About 25 percent of all adults in Switzerland suffer from high blood pressure. As people age, the number of people affected increases to 50 percent. Find out below how to fight hypertension and what measures to take to prevent it.
Our blood flows in the arteries of the whole organism. To make this happen, some pressure is needed. Each heartbeat causes a pressure wave that is transmitted into the arterial blood vessels. However, if the blood pressure is constantly too high, ie above 140/90 mm Hg, health problems may occur. Hypertension, also known as hypertonia, over the years damages important organs and is considered one of the main risk factors responsible for numerous cardiovascular diseases such as heart attack, heart failure or stroke. Excessively high blood pressure can also cause kidney damage or visual disturbances. Hypertension is normally not perceived, which is why about a third of those affected are not aware of it.
There are two types of hypertension. The first is primary (essential) hypertonia, which constitutes a clinical picture in itself and whose cause is substantially unknown. Treatment first requires the reduction of risk factors. If hypertension is strongly elevated, the doctor can prescribe medication. The second type of hypertension is the side effect of another disease. In this case it is necessary to treat the underlying disease.
A healthy lifestyle, together with the reduction or elimination of risk factors, is the most effective remedy against hypertension. Those with strong hypertonia have the possibility, with an appropriate lifestyle, to reduce the intake of medicines to the minimum. People with mild hypertonia can even lower it to normal values. Improving one's health can also contribute to a general prevention of hypertension.
Here are the measures to be implemented
● Measure blood pressure regularly
● Follow the doctor's recommendations
● Eliminate the extra pounds
● Reduce alcohol consumption
● Use less salt in the kitchen
● Follow a healthy and balanced diet
● Give up nicotine
● Perform regular physical activity
● Allow yourself moments of rest and relaxation