High blood pressure, also known as hypertension, is one of the most common health problems worldwide. Many people have it without even knowing, which is why it is often called the “silent killer.” If left untreated, high blood pressure can lead to serious complications such as heart disease, stroke, and kidney damage.
At Mediexpro, under the guidance of Dr. Sandwip Talukdar (MBBS, DFM (BSMMU), MCPS (FM), CCD (BIRDEM), DMU (BTEB)), patients are regularly educated about early detection and proper management of hypertension to prevent long-term health risks.
In this guide, we will explain everything you need to know about high blood pressure in a simple, human-friendly way.
What is High Blood Pressure?
Blood pressure is the force of blood pushing against the walls of your arteries. It is measured using two numbers:
- Systolic pressure – when the heart beats
- Diastolic pressure – when the heart rests
A normal blood pressure reading is around 120/80 mmHg.
You are considered to have high blood pressure if your reading is consistently:
- 130/80 mmHg or higher
Types of Hypertension
There are two main types of high blood pressure:
1. Primary (Essential) Hypertension
This develops slowly over time and has no clear cause. It is the most common type.
2. Secondary Hypertension
This occurs due to an underlying condition such as:
- Kidney disease
- Hormonal disorders
- Thyroid problems
- Certain medications
Common Causes of High Blood Pressure
High blood pressure can develop due to several lifestyle and health factors, including:
- Excess salt intake
- Lack of physical activity
- Obesity
- Smoking
- Alcohol consumption
- Stress
- Genetics (family history)
- Poor diet
According to experts at Mediexpro, modern lifestyle habits are one of the main reasons for increasing hypertension cases among young people.
Symptoms of High Blood Pressure
One of the biggest dangers of hypertension is that it often shows no symptoms.
However, in severe cases, some people may experience:
- Headaches
- Dizziness
- Shortness of breath
- Chest pain
- Blurred vision
- Nosebleeds
Dr. Sandwip Talukdar explains that relying on symptoms is risky, so regular blood pressure checks are essential.
Why High Blood Pressure is Dangerous
If left untreated, high blood pressure can damage your body over time. Some serious complications include:
1. Heart Disease
High blood pressure forces your heart to work harder, increasing the risk of heart attack and heart failure.
2. Stroke
Hypertension can damage blood vessels in the brain, leading to stroke.
3. Kidney Damage
It can affect kidney function and even lead to kidney failure.
4. Vision Loss
High pressure can damage blood vessels in the eyes.
5. Memory Problems
Long-term hypertension may affect brain function and memory.
Risk Factors
Some people are more likely to develop high blood pressure. Common risk factors include:
- Age (risk increases with age)
- Family history
- Being overweight
- Sedentary lifestyle
- High salt diet
- Diabetes
- Chronic stress
At Mediexpro, doctors recommend early screening for individuals with these risk factors.
How is High Blood Pressure Diagnosed?
High blood pressure is diagnosed using a simple device called a blood pressure monitor.
Doctors may:
- Take multiple readings
- Check blood tests
- Examine heart and kidney function
Dr. Sandwip Talukdar advises checking blood pressure at least once every 6 months, even if you feel healthy.
Treatment Options
The good news is that high blood pressure can be controlled with proper treatment and lifestyle changes.
1. Lifestyle Changes
These are the first step in managing hypertension:
- Reduce salt intake
- Eat a healthy diet
- Exercise regularly
- Maintain a healthy weight
- Quit smoking
- Limit alcohol
- Manage stress
2. Medications
If lifestyle changes are not enough, doctors may prescribe medications such as:
- Diuretics
- ACE inhibitors
- Beta-blockers
- Calcium channel blockers
Always take medicines as prescribed by your doctor.
Diet for High Blood Pressure
A healthy diet plays a key role in controlling blood pressure.
Recommended Foods:
- Fruits and vegetables
- Whole grains
- Low-fat dairy
- Lean protein (fish, chicken)
- Nuts and seeds
Foods to Avoid:
- High-salt foods
- Processed foods
- Fast food
- Sugary drinks
- Excess red meat
Following a balanced diet plan can significantly reduce your blood pressure levels.
Prevention Tips
Preventing high blood pressure is easier than treating it. Here are some simple tips:
- Stay active (30 minutes daily exercise)
- Eat less salt
- Drink plenty of water
- Maintain a healthy weight
- Avoid smoking and alcohol
- Get enough sleep
According to Dr. Sandwip Talukdar, small lifestyle changes can make a big difference in long-term health.
When to See a Doctor
You should consult a doctor if:
- Your blood pressure is consistently high
- You experience symptoms like chest pain or dizziness
- You have a family history of hypertension
- You have diabetes or kidney problems
Early diagnosis can prevent serious complications.
Expert Advice from Mediexpro
At Mediexpro, patients receive personalized care and guidance for managing hypertension.
Dr. Sandwip Talukdar (MBBS, DFM (BSMMU), MCPS (FM), CCD (BIRDEM), DMU (BTEB)) emphasizes:
Conclusion
High blood pressure is a serious but manageable condition. Many people live healthy, normal lives by controlling their blood pressure through proper diet, exercise, and medical care.
The key is early detection and consistent management. Don’t wait for symptoms—get your blood pressure checked regularly and take action today.
With proper guidance from healthcare professionals like Dr. Sandwip Talukdar at Mediexpro, you can stay healthy and reduce the risks of complications.
