Blood Pressure – Chart, Causes, Symptoms & Treatment

3 Symptoms of High Blood Pressure to watch out for

Symptoms of High Blood Pressure (Hypertension)

Hypertension is a condition which has no recognisable symptoms. It is usually detected by regular monitoring via blood pressure checkups. According to recent research of all the people affected by hypertension, only 1/3rd individuals are able to get the diagnosis for this condition.

While there are no symptoms of high blood pressure, there are some predictors of high Blood Pressure for example the waist-to-hip size ratio may indicate that monitoring your blood pressure may be required.

Predictors of High Blood Pressure (Hypertension)

1. Waist-to-Hip Size Ratio:

Current research suggests your waist size may be an effective measure for assessing obesity-related hypertension risk. Body compositions which have extra weight around their midsection has been repeatedly proven as a strong indicator of increased cardiovascular health issues. Thus if you have a high waist-to-hip ratio, i.e. you carry more fat around your waist than on your hips, you may be at an increased risk for obesity-related high blood pressure.

To find your correct waist-to-hip ratio, first measure the circumference of your hips at the widest part, i.e. across your buttocks,and note down the reading. Second measure your waist circumference at the narrowest, just above your belly button. Then divide your waist measurement by your hip measurement to get the ratio.

WAIST TO HIP RATIO A PREDICTOR OF HIGH BLOOD PRESSURE OR HYPERTENSION
WAIST TO HIP RATIO A PREDICTOR OF HIGH BLOOD PRESSURE OR HYPERTENSION

2. High Sugar Levels / Insulin Resistance

Lousiana State University conducted an 18 month long study of 810 participants to find an association between sugar consumption and high blood pressure. The study has been published in the journal Circulation. The dietary intake and blood pressure of the participants were measured at baseline,3,6,12 months and 18 months.

It was found that reduction in sugar intake reduced the blood pressure. In fact the researchers found that if the participants reduced their sugar intake by even 1 serving for 18 months, there was a significant decline in their blood pressure.

Other research indicates high fructose corn syrup to be one of the major offenders as it is a hidden sugar in way too many processed foods. Most people are unaware of its presence or effects in their (processed )food. In fact it is possible to avoid it only by giving up processed food.

However you may not get this confirmation from your medical practitioner as most physicians – even cardiologists – do not understand the crucial connection between blood pressure, blood sugar levels, and insulin.

3. Lack of Sleep

Lack of sleep interferes with metabolism and hormone production in a way that is similar to the effects of aging and the early stages of diabetes. It’s long been known, in fact, that sleep deprivation increases your diabetes risk … so it’s not at all surprising that it also increases your risk for high blood pressure, because the two are caused by essentially the same factors.

High blood pressure, like diabetes, is typically related to your body developing resistance to insulin. As your insulin level rises, your blood pressure rises. Most physicians – even cardiologists – do not understand the crucial connection between blood pressure, blood sugar levels, and insulin.

Suggested Reading : High BP – A Silent Killer in India
Suggested Reading : 10 Tips for Reducing Your High Blood Pressure

The Adverse effects of untreated & prolonged high blood pressure:

High blood pressure for a prolonged period of time can cause various ailments such as stroke, heart attack, angina, kidney damage and other various heart ailments.

The steady increased blood pressure causes enlargement of the heart due to the increased workload. The same also causes the arteries to lose their elasticity and become hard and brittle. Over a period of time fatty deposits may build up causing atherosclerosis.

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AUTHOR Anupama Singh

I am the founder of Vitsupp and have a bachelors in engineering. My family suffers from every lifestyle disease you can think of. Heart disease, obesity, high blood pressure, diabetes, hypothyroidism . . you name it and some one in my family has it. Trying to save myself and my family from our genetic disposition, I learnt much about nutrition, exercise and lifestyle diseases. Certificate in "Diabetes – The Essential Facts" by University of Copenhagen

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