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HIGH BLOOD PRESSURE  WHAT IS HIGH BLOOD PRESSURE Hypertension refers to blood pressure higher than usual, also known as high blood pressure. As you go about your daily activities, your blood pressure changes. High blood pressure (or hypertension) is diagnosed when blood pressure consistently measures above normal. High blood pressure increases your risk of other health problems, such as stroke and heart attack SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS  A person with high blood pressure usually doesn't experience any symptoms, which is why it is often referred to as the "silent killer." A hypertensive crisis, however, occurs when blood pressure reaches 180/120 mm Hg. A person may have the following symptoms at this stage: a headache  nausea vomiting dizziness blurred or double vision  nosebleeds heart palpitations breathlessness Anybody who experiences these symptoms should seek immediate medical attention CAUSES The cause of hypertension is often not known. The cause of this condition is often an underlying condition such as; having obesity insulin resistance high salt intake excessive alcohol intake having a sedentary lifestyle smoking PREVENTIVE MEASURE  Reduce salt intake (to less than 5g daily). Eat more vegetables and fruits. Be physically active regularly. Avoiding the use of tobacco. Reduce consumption of alcohol Minimize eating foods that are high in saturated fats. MANAGEMENT AND TREATMENT  REGULAR PHYSICAL EXERCISE  Exercises at least 5 days every week, Examples of appropriate exercise are: cycling walking swimming  jogging AVOID/MANAGE STRESS People can control their blood pressure by avoiding stress or learning how to manage it. Some include Long walks  yoga meditation  warm baths MEDICATION  Specific medications can be used to treat hypertension. DIET An effective way to prevent high blood pressure is to follow a heart-healthy diet.