It is normal for blood pressure (BP) to be higher or lower during the 24 hour period. When you or a qualified professional, like your doctor, measure BP, it is the measure of how hard blood is being pushed against the arteries and veins in your body as it is pumped around by your heart. However, if BP is recorded as high and consistently remains at higher than normal level then it is called high blood pressure. Doctors refer to high blood pressure as hypertension. Lower than normal BP is given the name hypotension.
A person with high BP will probably be unaware of it unless it has been monitored. There are no obvious symptoms and it does not cause illness. Some people may experience persistent headaches and possible blurry vision. If high BP remains undetected and it is not monitored then if it is not treated, chances of heart attack or a stroke are increased. More seriously, it could result in heart failure and kidney disease. Hence, 'the silent killer'.
This is all very alarming. However, there are several ways to lower the elevated blood pressure and control it. Ultimately, there is prescribed medicine to lower your BP. But, before your doctor prescribes medication, you will be asked to review your lifestyle using a check-list. You will be asked to note down what you eat and drink during a normal week. You will then be asked to check against the list of foods and drinks and see how many good or bad items that you are eating. This will give clear indication of your diet and if it requires an overhaul.
If your diet is rich in fats and your lifestyle does not include exercise, the doctor will probably advise you to review your daily intake of fatty foods and will also suggest introducing exercise into your daily routine.
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