Blood pressure refers to the force the blood exerts against the walls of the blood vessels as it flows through them.
When the blood pressure of an individual becomes higher than the normal blood pressure, we say the person has hypertension. The normal blood pressure of an individual is around 120 millimeters of mercury for systolic and around 80 for disastolic
(written 120/80). When it is low then normal pressure we say the person has hypertension.
This pressure that we are talking about can be measured with a blood pressure measuring equipment called sphygmomanometer
Causes of Hypertension
The following factors may trigger hypertension
1. Heredity and racial background : Every individual is made up of certain features which he or she inherits from the parents. This is in form of genes or hereditary factors. These genes determine your physical and mental composition. Therefore, any person who inherits any trait of malfunctioning blood vessels will apparently experience high blood pressure or hypertension.
2. Life style : An individual's life style may affect his blood pressure. For instance prolonged use of drugs and smoking of cigarettes may affect blood pressure. The work of the heart is further complicated by the constriction of the blood vessels in the extremities brought about by nicotine condition in Tabacco.
3. Emotional state : The slightest emotional disturbance is reflected by significant fibers in the blood pressure. Therefore, emotions such as persistent anger, tension, depression, crying and so on create emotional conflict which may raise the blood pressure.
4. Age: Blood pressure increases with age. For example, as one gets older, particularly after 40 years of age, the walls of the arteries become less flexible and may not expand easily to incoming blood from the heart. This consequently creates greater pressure along the line.
5. Occupation : Blood pressure may be affected by nature of person's occupation. For instance, a sports man or woman will experience a rise in pressure during training for an on coming sports competition depending on the type and intensity of the training
6. Excessive consumption of food : After consuming a large meal, there is usually a considerable rise in blood pressure due to the action of the heart in pumping blood to aid digestion of food and to circulate the large quantity of nutrients around the body.
7. Sex: Generally, males have higher blood pressure than females because males tend to keep their feelings internally. For example, if a man loses his dear wife or mother, he will try not to express his sorrow externally whereas he grieves internally. Conversely, the woman who loses a husband or mother will weep away her sorrows at no risk to her health. This is type of internal grieving among men leads to emotional conflict, and subsequently elevates blood pressure.
8. High salt intake : Excessive intake of salt particularly when the food has been completely cooked pushes up the blood pressure
9. Organic malfunction : Malfunctioning of certain organ such as the liver, kidney, renal glands and so on cause blood pressure elevation
PREVENTION OF HYPERTENSION
1. Avoid smoking
2. Regulate your diet by avoiding high fact and cholesterol-rich foods.
3. Avoid consuming excess salt.
4. Have a sensible programme of routine engagement including exercise.
5. Have periods medical examination
6. Learn to adjust your self to the environment
7. Take enough time for sleep, play and relaxation
8. Emotional stability
By Dr Oladimeji Olanoah
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