What is Hypertension / High Blood Pressure?
High blood pressure - also known as raised blood pressure or hypertension - increases the risk of heart attacks, strokes and kidney failure. If left uncontrolled, high blood pressure can also cause blindness, irregularities of the heartbeat and heart failure. It is also associated with your risk of developing dementia and erectile dysfunction.
The risk of developing these complications is higher in the presence of other cardiovascular risk factors such as diabetes. One in three adults worldwide has high blood pressure. The proportion increases with age, from 1 in 10 people in their 20s and 30s to 5 in 10 people in their 50s.
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The Prevalence of Blood Pressure Control in the Caribbean can be as high as 27% in some countries.
What are the signs and symptoms of hypertension or high blood pressure?
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Unfortunately there are often no signs or symptoms associated with high blood pressures.
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Hypertension diagnosis
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A diagnosis is made if your Blood Pressure is higher than 140/90 on two separate occasions. Everyone should get their blood pressure checked regularly.
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What are high blood pressures?
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If your Blood Pressure is 140/90 or higher, talk to your healthcare provider about treatment.
If you are prescribed medication, be sure to take it faithfully and as directed. Once you start taking medication your BP will begin to fall to normal values (<130/80). Please continue to take the medication as if stopped the Blood Pressure will return to its high value.
Talk to your healthcare provider if your blood pressure is too low (less than 110/70) or you begin to feel dizzy.
Hypertension treatment
High blood Pressure is controlled with the use of lifestyle changes (healthy diet, regular exercise, quitting tobacco smoking and limit alcohol use) and medication.
If you are prescribed medication, be sure to take it faithfully and as directed. Once you start taking medication your BP will begin to fall to normal values (<130/80). Please continue to take the medication as if stopped the Blood Pressure will return to its high value.
Talk to your healthcare provider if your blood pressure is too low (less than 110/70) or you begin to feel dizzy.
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Hypertension/High Blood Pressure can be treated and its consequences avoided or delayed with diet, physical activity, medication, and regular screening and treatment for complications.
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Pre-hypertension – What is it?
Blood Pressure 120-130/80-89, which also increases the risk of heart attack and stroke. Without lifestyle changes, prehypertension is likely to develop into high blood pressure. Liefstyle changes include healthy eating, regular exercise, no tobacco use and limited intake of alcohol.
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