Hypertension (High blood Pressure)

“High blood pressure is a common condition, affecting around 1 in 3 adults in England. The risk increases with age, and half of people over 75 have the condition.”

🔹 What is High Blood Pressure?
High blood pressure (hypertension) is when blood pressure remains consistently at 140/90 mmHg or higher. Often called the “silent killer”, it may not cause symptoms but is a major risk factor for:
✅ Coronary Heart Disease (CHD) 💔
✅ Stroke 🧠
✅ Kidney Failure 🚰

Over time, high pressure forces the heart to work harder, weakening it and damaging artery walls, leading to blockages or ruptures (haemorrhages).

🔹 📊 Hypertension Facts & Risk Factors

• 1 in 3 adults in England has high blood pressure.
• 18% of men & 13% of women have untreated high BP.
• Risk increases with age (50% of people over 75 have hypertension).
• 90-95% of cases are “Primary Hypertension” (no identifiable cause).
• 5-10% are “Secondary Hypertension” (caused by conditions like kidney disease).

🔹 ⚠️ Key Risk Factors for Hypertension
🚨 Uncontrollable Risks:
✔️ Age (risk increases with age)
✔️ Family history (runs in families)
✔️ Ethnicity (higher risk in Afro-Caribbean individuals)

🚨 Lifestyle-Related Risks (Preventable):
✔️ High-fat & high-salt diet 🧂
✔️ Lack of exercise 🏃‍♂️
✔️ Being overweight ⚖️
✔️ Smoking 🚬
✔️ Excessive alcohol consumption 🍷
✔️ Stress 😟

🔹 📏 Understanding Blood Pressure Readings

• Systolic (Top Number) – Pressure when the heart contracts.
• Diastolic (Bottom Number) – Pressure when the heart relaxes.

✅ Normal BP: 90/60 – 120/80 mmHg
⚠️ Prehypertension: 120/80 – 140/90 mmHg
🚨 Hypertension: 140/90 mmHg or higher

🔹 📋 Checking & Monitoring BP
📍 One high BP reading doesn’t mean you have hypertension!
📍 Several readings are taken over time for an accurate diagnosis.
📍 BP varies based on activity, emotions, hydration, caffeine, & smoking.

🔹 💊 Hypertension Treatment by Dr. Chabok
Slightly High BP (120/80+):
✔️ Lifestyle changes (healthy diet 🥦, exercise 🏋️, limit salt 🧂 & alcohol 🍷).

Moderately High BP (140/90+):
✔️ Medication + Lifestyle changes if heart disease risk is >20% over 10 years.

Very High BP (180/110+):
✔️ Immediate referral to a hypertension specialist for urgent treatment.

🔹 🏥 Preventing Hypertension & Cardiovascular Disease
✅ Healthy Diet 🥗 (low salt, high fiber, plenty of fruits & veggies 🍎🥦)
✅ Maintain Healthy Weight ⚖️
✅ Exercise Regularly 🏃 (30 mins most days)
✅ Limit Alcohol 🍷 (max 21 units/week for men, 14 for women)
✅ Quit Smoking 🚭
✅ Manage Stress 🧘‍♂️

Dr. Chabok provides expert diagnosis & personalized treatment plans to manage hypertension & prevent heart disease. ❤️

📌 More Info:
🌐 NHS Hypertension Guide
🌐 NICE Guidelines on Hypertension