What exactly is it, its symptoms, and what happens after? Get a quick overview with this 2-minute read.
What is high blood pressure?
Your heart beats to pump blood into your arteries and throughout your body. When the force at which your blood hits the walls of your arteries is too high, you have high blood pressure. Having high blood pressure increases your risk for heart attack, kidney failure, stroke, a number of other major illnesses, or even death.
What are the symptoms?
There are no signs or symptoms. That’s why high blood pressure is also known as the silent killer. The only way you can find out is to have your blood pressure measured and a 2D echo (ultrasound scan) of your heart to understand your heart function. To find out more on how to get a comprehensive heart screening, call our friendly concierge today at +65 6679 7867, or email us at customercare@tmcg.com.sg. Some people believe that high blood pressure can be a result of personality traits, a problem among individuals who are tense and high-strung. However, this is not true. Calm and collected individuals can be just as likely to suffer from high blood pressure.
What are the treatment options?
Lowering your blood pressure is a matter of making lifestyle changes, as well as taking medication. These lifestyle changes include:
- Reduce your salt intake
- Eat plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables
- Be physically active
- Lose weight
- Cut down on alcohol
- Quit smoking
- Drink less coffee, tea, and other caffeinated beverages
Different medication options may be offered, depending on your age and risk of developing health problems. In fact, some patients may have to take medication for the rest of their lives to help control their blood pressure.