High Blood Pressure (Hypertension) increases the risk of heart disease, stroke and death. Millions of people suffer from this condition worldwide but it is easily treatable and most people live healthy lives when they are on the right medication.

Simply put, Blood Pressure is the force of the blood against the walls of the blood vessels. The blood pressure reading is the work of the heart pumping and the resistance of the blood vessels. A normal blood pressure reading is 120/80 millimetres of mercury (mmHg). Any blood pressure reading over 130/80 mmHg is defined as Hypertension.

There are two types of Hypertension:

Essential or primary
Hypertension

This is the more common Hypertension and there is usually no known cause. A visit to your doctor for a general check-up usually leads to this diagnosis if you have primary hypertension. A patient could get frequent headaches or complain about general tiredness but in most cases, there are no symptoms.

Secondary Hypertension

Secondary Hypertension is caused when there is an abnormality in the arteries
supplying blood to the kidneys. Other causes may include hormone abnormalities, thyroid or adrenal gland disease, airway obstruction during sleep or excessive salt/alcohol. Medications such as ibuprofen or pseudoephedrine can also cause Secondary Hypertension.

General factors that could contribute to Hypertension include:

Diagnosis is made by a nursing sister or doctor with a sphygmomanometer, which consists of a stethoscope, arm cuff, dial, pump, and valve. After one reading is found to be high, you will be asked to return several times for more readings to make sure of the diagnosis. When a number of blood pressure readings are found to be high, your doctor may ask you to do a 24-hour blood pressure monitoring test called an Ambulatory Test. This test reads your blood pressure over 24 hours and then a more accurate diagnosis of your blood pressure can be made. It consists of a small blood pressure machine that is attached to a belt around your body and that is connected to a cuff around your upper arm.

Lifestyle changes are essential and can go a long way in aiding any treatment of hypertension. A healthy diet with less salt, regular exercise and a healthy weight will benefit any individual who has been diagnosed with hypertension. In addition to the changes you make in your lifestyle, normally medication is prescribed. There are several medicines on the market and the doctor will prescribe what is best suited for you. Often your doctor will prescribe a combination of low dose medication rather than a larger dose of a single medicine. Sometimes it is a matter of trial and error to find the right combination of medication for you.

A general check-up with your General Practitioner or even regular blood pressure tests at our clinic is essential. Hypertension caught in the early stage can save your life. Talk to our pharmacists to find out more about Hypertension or to fill your prescription today!