Hypertension took the lives of almost 670,000 people in the USA in 2020. What is more worrying is that half of the adult population in the USA suffers from hypertension. Hypertension among adults is actually becoming a serious issue.

Nearly 45% of people in the USA suffer from hypertension. However, a fascinating fact is that you can prevent hypertension. Hypertension in adults has become a serious issue affecting many people.

What could be the solution to the problem? Preventive care can significantly help curb the problem.

What is Hypertension? 

Hypertension is a chronic condition characterized by elevated blood pressure levels, and if left untreated or unmanaged, it can lead to serious health complications such as heart disease, stroke, and kidney problems. 

The blood pressure level is divided into two categories—the upper level, or the systolic, and the lower, or the diastolic. In normal adults, the blood pressure is 120 mmHg/ 80 mmHg; however, blood pressure levels can vary depending on the person’s condition. There can also be fluctuations in the pressure level. 

Hypertension is a condition when the blood pressure level becomes too high. It puts the person at risk of various heart and brain diseases. It is called sustained hypertension, a condition where the person has high BP over time. 

Hypertension can affect adults as well as older adults. However, there is an increased trend of hypertension among adults. 1.28 billion adults aged 30+ suffer from hypertension. 

What are the symptoms of hypertension in adults?

Hypertension in adults can have the following symptoms.

  • Irregular heart rhythms
  • Sudden breathlessness.
  • Morning headaches
  • Morning sickness
  • Anxiety
  • Chest pain

If any of such symptoms persist, consult your physician immediately.

What are the causes of hypertension in adults?

Adults can suffer from hypertension because of many reasons.

  • Excessive stress

There has been an increase in people suffering from hypertension between 1975-2015. Initially, it was 594 million, which has risen to 1.13 billion. Stress arises due to job pressures and unemployment too. The low happiness index of a country is also responsible for the rise of anxiety. 

  • Family history

Sometimes hypertension is passed on from generation to generation. A family history of high blood pressure is a risk factor for developing high blood pressure. Having one or more close family members with high blood pressure increases the risk twice. 

  • Other Causes

Hypertension can arise due to the following reasons.

  • Use of illegal drugs over time
  • Obstructive sleep apnea
  • Kidney disorders
  • Prolonged use of prescription drugs
  • Congenital heart disease
  • Thyroid issues
  • Obesity

How to reduce hypertension in adults through preventive Healthcare?

  1. Regular Blood Pressure Monitoring: Preventive care involves regularly monitoring blood pressure levels. If an adult goes for regular screening, they can detect hypertension problems early. This early detection will make the person aware and allows for timely interventions and adjustments in lifestyle or medication to manage blood pressure effectively.
  1. Lifestyle Modifications: Preventive care emphasizes lifestyle modifications as a critical component of managing hypertension. These modifications may include adopting a healthy diet, reducing salt intake, increasing physical activity, maintaining a healthy weight, limiting alcohol consumption, and quitting smoking. These lifestyle changes can help lower blood pressure and reduce the risk of developing hypertension or its complications.
  1. Screening for Related Conditions: Preventive care also involves screening for conditions commonly associated with hypertension, such as diabetes, high cholesterol, sleep apnea, and kidney disease. Early detection of these conditions allows for timely management and reduces the risk of hypertension-related complications.
  1. Ongoing Follow-up and Care: Preventive care involves regular follow-up appointments with healthcare providers to assess blood pressure control, review treatment plans, and address any concerns or questions. These follow-up visits help ensure that hypertension is effectively managed and provide an opportunity to make any necessary adjustments to the treatment plan.

Preventive Healthcare can reduce complications arising due to unchecked hypertension cases. For example, untreated hypertension can lead to myocardial problems in the future. So why not prevent it?

There is nothing better and safer than preventing disease. Our body sends signals outside as a hint for conditions inside. We have to understand those signals. In the case of hypertension, we have irregular heartbeats, restlessness, etc. Regular screenings help us identify these symptoms and detect the condition early. 

You can find the prices for preventive screening in your locality at Zeamed.com. You can also compare prices from different providers and choose a screening that best suits your budget. 

So, do not delay care and take action towards a healthy life. 

Here are some tips to prevent hypertension.

  • Eat healthily and exercise regularly. Exercising releases hormones that make you feel better and happier.
  • Salty and sugary food is a big no-no! Stop adding extra salt to your meal. Topping food with extra salt increases your blood pressure.
  •  Meditate regularly.
  • Seek professional help if you require it.
  • Limit alcohol and other intoxicating drinks.
  • Get good sleep—sleeping balances out the hormones in our bodies.
  • Monitor blood pressure at home.

With all these tips, you can prevent hypertension. Remember, Prevention is the key!

References:

https://www.cdc.gov/bloodpressure/facts.htm

https://www.uspreventiveservicestaskforce.org/uspstf/recommendation/hypertension-in-adults-screening#fullrecommendationstart

https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/high-blood-pressure/symptoms-causes/syc-20373410

https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/hypertension

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