CHECK YOUR BLOOD PRESSURE TODAY

@Obika_Ugo

Health is wealth; check your Blood Pressure today. You might just be onto a stroke episode. It's a warning cause I lost a friend today!

Blood pressure, also known as hypertension, is the force of blood against the walls of the arteries as it is pumped from the heart. It is measured in millimeters of mercury (mmHg) and is expressed as two numbers: systolic pressure (the higher number) and diastolic pressure (the lower number). For example, a reading of 120/80 mmHg means that the systolic pressure is 120 and the diastolic pressure is 80.

High blood pressure, also known as hypertension, is a major risk factor for heart disease and stroke. It occurs when the force of blood against the artery walls is too high. This can happen for a variety of reasons, including genetics, poor diet, lack of exercise, and stress.

Hypertension is often called the "silent killer" because it often has no symptoms and can go undiagnosed for years. This is why it is important to have your blood pressure checked regularly, especially if you are at risk for hypertension. Risk factors for hypertension include obesity, smoking, high salt intake, and a family history of hypertension.

If left untreated, hypertension can lead to serious health problems such as heart attack, stroke, and kidney disease. It can also cause damage to the blood vessels in the eyes, leading to vision loss.

The good news is that hypertension can be controlled and even prevented through lifestyle changes. Eating a healthy diet that is low in salt and saturated fat, getting regular exercise, maintaining a healthy weight, and not smoking can all help to lower blood pressure. In some cases, medication may also be necessary to control hypertension.

It is important to have your blood pressure checked regularly, at least once a year or more often if you are at risk for hypertension. If you are diagnosed with hypertension, it is important to work with your healthcare provider to develop a treatment plan that is right for you.

Hypertension is a serious condition that should not be ignored. With regular blood pressure check-ups, you can catch hypertension early and take steps to control it before it causes serious damage to your health. Remember that leading a healthy lifestyle is key to preventing hypertension, and with the help of your healthcare provider, you can take control of your blood pressure and reduce your risk of heart disease and stroke.

There are two main types of hypertension:

Primary hypertension 

Secondary hypertension.

Primary hypertension, also known as essential hypertension, is the most common form of hypertension. It occurs when the cause of the high blood pressure is unknown. It is often related to lifestyle factors such as diet, exercise, and stress.

Secondary hypertension, on the other hand, is caused by an underlying medical condition. Some common causes of secondary hypertension include:

Kidney disease

Adrenal gland disorders

Thyroid disorders

Sleep apnea

Certain medications, such as birth control pills and cold remedies

Illegal drugs such as cocaine and amphetamines

Another classification of hypertension is based on blood pressure level, it can be classified as:

Stage 1 hypertension (systolic pressure of 130-139 mmHg or diastolic pressure of 80-89 mmHg)

Stage 2 hypertension (systolic pressure of 140 mmHg or higher or diastolic pressure of 90 mmHg or higher)

It is also common for hypertension to be categorized as either systolic hypertension or diastolic hypertension. Systolic hypertension is when the systolic pressure (the top number) is high, and diastolic hypertension is when the diastolic pressure (the bottom number) is high.

It's important to note that hypertension can also be categorized based on underlying causes, age, and presence of other health conditions, as well.