Campaign

High blood pressure or hypertension is a common condition in which your normal or average blood pressure is higher than what is considered standard for your age or health condition. World Hypertension Day is observed to raise awareness about abnormally high blood pressure, which is a major risk factor not only for cardiovascular diseases such as heart attacks, but also for other serious health conditions including stroke, kidney problems, vision loss, and dementia.

Here are the most common symptoms of hypertension:

• Fatigue

• Nosebleed

• Chest pain

• Blood in urine

• Vision problems

• Irregular heartbeat

• Severe headache

• Difficulty in breathing

It is important to remember that only a qualified healthcare practitioner can diagnose hypertension after proper examination and consultation, along with active participation in monitoring blood pressure.

Although hypertension is not curable in most cases, it is manageable through lifestyle modifications and, in many cases, medication. Suggested lifestyle changes include:

• Maintain a healthy weight

• Increase daily physical activity

• Quit smoking and all forms of tobacco use

• Eat more fruits and vegetables and reduce salt intake in meals

Important: Seek immediate medical attention if you experience symptoms or if your blood pressure remains consistently high along with severe chest pain, numbness, difficulty speaking, dizziness, or shortness of breath.