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Past Issues

February 2005

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HIGH BLOOD PRESSURE Hypertension is the medical term used to describe high blood pressure, a condition that occurs when the pressure in the blood vessels that carry blood from the heart to the rest of the body is too high.

Why should high blood pressure be treated?

50 % of all patients with high blood pressure will either have or develop a related illness such as:

• Angina

• Diabetes

• Heartfailure

• High cholesterol

• Kidneyfailure

• Stroke

• Vision impairment

Who is at risk?

Those most likely to develop high blood pressure are people with:

• A family history of high blood pressure

• High salt intake

• Lack of exercise

• Excessive alcohol consumption

• Excessive weight

High blood pressure is a common condition amongst the African race.

Normal blood pressure for adults over the age of 18 should be approx. 130 /85 with 140 /90 considered as high. 

Symptoms and warning signs

Dizziness, light-headedness, headaches, blurred vision, tiredness and fatigue.

In many cases there are no symptoms and high blood pressure can only be detected when undergoing a blood pressure test.

All adults should have their blood pressure checked once a year, and if normal, once every three years. 

How can high blood pressure be treated?

Your doctor may advise you change your lifestyle by:

• Following a healthy diet

• Losing weight if necessary

• Exercising regularly

• Stopping smoking

• Reducing alcohol intake

• Cutting down on salt

It a change in lifestyle does not bring the problem under control, your doctor may need to consider prescribing medication. Fortunately, medication is effective and affordable and your local doctor will prescribe the correct treatment suitable to your condition. 

NEVER TAKE SOMEONE ELSE'S BLOOD PRESSURE TABLETS. THEY MAV NOT BE SUITED TO YOUR SPECIFIC CONDITION AND COULD KILL YOU!