Every May is Hypertension Awareness Month, an excellent opportunity to learn about a silent killer that affects millions: high blood pressure. Although you may be feeling fine, high blood pressure typically has no symptoms, which is why it’s known as the “silent killer.”
Here’s a breakdown of what you need to know and do to protect yourself and your loved ones.
What is Hypertension?
Hypertension is when your blood pressure is chronically too high. It puts additional pressure on your heart and blood vessels, resulting in heart disease, stroke, or kidney issues. If your blood pressure reading is 130/80 mmHg or more, you need to take action.
Why You Should Care?
You may feel nothing, but inside, your body is exerting more than it ought.
Untreated high blood pressure puts you at risk for:
- Heart attack and stroke
- Kidney damage
- Vision loss
- Memory problems
Get Tested Regularly
- Serum Electrolytes: checks the levels of important minerals in your blood
- FBS/HBA1C: High levels of sugar are a big risk for hypertension.
- Lipid Profile: Determines cholesterol levels; elevated LDL is alarming.
- Urinalysis: Checks Kidney Stress Caused by High BP.
- Creatinine: Reflects kidney function; high levels can be linked to hypertension
- Complete Blood Count (CBC): A broad screening to see if your blood pressure might have been affected by an undiagnosed disease.
- TSH: thyroid hormone regulator; imbalances may affect blood pressure
These tests are offered online through Virtual Lab, which is a simple, inexpensive, and practical way.
Home Remedies for Hypertension
Lifestyle changes are the first line of defense in preventing or managing high blood pressure. Start with these:
- Eat Less Salt: Avoid processed food, read labels, and season with herbs instead of salt.
- Get Moving: Whether you walk, bike, dance, or scrub the floor, keep moving.
- Quit Smoking: Look for support groups, or ask your doctor about stop-smoking aids.
- Limit Alcohol: Drink occasionally and controllably.
- Manage Stress: You could try deep breathing, journaling, music, or short breaks throughout your day.
- Get Enough Sleep: Aim for 7–9 hours. Screens and caffeine before bed are also a no-no.
Monitoring your BP also allows you to see what impacts it. Use a home monitor and report your findings to your doctor.
Who’s at Risk?
Hypertension can affect anyone, but you’re at greater risk if:
- You’re over 40.
- You’re overweight.
- You don’t exercise.
- You eat a salty diet.
- You have diabetes or problems with your kidneys.
- It runs in your family.
FAQs
What will happen if my blood pressure is high?
When that happens, your heart pumps harder (and can eventually result in a heart attack, stroke, or kidney failure).
What are ways to lower blood pressure?
Exercise, eat right, reduce salt, control stress, and take prescribed drugs.
Take the Lead Against Hypertension with Medi Linx!
Your health is not something you can ignore. Do something this Hypertension Awareness Month. With accurate and reliable results, book your lab test from Medi Linx with Virtual Lab and have peace of mind. Medi Linx is easy booking, fast results, and trusted by doctors. Know your numbers. Know your health. Contact us now!
