Hypertension

Hypertension or elevated blood pressure is a serious medical condition that significantly increases the risks of heart, brain, kidney, and other diseases. Hypertension is diagnosed if, when it is measured on two different days, the systolic blood pressure readings on both days are ≥140 mmHg and/or the diastolic blood pressure readings on both days are ≥90 mmHg. It is the most common cardiovascular condition. 

Symptoms of hypertension are as below:

Excessive pressure can harden arteries, decreasing the flow of blood and oxygen to the heart. This elevated pressure and reduced blood flow can cause:

• Angina or chest pain
• A heart attack occurs when the blood supply to the heart is blocked, and heart muscle cells die from a lack of oxygen. The longer the blood flow is blocked, the greater the damage to the heart.
• Heart failure occurs when the heart cannot pump enough blood and oxygen to other vital body organs.
• An irregular heartbeat can lead to sudden death.
• Hypertension can also burst or block arteries that supply blood and oxygen to the brain, causing a stroke.
• Hypertension can cause kidney damage, leading to kidney failure.

Causes

• Unhealthy diet - excessive use of sodium or table salt, calorie-rich diet but lack of nutrients
• Sedentary lifestyle and lack of physical activity 
• Heavy smoking 
• Stress