HEALTH WATCH: Hypertension, The Silent Killer

By Festus Ajisogun RN BSN. & Adeola Akindana RN BSN

Hypertension is known in layman language as having High Blood Pressure.   Hypertension is usually called the silent killer because it may not have any signs or symptoms. Untreated high blood pressure increases over time and can be life threatening. 

What is High Blood Pressure?

High blood pressure occurs when the pressure in the arteries is consistently above the normal range and excessive pressure pushes against the walls of blood vessels.  The arteries are the blood vessels carrying blood from the heart to the other parts of the body and to various organs. High blood pressure is a consistently elevated pressure of 140/90 or higher. The top number is the pressure when the heart beats (systolic), while the bottom number is the pressure when the heart is at rest (diastolic). 

Causes of High Blood Pressure

Though physicians are not able to say the specific cause of hypertension in 95% of patients, genetic factors appear to play a major role. Other reasons are related to diseases such as diabetes and renal disease. Also, usage of non-steroidal analgesics, excessive use of salt (anybody that eats canned foods which is usually preserved with sodium or eats junk foods may be consuming too much salt), and alcohol, have been known to be contributing factors. 

Who is at Risk?

High blood pressure is significantly higher, and more dangerous in African Americans than any other groups. Over half of the men and slightly less than half of the women in this group have Hypertension. This applies also to people from Africa which includes us.  Statistics show that fifty million Americans (1 in 4 adults) have high blood pressure, and don’t even know it. High blood pressure directly killed over 41,600 Americans in 1996 and may have contributed to 202,000 deaths. It is particularly deadly in African Americans.  Risk factors include: People with family history, African Americans (people of African descent), Age 35 or over,  Women on birth control pills, People that are overweight, Pregnant women, People who are not active. 

What are the Symptoms of High Blood Pressure?

High blood pressure is called the silent killer because it usually produces no symptoms. Many people don’t know they have high blood pressure unless their pressure is checked. Therefore, it is very, very important for anyone with risk factors to monitor their blood pressure regularly and make appropriate lifestyle changes. However some people may have warning signs such as persistent headache, dizziness, syncope or generalized weakness. If any of this symptoms occurs frequently, consult with your doctor or health care provider immediately. 

What can I do About It?

Hypertension is preventable and can be controlled with lifestyle changes and sometimes with use of medication. Loosing weight, making dietary changes and exercising are three means proven to lower blood pressure in people with mild to moderate hypertension. It is important to loose weight if you are overweight but do so under the supervision of your doctor or health care provider, eat a healthy diet low in fat and salt (read labels for foods low in sodium), and limit your alcohol intake. If you eat canned foods, the few extra cents that you pay for the low / non sodium version of your favorite canned foods is very well worth the price.  Other important measures include staying active, taking your medication as prescribed by your physician, and knowing what your ideal blood pressure should be and keeping it at that level. 

If High Blood Pressure is left untreated it can lead to kidney failure, heart attack, stroke or even Death. It is therefore imperative that you keep your blood pressure under control, eat right and avoid stress in your life. 

PS. A little time out for “Rest and Relaxation” will also do the body good.  Remember, all work and no play makes Jack not only a dull boy, it makes him a dead one also. 

Writers of this article are members of Idanre Development Association U.S.A.