Hypertension is an abnormally high blood pressure level. According to the WHO, this ailment affects around 2 billion people worldwide, and it is prevalent in roughly 34% of the population in Ghana.
Ironically, over 50% of those who suffer from this ailment in Ghana are unaware of it and show no symptoms. Only around 16% of the remaining 50%, who are aware and have sought medical attention, are responding to treatment.
How then is one categorized as hypertensive? There are different stages to this syndrome, and their systolic/diastolic readings are used to categorize them.
Diastolic blood pressure measures the blood pressure in the arteries when they are relaxed, whereas systolic blood pressure measures the blood pressure when the heart pumps blood through the vessels. Both of these values are noted concurrently.
The recommended range for normal blood pressure is 120/80 mmHg, where 120 represents the systolic value and 80 represents the diastolic value. Lower than these numbers are generally not a cause for concern, but because some people naturally have low blood pressure, we usually take their blood pressure into account along with their medical history.
Pre-hypertensive blood pressure is defined as 121-129/80-89mmHg, and can consequently be managed without any medical care. During this stage, an individual may not experience any symptoms but may have to normalize exercising, having enough rest, etc.
Blood pressure readings between 140-180/90-100 mmHg and higher may be categorized as severely hypertensive and necessitate immediate medical intervention. Herbs should not be utilized because they are not regulated and many of them have negative side effects. Although high blood pressure cannot be treated, it can be managed. It is also important to manage stress while you have enough rest.
Ideally, high blood pressure is most frequently observed in elderly people due to underlying diseases and harm to their organs. However, it can also be present in middle-aged and young people.
Check your BP often, you may not experience any symptoms though you are hypertensive. The optimum time to check your blood pressure is in the morning. Before checking your blood pressure, you should relax for at least 10 to 20 minutes. It’s also advised that you check it frequently to determine your assessment profile.
The writer Salifu Luqman Bansi is an intern at the Pathology Division of the 37 Military Hospital.
Email: slbanse7@gmail.com