MedWatcher Quick Facts
- High blood pressure affects many people and can have serious consequences
- Causes can be both genetic and lifestyle-related
- Active measures and a healthy lifestyle can help to reduce it
What is high blood pressure?
High blood pressure, also known as hypertension, is not just a number. It's about how hard your heart has to work to pump blood through your arteries. If this pressure is constantly too high, it can lead to serious health problems in the long term. High blood pressure rarely causes symptoms at first, so many people don't even realize they have hypertension. This is why it is also known as the "silent killer".
The main causes of high blood pressure
There are many causes of high blood pressure. Some of them we cannot influence, such as genetic factors or age. Others, however, are lifestyle-related and can be actively controlled by us. These include
- Overweight
- Too much salt in the diet
- Smoking and alcohol consumption
- Lack of exercise
- Stress
What you can do against high blood pressure
The good news is that there are many ways to bring your blood pressure back into balance. Here are a few tips:
- Regular physical activity can work wonders.
- Eat a balanced diet. Reduce salt, avoid convenience foods and include more fresh fruit and vegetables in your diet.
- Avoid stress. Relaxation techniques such as yoga or meditation can help.
- Have your blood pressure measured regularly. That way you can keep an eye on it.
Drug treatment
If these measures are not sufficient, there are various medications that can help to regulate blood pressure. It is important to find the right medication and the right dose in close consultation with a doctor. This is because every person reacts differently and it can take a while to find the optimal medication.
