High blood pressure is sometimes called the “silent killer.” More than 360,000 African deaths in 2013 included high blood pressure as a primary or contributing cause. That is almost 1,000 deaths each day.
While most people with high blood pressure don’t have any symptoms others experience symptoms such as sweating or headaches. Because many people feel fine, they do not think they need to get their blood pressure checked. Even if you feel normal, your health may be at risk.
High blood pressure doesn’t just happen to older adults. About one in four men and nearly one in five women age 35 to 44 has high blood pressure.
High blood pressure is a leading cause of stroke, a condition that is on the rise among younger people. Experts think the increased risk for stroke among young adults is a direct result of the rising rates of obesity, high blood pressure, and diabetes—conditions that are preventable and treatable.
To embrace a healthy lifestyle, it’s important to:
- Reduce the average amount of salt or sodium consumed
- Check your blood pressure regularly
- Maintain a healthy weight
- Get enough physical activity
- Limit alcohol
- Eat healthily
Reference
Reference: Healthline.com