Hypertension... The Silent Killer.

According to the World Health Organisation (WHO) Hypertension is a world health crisis. It already affects one billion people, from which nine million people die each year.

What is Hypertension?

Hypertension is an increase of the pressure that blood uses to travel through the arteries. Arteries are usually stretchable, however, they tend to harden with age and their calibre decreases.

Which numbers are within the range?

According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), the recommended readings would be 120/80 and more than 140/90 would be classed as Hypertension.

Blood Pressure readings tend to vary throughout the day, the highest seen during the early hours of the morning and the lowest in the middle of the night. These readings tend to be very dangerous if one or both of them are high.

What are the symptoms?

None, which is why it has been named the silent killer.

Cephaleas, Palpitations, Nasal Haemorrhages, Dizziness, etc. would be symptoms of a hypertensive crisis and the most important organs (Heart, Kidneys, Central Nervous System, Eyes, etc.) are affected the most.

How would the diagnostic take place?

Through undertaking regular check-ups, either by your GP or at home.

Regular blood tests, whereby elevated levels of Cholesterol, Triglycerides, Glucose, Creatinine can be detected.

Regular Urine tests in order to detect proteins.

Treatment

• Reduce the intake of food rich in salt (no more than 4 to 5g per day).

• Increase the intake of foods rich in potassium (Vegetables, Fruits, Nuts, Legumes, Cereals, etc.).

• Decrease the intake of foods rich in fats, and avoid processed foods as much as possible.

• Exercise according to your age, walking at a fast pace for a minimum of half an hour to an hour per day.

• Decrease the perimeter of the waist/abdominal fat.

• No smoking.

• No alcohol drinks.

• Keep stress levels to a minimum.

• Pharmacological treatment if needed.

Lastly I want to say that eventhough the majority of diagnostics of Hypertension are of unknown origins, partly due to genetics and partly due to lifestyle. A number of diagnostics of Hypertension are caused by tumours or endocrinal issues, which tend to be present within in young adults and adults below the age of 40, however it is less likely to be diagnosed at those ages.

Let’s keep our blood pressure in check so we can live longer and healthier lives.

Dr J. Hurtado Martínez

Medical Director of HealthSalus