Hypertension: A Silent Killer
June 17, 2009
Heart gets impure blood from various body parts and after purifying this impure blood, it pumps it back to all the parts of the body. This transfer of blood occurs naturally at a certain pressure, which is known as blood pressure (BP).
Because of certain disorders, the pressure present in the arteries can decrease or it may increase. This increased pressure is called high blood pressure or hypertension.
Normal value of blood pressure has to be 120/80 mm Hg. Any value of blood pressure above 139/89 is said to be hyper. That means 140/90 mm Hg is hypertensive state.
There may be multiple causes of high blood pressure including smoking, overweight, hereditary, some kidney disease, intake of too much salt, thyroid problem, diabetes, stress and even drinking alcohol etc.
Sometimes the cause of increase in BP remains unknown. Pregnant women may also develop it due to the hormonal changes occurring in her body during the gestational period.
People who take food high in salt tend to have high blood pressure. In such individuals, salt and blood pressure are said have a good relation.
High blood pressure or hypertension can lead to various health complications. It can lead to heart problems like enlarged heart, some kidney disorders, brain diseases, problems in the retina in the eyes and many more.
People with hypertension should regularly get their BP checked and also get various other check-ups done to avoid any illness.
In some individuals, hypertension does not show any signs for years but appears all of a sudden after damaging certain organ. This is the reason why hypertension is also called ‘Silent Killer’.
Controlling the blood pressure as and when you come to know about it can reduce the chances of heart failure and kidney failure. One must immediately start consuming less salt, do regular exercises and consult the doctor who may prescribe some medications to maintain the blood pressure.
Meditation and yoga also help to maintain the BP. Regular practice of yoga helps to reduce weight, which in turn reduces the blood pressure.
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