
Hypertension
Hypertension is another way of describing high blood pressure. It is known as the "silent killer" as there are rarely obvious symptoms.
At Peermed, we can check your blood pressure for you. If it is high we can prescribe corrective medication, and give you advice on how you can change your lifestyle to lower your blood pressure and improve your quality of life!
Hypertension - the silent killer
If it is left untreated, high blood pressure can lead to strokes, heart attacks and a shortened life expectancy. And yet there are really good medications that can easily treat this.
If you have any concerns about your blood pressure, come into Peermed for a simple test.
What should your blood pressure be?
When your blood pressure is taken, there are two parts to the reading: the systolic pressure which occurs when your heart beats, and the diastolic pressure which occurs between heart beats.
So, when your doctor gives you your blood pressure reading, it will be described as one figure over another, for example 145/95 (SBP/DBP).
A guide to blood pressure readings
Set out below are different levels of blood pressure as defined by the Heart Foundation of South Africa:
Normal | 120/80 to 129/84 |
High Normal | 130/85 to 139/89 |
Hypertension Mild |
140/90 to 159/99 |
Moderate | 160/100 to 179/109 |
Severe | + 180/110 |
How Can I lower my blood pressure?
- Lose weight, especially if you have belly fat. Even a few kilograms will help!
- Watch your alcohol intake – an added benefit of this is that you will lose weight faster.
- Limit your salt intake
- It sounds boring, but you really should be eating more fruit and vegetables! Cut fat off your meat before you eat it, and try not to eat too much refined sugar – fizzy drinks are full of sugars!
- If you don’t exercise, start now. Begin with gentle exercise a few times a week, such as a walk around the block. Remember: if you haven’t exercised for a while, speak to your Peermed doctor first.
- The aging process can result in hypertension.
- Some medication can increase blood pressure.
There is a genetic link with high blood pressure
A worrying trend seen by health practitioners is that many people stop taking their medication.
This can be a fatal decision.
Reduce your salt intake
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