Have you ever been to a doctor and been told something like, "My blood pressure is a little high, but not high enough to warrant medication"? Or has that happened to a friend or family member? In fact, most people don't think much about this 'slightly high' condition. They just think, "Oh, it's not a disease yet." But today we're going to talk about what it really is, why it can be a little dangerous, and how we can be careful and stay healthy. Doctors call this condition
`(Prehypertension)` .
What is `(Prehypertension)`? Let's understand it simply!
Okay, first let's see what `(Prehypertension)` is. Simply put, it is when your
blood pressure is slightly higher than normal . Normally, a healthy person's blood pressure (`Blood Pressure` or BP) should be around 120/80 millimeters of mercury (120/80 mmHg). When you look at your blood pressure, there are two values called the top value (`Systolic pressure`) and the bottom value (`Diastolic pressure`). In `(Prehypertension)`, your
top value can be between 120 and 139 , or
your bottom value can be between 80 and 89. If either of these two values is in these ranges, it is considered `(Prehypertension)`. Sometimes doctors also call it "elevated blood pressure" if your top value is between 120 and 129 and your bottom value is below 80. Also, if the top number is between 130 and 139 and the bottom number is between 80 and 89, it can also be called "stage 1 high blood pressure". But this ``(Prehypertension)`` is a general name that covers both of these conditions. If your pressure is 140 or higher on the top number, and/or 90 or higher on the bottom number, that's what we call high blood pressure (`Hypertension`` or "high blood pressure").
Is this ``(Prehypertension)'' dangerous? Why should we be concerned about it?
"Oh, just a little bit too much, what's going on?" you might think. But, the truth is,
yes, this is something to be concerned about. Just think, people with this `(Prehypertension)` condition
are two to three times more likely to develop serious illnesses like heart attack, heart failure, or stroke than people with normal blood pressure! Not only that, many people with `(Prehypertension)` actually develop hypertension over time. Some studies have found that most people with `(Prehypertension)` develop hypertension within three to four years. In other words, this is like a yellow light. If we don't take care now, it won't be long before the red light comes on.
How common is `(Prehypertension)`?
This is a much more common condition than you might think. Roughly speaking, it is
estimated that
about one in three adults worldwide has ``prehypertension``.I'm waiting. This situation may be as common in Sri Lanka as this. Therefore, this is something that can apply to anyone.
Does `(Prehypertension)` have symptoms?
This is the most dangerous thing about this.
`(Prehypertension)` has no specific symptoms. This problem can gradually increase inside your body without you feeling any discomfort or pain. Although you may feel dizzy or lightheaded at times, these are not symptoms specific to `(Prehypertension)`.
Therefore, the only way to know for sure whether you have ``Prehypertension'' or not is to have your blood pressure measured regularly.
What are the complications that can occur due to `(Prehypertension)`?
Even though there are no symptoms, some harmful changes can begin to occur inside the body of people with ``Prehypertension``. These can be early signs of a condition called ``Atherosclerosis`` (that is, fatty deposits build up inside the arteries, causing them to become thinner and harder). For example:
- The walls of the main blood vessels in the neck (the ``carotid artery`') are thicker than normal.
- Enlargement of some of the heart chambers.
- An excess of calcium deposits in the coronary arteries that supply blood to the heart.
These are not outward symptoms, but these changes occurring inside the body indicate that the path to serious conditions such as heart disease and stroke is being paved.
What are the causes of `(Prehypertension)`?
Although no single cause has been found for high blood pressure, there are many factors that contribute to it. Simply put, our lifestyle is the main factor.
- Excessive salt consumption: Salt in the food we eat. Now think about it, we unknowingly add a little too much salt to the food we prepare at home, especially curries, sambols, pickles. Similarly, the food we buy from the store, especially `short-eats`, `processed foods` (i.e. canned, packaged foods) also contain salt. The problem starts when we eat these things continuously.
- Alcohol use : Drinking too much alcohol is also a major cause of high blood pressure.
- Lack of exercise: Sitting in one place without any exercise for the body also contributes to an increase in blood pressure.
For about 95% of people with high blood pressure, there is no single cause. Several factors contribute to the increase in blood pressure. For the remaining 5%, other medical conditions can cause high blood pressure. Examples:
Who is at higher risk of developing ``(Prehypertension)``?
Some people are more likely to develop ``Prehypertension`` than others. Let's look at these risk factors:
- Use of tobacco products: This risk is higher not only for those who smoke cigarettes, bidis, and cigars, but also for those who use chewing tobacco (such as chewing gum with lime).
- Body Mass Index (BMI) over 25: Simply put, this means you are overweight for your height. You can easily check this by finding a BMI calculator online and entering your height and weight.
- Family history: If your parents or siblings have high blood pressure, you are more likely to develop ``prehypertension`` or high blood pressure. This is a genetic influence.
How do you know for sure if you have `(Prehypertension)`? (Diagnosis)
When you go to the doctor, they don't just check your blood pressure once and say you have ``Prehypertension'' just because it's high. Usually, a doctor will tell you that you have ``Prehypertension'' if you have
at least two blood pressure readings on different days, at different times , and those readings are consistently higher than normal. The blood pressure is measured using a device called a ``cuff'' that is wrapped around your upper arm and inflated and deflated. This is
a painless test. The ``Prehypertension'' range is between 120 and 139 on the upper reading
and 80 and 89 on the lower reading.
Is it necessary to treat `(Prehypertension)`?
Absolutely yes! This is not something that just gets better or can be ignored. If we do not take steps to control it at this `(Prehypertension)` stage, there is a high chance that it will gradually increase and become ``Hypertension``. Blood pressure is not something that gets better on its own.
How is `(Prehypertension)` treated?
The good news is that many people with ``prehypertension`` can control their condition
without medication, simply by making some simple changes to their lifestyle . What are these changes?
- Regular exercise: It's important to get at least 30 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise a few days a week. Anything from brisk walking, running, cycling, or swimming is good.
- Maintain a healthy weight: Try to maintain a healthy weight for your height. If you are overweight, losing a little can make a big difference.
- Quit using tobacco products: If you smoke cigarettes, stop completely. If you use other types of tobacco, stop using them as well.
- Changing diet:
- Reduce salt: Reduce the amount of salt you add to your food. Also, reduce your intake of foods high in salt (such as processed foods, fast foods, and salted meats and fish).
- Reduce oil: Reduce oily, fried foods.
- Eat more vegetables, fruits, and herbs.
- This type of diet is also called the ``DASH diet - Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension''. You can learn more about it by asking your doctor or a nutritionist.
- Limit alcohol: If you drink alcohol, limit it to one standard drink per day for women and two standard drinks per day for men.
- Stress management: Excessive stress can also cause high blood pressure. Yoga, meditation, and finding ways to relax can help with this.
However, if you have prehypertension and other health problems, such as diabetes, kidney disease, or cardiovascular disease, your doctor may start you on antihypertensive medications. There are many types of these medications. Some medications can cause side effects, so talk
to your doctor about switching to another medication if you experience any of these side effects.
What can we do to reduce the risk of developing `(Prehypertension)`?
This is similar to the treatment methods mentioned earlier. If you follow these habits even before you develop prehypertension, you can greatly reduce your risk of developing it:
- Avoid tobacco products (cigarettes, smokeless tobacco, even `vaping`) completely.
- Exercise well at least a few days a week.
- Find ways to manage the stress in your life.
- Limit the amount of alcohol you drink.
- Reduce the amount of salt added to food.
- Maintain a healthy weight.
If I have `(Prehypertension)`, what should I expect?
A large study has found that people with ``Prehypertension``
are at a higher risk of heart disease and stroke than those with low blood pressure. People with ``Prehypertension`` often progress to high blood pressure over time. High blood pressure also increases the risk of kidney disease and type 2 diabetes.
But, don't panic! The important thing is, if you recognize this ``Prehypertension'' condition early, you can change your daily habits, prevent the development of high blood pressure, and thereby reduce the risk of developing cardiovascular disease.
When should I see a doctor?
It is very important to see your family doctor at least once a year for a complete medical examination (an `annual physical` or `checkup`).If your doctor says you have ``prehypertension'', he or she will tell you how often to come back. This is because you need to regularly check to see if your blood pressure is decreasing with the changes you make in your lifestyle, or if it is moving towards high blood pressure. If so, you can start treating it sooner.
What questions should I ask my doctor?
When you go to see a doctor, you can ask questions like these:
- "Doctor, how should I change my diet to lower my blood pressure?"
- "Do I need to take medication for this `(Prehypertension)` condition?"
- "How much exercise should I do a day? What kind of exercise is best for my blood pressure?"
- "Can I learn more about reducing salt?"
Finally, a few things to remember (Take-Home Message)
Everyone wants to be healthy and have normal blood pressure. However, sometimes we can have high blood pressure without even realizing it. Don't panic if you find out you have ``prehypertension''.
You are not alone; it is a very common condition. The best thing is,
you can control it. With a few simple lifestyle changes, you can get your blood pressure back to a healthy level. If you need help losing weight, quitting smoking, or starting a healthy diet, ask your doctor or a health professional.
This small step you take today is a big investment in your future heart health! So, don't delay, start today.
Pressure, High Blood Pressure, Prehypertension, Blood Pressure, Heart Disease, Health, Lifestyle
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