. This atherosclerosis can cause heart attack, stroke, and peripheral artery disease.
Loss of vision. This condition occurs because of thickening and narrowing of the blood vessels in the eye.
Formed aneurysm. High blood pressure can trigger blood vessel weakens and widened. If this condition persists, the blood vessels can rupture and cause death.
Kidney failure. High blood pressure can trigger the constriction of blood vessels in the kidneys.
Heart failure. High blood pressure makes the heart work harder to pump blood throughout the body.
Vascular dementia. Hypertension can cause obstruction of the blood flow to the brain.

Prevent hypertension in different ways:

Maintain ideal body weight. Excess body weight can make a person more at risk of developing hypertension.
Exercising regularly. Someone who is active exercise will further avoid the risk of developing hypertension. Do brisk walking or cycling 2-3 hours per week.
Stop smoking. Although smoking does not cause hypertension directly, but smoking can make a narrows the arteries, thereby increasing the risk of heart attack and stroke.
Reduce alcohol consumption. Taking more than the recommended alcohol measure, could increase the risk of hypertension.
Cut down on salt. Limit in food, no more than a teaspoon.
Caffeine consumption as recommended. Drinking more than four cups of coffee a day could increase the risk of hypertension.
The consumption of foods that are low in fat and rich in fiber. For example, bread from whole-grains, brown rice, and fruits and vegetables.