Check your blood pressure

Blood pressure is such a volatile measurement. I’ve once tried to have my blood pressure checked and was surprised because the reading was high. The doctor told me that he will have another measurement taken after 20 minutes. And yes, surprise again because it has dropped considerably. Yes, it could drop even up to 20 (mm Hg) millimeters of mercury in 20 to 30 minutes.

One can view a person to be hypertensive if a series of readings are taken. One reading is not enough. Often, people found to have high blood pressure are surprised because they don’t have any symptoms. Unless the blood pressure readings are very high, most people don’t notice any symptoms.

It is extremely benefecial to have your blood pressure taken so as appropriate measures to lower it will be done. The earlier in life, the better, before any damage is done.

The causes of high blood pressure are – there is no specific answer! that is in almost 90% of the cases. Doctors call it essential hypertension. The other 10% of the causes are attributed to kidney problems, diabetes and other not so common diseases. If you’re diagnosed with high blood pressure, some doctors will recommend a blood chemistry to check what’s causing it.

So what will you do if you have essential hypertension as 90% of the cases? Well, in the absence of other illness or disease, the first thing is to change your lifestyle. Reduce weight, stop smoking, reduce consumption of salt, eat more fruits and vegetables are some of the things you’ll do.

Another thing, I’ve put this in a separate paragraph because of its importance, and because it is the most difficult to follow. LEARN TO SLOW DOWN. RELAX.