Research shows that high blood pressure starts much early in life and at times goes undetected for decades until it shows itself in symptoms. It usually, is one of the most common cause for heart disease. In an extensive research carried around the world for six years, a scientific panel learned that the problems in the cardiovascular system (heart and the vessels carrying blood) can begin at much lower blood pressure levels than previously believed .

The risk of heart disease and stroke can begin to rise when blood pressure increases past 120/80. People with blood pressure readings in the Pre-hypertension range are now encouraged to adopt life style changes to lower their blood pressure levels or else they would develop hypertension (high blood pressure) and become prone to heart disease and stroke.

  • Normal. Less than 120/80
  • Prehypertension. 120-139/80-89
  • Hypertension. 140/90 (130/80 for patients with diabetes or chronic kidney disease)
  • Stage 2 hypertension. 160/100

Hypertension

Hypertension, or high blood pressure (HBP), exists when either the systolic measurement is 140 or higher or the diastolic measurement is 90 or higher. However, in the majority of people, controlling systolic hypertension is a more important heart disease risk factor than diastolic blood pressure (except in young people under the age of 50).

There are two types of hypertension: essential, which accounts for 90% to 95% of cases, and secondary. The cause of essential hypertension is unknown, although lifestyle factors such as obesity, sedentary lifestyle, and excessive alcohol or salt intake contribute to the condition. In secondary hypertension, the cause may be kidney disease; hormonal imbalance; or drugs, including cocaine or alcohol.

Blood pressure is measure of pressure exerted by the flowing blood on the walls of arteries .It is measured in two numbers. Systolic the top number is the pressure exerted when the heart pumps the blood, diastolic the bottom number is the pressure exerted when the heart is resting between the two beats. People with blood pressure readings over 140/90 are said to be having hypertension.

Hypertension is the medical term for high blood pressure. Most people associate high blood pressure with getting older, so it may seem odd that teens can have the condition. Although high blood pressure is rare in young people (only about 1% to 3% of kids in the United States have hypertension), it’s important to check for it.

A blood pressure reading equal to or greater than 140 over 90 is considered high in people over the age of 18.

Because of the way blood pressure readings are calculated for children and teens, readings that doctors consider high in teens can be lower than the blood pressure readings that are considered high in adults. In teens up to age 18, high blood pressure is defined as a blood pressure greater than the 95th percentile for their age, height, and gender (in other words, 95% of kids at the same age, height, and gender will have blood pressure below this number). Measurements between 90% to 95% of the expected range are considered high-normal or borderline.

Teens with blood pressure readings that are greater than 90% of the expected range are three times more likely than those with average readings to develop high blood pressure as adults.

Preventing hipertensión:

Adopting lifestyle modifications can be of great help for those in the prehypertension stage and also those suffering from hypertension.

  • 1 Diet: Reduce sodium intake, which basically means reducing salt intake .Eat more whole grains, beans, fresh fruits and vegetables and low fat diary products. Eat foods that are high in potassium, like potatoes, and bananas and other fruits.
  • 2 Lower salt intake: Reduce dietary sodium to less than 2,400 milligrams or about 1 teaspoon a day.A 1,600-milligram sodium DASH (Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension) eating plan has effects similar to a single drug therapy. The approximate reduction in systolic blood pressure would be 2-8 points.
  • 3 Stress: Eliminate unnecessary elements of stress in your life and try activities like meditation, yoga, dancing, regular walks etc. Certain homoeopathic medicines are a natural form of reducing stress. Use relaxation techniques, like deep breathing or meditation, to reduce stress.
  • 4 Obesity and Exercise: Being overweight means that your heart will have to work more hard, resulting in higher blood pressure. Keep a regular check on your cholesterol levels. Regular exercise is must for maintaining ideal blood pressure levels.
  • 5 Moderation of alcohol consumption: Men should limit alcohol to no more than two drinks per day. A standard drink is defined by the type of alcohol. For example, a standard drink, such as a 12-ounce bottle of beer, a 5-ounce glass of wine, or 1.5-ounce shot of 80-proof distilled spirits, has between 11 and 14 grams of alcohol. Limiting the amount of alcohol to this quantity is expected to result in a reduction in systolic blood pressure by 2-4 points.

Physical activity and the health

Benefits

  • Helps build and maintain healthy bones and muscles.
  • Helps reduce the risk of developing obesity and chronic diseases such as diabetes and cardiovascular disease.
  • Reduces feelings of depression and anxiety and promotes psychological well-being.

Long-Term consequences of physical inactivity:

  • Overweight and obesity, influenced by physical inactivity and poor diet, are significantly associated with an increased risk of diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, asthma, arthritis, and poor health status.
  • Physical inactivity increases the risk of dying prematurely, dying of heart disease, and developing diabetes, colon cancer, and high blood pressure.

Obesity Among Youth:

  • The prevalence of obesity among children aged 6-11 has more than doubled in the past 20 years and among adolescents aged 12-19 has more than tripled.
  • Children and adolescents who are overweight are more likely to be overweight or obese as adults;5 one study showed that children who became obese by age 8 were more severely obese as adults.

Will medicine that lowers my blood pressure affect my exercise?

Many blood pressure medicines have no major effect on exercise. Ask your doctor if your medicine will cause any problems with exercise.

Tell your doctor if you have any side effects from your blood pressure medicine. There are many types of blood pressure medicine, and your doctor can find one that works well for you. Don’t stop taking a blood pressure medicine without first talking to your doctor.

If you have high blood pressure, you can still exercise as long as you control your blood pressure by making lifestyle changes and, if needed, taking a blood pressure medicine.

The benefit of keeping blood pressure to goal is so great. Without treatment, a man at [age] 30 could be facing end-stage renal disease, stroke, or heart attack.

Sources: CDC, AAFP

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