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Why high blood pressure is called silent killer

 Blood pressure
Posted on Oct 23 2011
Blog/ News / Articles >> Blood pressure

A general medical practitioner, Chiedu Okafor, has said that high blood pressure is called a silent killer because it usually has no symptoms. Mr Okafor said on Monday in Jos that high blood pressure had remained a major cause of death because most people did not know they were hypertensive.

“Most people are hypertensive; it affects one in every three adults.

“The unfortunate thing about it is that if it is not detected early or if left untreated, it can cause a heart attack, stroke or death.” According to the doctor, high blood pressure occurs when the force of blood pumping through the blood vessels is higher than it should be.

Blood pressure is measured in two numbers, with the higher number called ‘systolic pressure’, which refers to the force of blood that pushes against the blood vessels’ walls when the heart beats.

The lower number is called the ‘diastolic blood pressure’, which refers to the pressure in the blood vessels between heartbeats (when the heart is at rest), he explained.

“When an individual’s systolic pressure is 80 to 120, it means the individual’s blood pressure is normal.

“If the systolic pressure is 120-139, the individual is said to be pre-hypertensive. However, if the individual’s pressure is higher than 140, the individual is said to be hypertensive.”

Okafor said smoking, high alcohol intake, stress, anxiety, diets high in salt and fat, the lack of or inadequate exercise and processed foods increased the risk of being hypertensive.

“Excessive alcohol intake can raise the blood pressure; smoking increases the chance of a heart attack or stroke.

“People should reduce their salt intake because salt makes the body to retain more fluid, which makes the heart work harder.”

He said that though hypertension could not be cured, it could be managed by the use of drugs to control the blood pressure and reduce the risk of heart attacks and strokes.

According to him, diuretic is usually the first medication given to first-time patients for its effective management.

Because high blood pressure usually has no symptoms, “people should ensure they check their blood pressure regularly to avoid becoming victims of stroke, heart attack or even death,” he said.

Okafor advised people to imbibe the act of healthy eating, limit their alcohol intake and quit smoking.

“People should also inculcate the habit of exercising regularly and should cut down on their intake of salt.”

The medical doctor advised people to eat more of fruits and vegetables, whole grains, nuts, poultry and fish, and less of processed and refined foods.

“People should strive to do away with stress and anxiety so as to reduce the risk of high blood pressure.”

Contact me now to find out how the Hypnotension approach can help you to manage your blood pressure better on 07977 598 387

Last changed: Oct 31 2011 at 11:49 AM

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