2024-02-01 22:11:27
The arterial hypertension It is known as the ‘silent disease’ because it does not usually develop warning symptoms until it is in advanced stages. However, it slowly damages the body’s blood vessels, developing serious health complications.
In Mexico, it is estimated that more than 30 million people suffer from arterial hypertension, That is, one in four people suffers from this disease, but around 46 percent of those affected are unaware that they have developed this condition, according to describes the Ministry of Health.
What is hypertension?
The arterial hypertension or high blood pressure, It is a health problem that affects the arteries throughout the body because the force with which the blood exerts pressure on the walls of the arteries is constantly high. In accordance with information from the Mayo Clinic Medical Institutethe heart works twice as hard to pump blood.
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The arteries in the body are like tubes that carry blood from the heart to the rest of the body. When blood flows through them, it exerts pressure on the walls of the blood vessels, which is measured in millimeters of mercury (mm Hg) and is expressed by two key values:
- The top number is called systolic blood pressure: it is the pressure in the arteries when the heart contracts and pumps blood to the body.
- The bottom number is diastolic blood pressure: it is the pressure when the heart is at rest between beats.
A normal value of blood pressure, It is usually 120/80 mm Hg. However, if these values exceed 130/80 mmHg, it can be harmful to long-term health, since damages the body’s arteriesincreasing the risk of developing serious health problems.
What causes high blood pressure?
The arterial hypertension It is caused by the amount of blood the heart pumps, as well as the difficulty in allowing it to circulate through the arteries. The more blood the heart pumps and the narrower the arteries, the greater the blood pressure.
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Among the main risk factors by which it can develop arterial hypertension the following are found:
- Genetics and family history.
- Excessive salt consumption in the diet.
- Overweight or obesity.
- Lack of physical activity.
- Excessive alcohol consumption.
- Smoking.
- Chronic stress.
- Aging.
- Diabetes.
- Renal problems.
- Sleep apnea.
- Use of certain medications, such as oral contraceptives or corticosteroids.
If you think you could develop hypertensionyou should know that most of the time warning symptoms do not appear until the disease is advanced.
How do I know if I suffer from high blood pressure?
In cases of arterial hypertension In advanced cases, you may experience symptoms such as severe headaches, nausea, vomiting, vision changes, and even nosebleeds. These signs may indicate that your blood pressure is reaching dangerously high levels and requires urgent medical attention.
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On the other hand, the best way to know if you suffer hypertension is by undergoing regular checks blood pressure with a baumanometer, blood and urine tests, as well as an electrocardiogram to detect and control hypertension in time, before it causes damage to vital organs such as the heart, kidneys or brain.
How is high blood pressure controlled?
For control high blood pressure Lifestyle changes and, in some cases, medications are required. Adopting a balanced diet low in salt, reducing alcohol intake, maintaining a healthy body weight and exercising regularly are key measures to avoid health complications.
Now that you know What is hypertension, do not hesitate to go to your doctor if you already have any warning symptoms. Take care of yourself!
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If you are interested in knowing what to do if your blood pressure goes down stay to watch the next video.
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