High blood pressure, or hypertension, is often called “the silent killer”, and for good reason. There are no obvious symptoms, so if you have it you likely won’t even know unless you get checked. That’s not to say it’s harmless – quite the opposite. Hypertension can do damage to the body slowly over years and is a major risk factor for a variety of serious medical conditions.
According to the Heart and Stroke Foundation, nearly one in five Canadians has high blood pressure, but only 66% of these people have it under control, and 17% don’t even know they have it. It’s important to get checked, especially if you’re older, overweight, or sedentary. By learning about the dangers that it can cause and the unhealthy choices that can make it worse, the risks of hypertension can be mitigated and controlled.
Many risk factors for hypertension are caused by lifestyle choices. Some of these factors include a lack of physical activity, a diet high in fats and sodium, and being overweight or obese. These all contribute to a weak heart and high cholesterol, which raises blood pressure and narrows arteries. Other choices such as smoking and alcohol consumption have also been shown to be associated with high blood pressure. High stress levels can also contribute.
Some other causes of high blood pressure are beyond the control of the individual. Hypertension becomes more common with age, so older adults are at greater risk. Those who have a family history of high blood pressure are also at greater risk of developing it themselves. Additionally, blood pressure levels vary by race and ethnicity.
Hypertension is a major risk factor for these serious medical conditions if left untreated. However, with proper lifestyle choices, blood pressure can be lowered and kept at healthy levels. For most people, a healthy blood pressure should have a systolic pressure below 120, and a diastolic pressure below 80. If you don’t know what your blood pressure is, you should get checked, especially if your lifestyle or genetics put you at risk.
Katie Stewart
Katie is a member of Welbi’s Customer Experience team! She has a background in communications and recreation and is passionate about older adults, exercise, coffee and people.
Holly Mathias
Holly is a member of Welbi’s Marketing team! She has a background in communications and marketing, and is a compassionate individual who loves team work, story telling, and wellness.
Wendy Riopelle
Wendy is a student in the Honours BA in English program at the University of Ottawa, where she has won numerous awards for her writing.
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