Have you had your blood pressure checked lately? Did you know that high blood pressure is dubbed as ‘the silent killer’? This is because many people who have high blood pressure are unaware of their condition due to lack of visible symptoms, which may lead to remaining undiagnosed for a long time, at times until it’s too late. High blood pressure, also known as hypertension, can kill you without even knowing that you have it.
Causes include:
- high cholesterol
- an unknown disorder affecting the way your body regulates your blood pressure
- other diseases such as kidney disease
- medications such as oral contraceptives or steroids
- pregnancy (may lead to pre-eclampsia)
- hormonal conditions eg. thyroid malfunction
What can it lead to?
High blood pressure can cause heart disease, stroke, kidney failure, and eye problems. Treatment is available, which is why it is best to have your blood pressure checked every now and then – to make sure that you are started on treatment as soon as possible. This can help you avoid unnecessary complications.
Are YOU at risk of developing high blood pressure?
You have an increased risk if you:
- consume a lot of salt in your diet
- are obese
- do not exercise
- consume a lot of alcohol
- suffer from mental health problems
- are experiencing a lot of stress
If you haven’t had your blood pressure checked for quite some time, it is ideal that you visit your GP and ask for your blood pressure to be checked. You can visit your private GP, or else you may also go to the nearest Health Centre and ask to be seen by a doctor.
Do not assume that if you used to have low blood pressure in the past, it will remain low. Age is a risk factor too. The older we get, the more chance we have of developing high blood pressure.
If your GP finds that you have high blood pressure, you may be started on medication to lower it. It is very important to keep taking this medication even if you feel better. Never stop medication without your GP’s advice, since doing this may drastically worsen your condition.
If you have a blood pressure monitor at home…
You can check it yourself. However, make sure that you follow instructions accordingly so as to ensure an accurate reading. In addition, you should also make sure to:
- check it whilst sitting down comfortably
- check it at least 15 minutes after smoking your last cigarette (if you smoke)
- check it at least 30 minutes after your last meal
- check it at least 30 minutes after you last exercised
- do not cross your legs while checking it
- position the symbol on the cuff (usually an arrow) 2 fingers above the inner elbow (antecubital fossa)
- cuff should be at heart level
- cuff should be neither too tight, nor too loose
If you consistently get readings of 140/90 and higher, it is important that you visit your GP for advice.
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Claire Galea is a mum of three currently reading for a Degree in Nursing at the Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Malta, as a mature student. She is keen about holistic patient-centered care as well as public education about health-related subjects, which she frequently writes about on Wham as a Content Writer and Website Editor.
Claire is also passionate about spreading awareness on the negative effects that domestic abuse leaves on its victims’ mental, emotional, social and physical wellbeing. She is the author of two downloadable ebooks, namely Heal Your Life Forever and 5 Simple Steps To Creating The Life Of Your Dreams.
Click here to check out Claire’s full bio as well as a list of all her Wham published articles
