Hypertension
High Blood Pressure
Did you know that 1 in 5 adults in Curaçao suffer from High blood pressure, whilst many will not realize it?
What is high blood pressure?
High blood pressure also known as “Hypertension” is blood pressure that is higher than normal. Hypertension is a chronic illness that can be managed but not cured.
The blood pressure is measured by the systolic pressure (higher number) and the diastolic pressure (lower number).
The force with which your heart pumps blood throughout your body is called systolic pressure.
The resistance to blood flow in the blood vessels is known as diastolic pressure. It is considered high blood pressure when the systolic pressure is 140 mmHg or higher and the diastolic pressure is 90 mmHg or higher.
What are the symptoms?
High blood pressure, or hypertension, is a condition with few or any symptoms at all.
However, if left untreated, it can lead to severe complications due to a Persistent high blood pressure, such as:
- Heart Problems; heart attacks, heart failure, etc.
- Kidney disease
- Peripheral Arterial Disease
- Brain Damage: Stroke, Vascular dementia, etc.
If you have high blood pressure, even a slight reduction will help reduce the risk of developing these diseases.
A blood pressure test is the best way to find out whether you have high blood pressure. So keep an eye on your blood pressure.
What are the risk factors for high blood pressure?
The causes of high blood pressure are not clear yet, but there are risk factors that can increase the chance of getting high blood pressure.
Modifiable and non-modifiable risk factors may be distinguished. Such as:
Modifiable
- Overweight
- Eating too much salt
- Not eating enough fruits and vegetables
- No exercise
- Drinking too much alcohol or coffee
- Smoking
- Lack of sleep
- Stress
Non modifiable
- Age: Being over 65 years old
- Genetics: having a family member (parents, siblings, kids) with high blood pressure
- Race: black African or black Caribbean descent
What is the treatment for high blood pressure?
Since there is no cure for Hypertension, the only therapy is to prevent it. Doctors can help you maintain a healthy blood pressure by using the following methods:
- Healthy lifestyle changes
- Medical treatment
