Hypertension

Hypertension refers to a state where blood pressure is persistently higher than normal when a person is in a state of rest or relaxation. A blood pressure of over 140/90mmHg is considered high.
There are no obvious causes for the majority of cases of hypertension. However, the following risk factors, either by themselves or in combination, will increase the risk of hypertension:
    。Smoking、
    。Obesity、
    。Lack of exercise、
    。Stress、
    。Excessive alcohol intake、
    。Family history of hypertension。
Other specific factors include:
    。Kidney diseases、
    。Heart diseases、
    。Hormonal imbalances、
    。Side effects of some drugs (such as steroids).

Men often turn to alcohol as a way of relieving stress. In reality, alcohol cannot help reduce stress at all. On the contrary, excessive consumption of alcohol will easily increase the risk of hypertension.

Most people with hypertension show no symptoms at all. Therefore, hypertension is known as a “silent killer”.
In general, hypertension is diagnosed when people go for a routine health check-up, or during a medical examination for other issues. In severe cases of hypertension, the patient will experience:
    。Headache、
    。Dizziness、
    。Shortness of breath、
    。Problems with vision。

    。Cerebrovascular accident (Stroke)、
    。Coronary heart disease、
    。Heart failure、
    。Kidney failure、

The risk of developing hypertension can be reduced by:
    。Quitting smoking、
    。Maintaining a balanced diet，
    。Reducing consumption of low-fat food and food with high salt content、
    。Quitting alcohol drinking、
    。Doing suitable exercise regularly、
    。Controlling of weight、
    。Getting adequate rest and avoiding stress、
    。Having regular body check-ups, keeping blood pressure level in check (at least once every two years).

Measuring blood pressure is a convenient, safe and quick procedure. Yet, some people are not aware that they are suffering from high-blood pressure.

。Over 90% of cases not of specific cause、
。History of hypertension in close relatives、
。Obesity、
。Excess intake of salt、
。Stress、
。Certain diseases such as kidney diseases, endocrine diseases.

。Healthy Lifestyle 、
    ‧a Balanced diet、
    ‧Regular exercise、
    ‧Maintain the optimal body weight、
    ‧Avoid food with high salt, fat and cholesterol content、
    ‧Don’t smoke.
。Regular blood pressure checks、
。People who suffer from hypertension
    ‧Take their prescribed medications、
    ‧Regular follow-up with the doctor.