High blood pressure, also known as hypertension, is a common condition in which the force of blood against the walls of arteries is consistently too high. Over time, this can lead to serious health complications, including heart disease, stroke, and kidney failure.
Causes:
There is no single cause of high blood pressure, but several factors can increase the risk of developing the condition. These include obesity, lack of physical activity, a diet high in sodium, alcohol consumption, smoking, stress, and genetics.
dosha:
In Ayurveda, high blood pressure is considered a Pitta dosha disorder. An imbalance of Pitta dosha can lead to an increase in the fire element in the body, which can cause inflammation and other health issues. Pitta imbalances can be caused by stress, an unhealthy diet, and other lifestyle factors.
Danger without treatment:
If left untreated, high blood pressure can cause serious health problems, such as heart attack, stroke, kidney failure, and vision loss. It is often called the “silent killer” because there are no symptoms until the damage has already occurred.
Symptoms:
Most people with high blood pressure have no symptoms. Occasionally, some may experience headaches, dizziness, blurred vision, or shortness of breath.
Precautions:
- Maintain a healthy weight through regular exercise and a balanced diet.
- Reduce sodium intake by avoiding processed foods and adding less salt to meals.
- Limit alcohol intake to moderate levels (1-2 drinks per day for men and 1 drink per day for women).
- Quit smoking or using tobacco products.
- Manage stress through relaxation techniques like meditation, yoga, or deep breathing exercises.
- Monitor blood pressure regularly and take medication as prescribed by a healthcare professional.
- Follow a heart-healthy diet that is low in saturated fats and rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins.
- Get enough sleep and maintain a regular sleep schedule.
- Avoid caffeine or limit consumption to moderate levels.
- Avoid or limit the use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen and aspirin, which can increase blood pressure.
WHO Facts:
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), high blood pressure affects approximately 1.13 billion people worldwide. It is a leading risk factor for heart disease, stroke, and kidney failure, and is responsible for an estimated 9.4 million deaths each year. The WHO recommends regular blood pressure monitoring, a healthy diet, regular physical activity, and avoiding tobacco and excessive alcohol consumption to reduce the risk of developing high blood pressure.