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Hypertension - The Silent Killer

What is Hypertension?
Hypertension is a medical term for high blood pressure, ocurring 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 disorder such as :

• Angina
• Diabetes
• Heart Failure
• High Cholestrol
• Kidney Failure
• 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
• A low intake of potassium

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

Doctors treat more patients for hypertension than any other ailment in the western world! In many cases there are no symptoms and hypertension is only 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 Hypertension 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

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

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