Hypertension

It is also called High blood pressure. The heart pumps blood throughout the body to keep us alive. The force at which it pumps need to be at a normal range for the body to function well. Blood pressure refers to the measurement of the force of blood against the walls of our blood vessels (Artery wall). A blood pressure reading comprises of 2 numbers. The number on top is the Systolic Readings (which is the reading of the pressure in the arteries when the heart muscle contracts and pumps blood) the bottom value is Diastolic which is the reading when the heart muscle relaxes or between beats. The sustained high readings of the pressure against the arteries is called high blood pressure or hypertension. High blood pressure can be symptomless -It is known as a ‘silent killer’ because most of the time, it presents with no symptoms. Hence, the need to always get checked. If left untreated or unmanaged can lead to life threatening diseases like stroke, erectile dysfunction, kidney failure, heart attack, eye blindness

Causes include, narrowing of the arteries, Increased Volume of blood making the heart to struggle in pumping normally

Risk Factor include:

• Age
• Family history,
• Lifestyle (Smoking, high salt intake, lack of exercise, alcohol, stress, diet, overweight, saturated fat intake)
• Could also be pregnancy induced

Prevention

• Regular checks to get it controlled

Treatment:

Medicines, exercise, low salt and healthy diets or combination of all.

Our Pharmacists can work with you and other healthcare providers to ensure your blood pressure is well managed

Learn More: https://hypertension.ca/hypertension-and-you/