Hypertension is sustained high blood pressure. You can tell if you have high blood pressure only by the use of a blood pressure machine (called a sphygmomanometer), not by the way you feel. High blood pressure, of itself, seldom makes you feel ill or gives rise to symptoms. That is why it is sometimes referred to as the silent killer.

RISK FACTORS FOR HYPERTENSION

Inadequate physical exercise

High alcohol consumption

Smoking

Diet high in salt

Excessive fat in the diet (especially saturated fat)

Excess body weight

Uncontrolled diabetes

HOW IS HIGH BLOOD PRESSURE TREATED?

High blood pressure can rarely be cured, but it is controllable. It must be treated for life. Treatment includes diet to control weight, reducing the intake of certain elements in our food, regular physical exercise, restriction of alcohol intake, elimination of cigarette smoking, control of stress and drug therapy.

What can you do to control your blood pressure?

Get rid of excess weight. Every extra pound your body carries means extra work for your heart. It is like carrying a heavy parcel which cannot be put down. Avoid excess eating. Eat less sweets and less fried and fatty foods.

Eat less salt by cutting down on table salt, salt pork, salt beef and other salty foods.

Exercise regularly. Be more active. Go for brisk walks. Jog, swim, ride a bicycle.

Reduce stress by doing things that relax you. Stress results from tension and emotional upset. When you are under stress, your blood pressure increases.

Reduce alcohol intake. Remember alcohol has a lot of calories and the heavy use of alcohol (more than two drinks a day) can raise blood pressure.

Stop smoking. Smoking cigarettes leads to diseases of the heart and blood vessels and increases the complications of hypertension.

For further information on hypertension, please call or visit The Heart Foundation of Jamaica.