Most important:
- World Hypertension Day and this year's theme
- Why should we act quickly when it comes to hypertension?
- What are the steps for better control?
Hypertension is a condition where the blood pressure in the blood vessels is significantly higher than normal. This is a major problem for our society, affecting approximately one billion people worldwide. That is why we mark World Hypertension Day on 17 May. The main aim is to raise awareness among as many people as possible about one of the most common and insidious health conditions.
Hypertension is often asymptomatic and is one of the leading causes of cardiovascular disease and stroke. Therefore, early detection and control are essential, and prevention should be a priority for everyone at risk. This can not only save countless lives but also improve overall health literacy. In this article, we will explore what hypertension is, how to prevent it, and the challenges we face as a society.
Hypertension – Not Just Numbers, but a Call to Action
High blood pressure is defined as readings above 140/80 mm Hg. Unfortunately, many people neglect this condition. Most of them believe that these are just numbers on a machine that change depending on our emotional state. Although this is partly true, it hides the risks to our heart and our life. A large part of the population does not pay enough attention until it is too late.
We must be aware that these are not just numbers, but a signal to take action. High blood pressure and high cholesterol are among the biggest risk factors for cardiovascular disease. They act silently and insidiously – with no pain, no noise – but day by day they damage the blood vessels, strain the heart, and lead to serious consequences such as a heart attack and a stroke.
What exactly is the link between high cholesterol and hypertension?
These are closely linked conditions that often occur together and mutually worsen the health of the cardiovascular system. When the level of bad cholesterol (LDL) is high, it deposits in the walls of the blood vessels and forms plaques. This leads to the narrowing and hardening of the arteries, a process known as atherosclerosis. As a result of this process, the heart has to work harder to pump the same amount of blood through a narrower lumen, which leads to an increase in blood pressure.
Additionally, the loss of elasticity in the arteries increases resistance to blood flow, further contributing to the development of hypertension. Therefore, maintaining healthy cholesterol levels is an important step in controlling and preventing high blood pressure.
Why can't we rely solely on medication?
We must understand that hypertension itself is not a disease. It is very often a symptom and a signal from the body that there is a problem. In many cases, the first response to treatment is to prescribe appropriate medication. Yes, they are an important part of the therapy and are often life-saving, but if we do not limit our harmful habits, we will not achieve complete results. For this reason, we must follow the appropriate preventive measures prescribed by our doctor. In this way, we will not only improve our overall condition but also reduce the risk of serious complications from hypertension. This will allow us to live a fuller and more productive life, free from worry. It is important to remember that medication is only a helping hand.
A healthy lifestyle enhances the effect of medication and often reduces the need to increase doses or combine therapies. It is the foundation for long-term success in controlling hypertension because it addresses the causes, not just the symptoms. When this becomes a daily practice, healthy choices are the heart's most powerful ally. In these cases, prevention is not just a 'choice', but a necessity.
Steps towards better control
Hypertension often goes undiagnosed, which is why we must take preventative measures that become a habit. These are:
- Increase your physical activity – exercise is one of the best ways to protect yourself from high blood pressure. Even mild physical activity significantly reduces the risk of a heart attack or stroke. It is best to exercise moderately for at least 30 minutes (such as brisk walking) almost every day and to add light muscle-strengthening exercises 2-3 times a week.
- For people with high blood pressure, even minimal physical activity reduces the risk of death from a heart attack by 16–67%. It is important to create conditions for people to move more. The more we move, the better it is for our heart and blood pressure.
- Regular blood pressure monitoring – this preventative measure is essential. This way, if you have hypertension, it will be detected in a timely manner. The advantage of this method is that it can be done at any time and in any place. Sendo blood pressure monitors are an accurate and readily available option to help you with this.
- Weight loss – excess weight affects our blood pressure in many ways. Being overweight puts a greater strain on the body, including the heart. It has to work harder and pump a certain amount of blood through narrower arteries, as most overweight people have some degree of atherosclerosis.
Losing weight lowers blood pressure and improves the effectiveness of medication. It is best to lose weight through a healthy diet, exercise and support from a specialist. Losing 10 kg of body weight can lower the upper limit of blood pressure by about 6 mmHg, and the lower by about 4.6. - Stop smoking – it is a harmful habit that damages not only your cardiovascular system but your entire body. Numerous studies indicate that blood pressure increases dramatically when smoking. Additionally, harmful substances increase stress in the body by forming free radicals and toxins.
A healthy diet is key – vegetables, fruit, fish, whole grains, low-fat products and healthy fats are recommended. Sugar, saturated fats and cholesterol should be avoided. An increased intake of potassium (up to 3500–5000 mg per day) also helps, especially for people who consume a lot of salt. The DASH (Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension) diet is effective and can lower systolic blood pressure by up to 11 mmHg. The Mediterranean diet also has a positive effect – it lowers blood pressure and protects the heart. - Active care from within – In addition to preventive measures, active care from within is also needed. This is where Amiko Active comes into play. A product specially designed to maintain normal blood pressure, improve the lipid profile and heart function. The composition of Amiko Active helps to improve blood circulation, regulate electrolyte balance and maintain stable heart health. Taking the product provides comprehensive support for the cardiovascular system and is an excellent choice for anyone seeking a natural solution for a healthier heart and normal blood pressure.
These measures are crucial for the prevention and control of hypertension. Recommended lifestyle changes include weight management, a healthy diet, limiting salt intake, regular physical activity, and moderate alcohol consumption. However, few people change their habits after a diagnosis, and maintaining a new lifestyle is difficult. Therefore, public strategies and health policies can create an environment that encourages healthy behaviour. It is important for education to begin in childhood, as it is easier to build beneficial habits that last [1].
Conclusion
Hypertension is an often-underestimated condition. Unfortunately, it affects millions of people every day and is one of the main causes of cardiovascular disease. Although it is often asymptomatic, it should not be ignored. We must be aware that this is a problem that can be controlled with appropriate measures. Physical activity, a healthy diet, and a less stressful lifestyle are essential for the final outcome.
These are not just recommendations, but proven methods used all over the world. In combination with these, we can use a product like Amiko Active. Its unique combination helps to normalise blood pressure, regulate cholesterol, improve blood circulation and contribute to better heart function. It is suitable for people looking for a natural way to support their cardiovascular health, whether they already have a diagnosis or simply want to prevent illness. With Amiko Active and the right habits, looking after our health will become an easy task.
FAQ:
- What exactly is hypertension?
It is a condition where the blood pressure in the blood vessels is higher than normal over a long period of time. Blood pressure readings above 140/90 mmHg are considered high.
- Is there a cure for hypertension? Not completely, but it can be managed with a healthy lifestyle and medication. That is why prevention is important.
- Is there a diet or way of eating that can help me? Diet is key for people with hypertension and for prevention. It has been scientifically proven that the DASH and Mediterranean diets have a positive effect on blood pressure. They include plenty of vegetables, fish, and low amounts of salt and fat.
Sources:
- Cleveland Clinic
- American Heart Association
- Mayo Clinic
- Healthline
- NHLBI / NIH
- National Calendar
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
References:
Recommended lifestyle measures that have been shown to be effective in reducing blood pressure (BP) include weight management, a healthy diet, limiting salt, regular physical activity and moderate alcohol consumption.3 Unfortunately, only a small proportion of adults change their lifestyle following a diagnosis of HTN, and sustainability is difficult, which presents a significant challenge to the successful implementation of a healthy lifestyle.4 Therefore, community-level strategies that accelerate the implementation of health-promoting policies can create an environment where people are more encouraged to adopt or continue with healthy habits and may have the greatest impact on health outcomes.5 It is also important to emphasise that this education should be carried out at all ages.
