Hypertension is a condition
in which the blood pressure is persistently higher
than normal (140/90 mmHg), even when you are resting
or relaxed.
What causes it?
In most circumstances, no
cause can be found. A number of risk factors, individually
or in combination, can increase the risk of hypertension,
including
Smoking
Physical inactivity
Obesity
Stress
Excessive alcohol intake
Family history of hypertension
There are also specific medical
causes, including:
Kidney diseases
Some heart conditions
Certain hormonal imbalances
Side effects of some drugs, e.g. steroid
According to the Population Health Survey 2003/04 of the Department of Health, 60% of male with hypertension do not know they have the disease.
What are
the common symptoms?
Hypertension is also known as
a "silent killer" because most people with hypertension
have no symptom. Hypertension is usually diagnosed by chance
when people go for a routine health check, or during an
examination for another problem.
When severe, hypertension will
cause:
Headache
Dizziness
Breathlessness
Problems with vision
Men often resort to alcohol when they feel stressful. However, alcohol in fact cannot help reduce the stress. It also increase the risk of hypertension if taken in large amount.
What are the complications?
Persistent high blood pressure
poses a serious risk to health by increasing the likelihood
of:
You can lower your risk of
having hypertension by:
No smoking.
Eating a healthy and low fat diet, and reduce
your salt intake.
Moderation of your alcohol intake.
Taking suitable exercise regularly.
Controlling your weight.
Getting adequate rest and avoiding stress.
Getting your blood pressure checked every couple
of years at least.
What
is the treatment?
If the blood pressure is
only slightly raised, or when there is no specific
cause for it, it is usually treated by adopting a
healthy lifestyle, without the need to resort to medications.
In more serious cases,
hypertension can be treated by medication along with
lifestyle changes. The choice of an appropriate treatment
is based on the degree of blood pressure elevation,
severity of the symptoms, the extent to which they
affect the patient's life, and the presence of any
other medical conditions.
How can I help myself?
If you have a diagnosis of
hypertension, there are many things you can do to
reduce your risk of complications. All of the above
preventive advice applies.
To yield satisfactory results
from the drug treatment, you have to take the medication
as prescribed. Never stop or skip taking them on your
own without consulting your doctor first, even when
symptoms disappear or when your blood pressure is
under control. It is important to visit your doctor
regularly to have your blood pressure monitored.
If you have any suspicions,
you should seek medical advice.
Hypertension
is also known as a "silent killer"
because most people with hypertension
have no symptom. If left untreated, it
may lead to stroke, coronary heart disease,
heart failure and renal failure.
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