There are three important numbers each person needs to know- your bank pin number, your phone number, and your blood pressure numbers.
According to the World Health Organization report, more than one billion people around the world live with hypertension (high blood pressure), which is a major cause of cardiovascular disease and premature death worldwide. Every year on the 17th of May, World Hypertension Day is observed to communicate to the public the importance of hypertension and its serious medical complications and to provide information on prevention, detection, and treatment.
High blood pressure occurs when systolic blood pressure is equal to or greater than 140 mm, and diastolic blood pressure is equal to or greater than 90 mm.
This year, the theme for World Hypertension Day is “Measure Your Blood Pressure Accurately, Control It, Live Longer”, focusing on combatting low awareness rates worldwide, especially in low to middle-income areas, and accurate blood pressure measurement methods.
Hypertension, also known as high blood pressure, is a medical condition when the blood pressure in the blood vessels is continuously elevated. The more blood your heart pumps and the narrower your blood vessels are, the higher your blood pressure becomes.
According to the Journal of Clinical Hypertension, in Nigeria, one in four adult Nigerians is hypertensive and Hypertension unawareness is a likely contributor to deaths from cardiovascular disease in the country.
Dr Olubunmi Evwerhamra, one of our doctors at Avon Medical, commented to patients, “Simple lifestyles change can help reduce the risk of hypertension which includes avoiding fatty food, saying no to smoking and drinking, regular exercising and a scheduled sleeping time”. She advised patients to regularly check their blood pressure and take their drugs religiously as advised by their healthcare provider.
High blood pressure typically may not cause symptoms, but long-term high blood pressure may result in coronary artery disease, stroke, chronic kidney disease, heart failure, arrhythmia, and dementia. Since its symptoms may not be obvious, the consistent measurement and tracking of blood pressure numbers are vital for a healthy life.
If you or a loved one are having challenges with high blood pressure and want to speak with a doctor, kindly book an appointment with us today by sending an email to info@avonmedical.com, visiting our website, www.avonmedical.com or calling these numbers; (+234-908-799-4655 or (+234)-908-799-4656.
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