“Hypertension – The Silent Killer”
Did you know . . . 4 out of 10 adults have raised blood pressure which often remains undiagnosed. Hypertension may not produce any symptoms and is commonly referred to as the “Silent Killer”
Hypertension, also known as high blood pressure means that the heart has to work too hard to pump the blood through the system.
If not treated properly, high blood pressure can damage the heart and circulatory system, lungs, brain and kidneys without causing noticeable symptoms.
Symptoms of extremely high blood pressure include (not limited to) the following:
- Severe headaches
- Fatigue
- Vision problems
- Chest pain
- Irregular heartbeat
- Difficulty breathing
On world hypertension day Friday 17 May, take control of your health and get your blood pressure checked. This is a painless and quick test that can be done at your local independent community pharmacy.
The process involves a pharmacist or nurse taking your blood pressure and advising you according to your results.
Some individuals with a family history of diagnosed hypertension should ideally be testing their blood pressure at least twice a year, if not more often. However, this does not exclude individuals without a family history from developing hypertension due to other lifestyle factors.
If you have been diagnosed with hypertension, it is important to take steps to manage your blood pressure and make positive long-term lifestyle changes.
