‘The Silent Killer’

Hypertension occurs when Blood Pressure is repeatedly at or above 140/90 mmHg. This target reading varies in certain cases, for instance, in diabetics.

How can one tell he/she has hypertension?

Most often, there is NO WARNING. Therefore, we need to have our blood pressures checked regularly. This is why hypertension is referred to as ‘the silent killer’. It may be harming you, but you will feel perfectly well.

Some warning signs are:

• Dizziness

• Headaches

• Chest pain

• Palpitations

• Nose bleeds

• Weakness

• Frequent urination

• Poor eyesight.

SOMETIMES, THE FIRST TIME YOU WILL FIND OUT THAT YOU HAVE HYPERTENSION IS ………….. WHEN YOU HAVE A STROKE.

None of the above symptoms is diagnostic of hypertension.

Be extra careful if:

i. You have family members with hypertension

ii. You lead an unhealthy lifestyle - drinking alcohol, smoking

iii. You live a sedentary life – no exercise

iv. You have an extremely stressful life

v. You are overweight

vi. You are male

vii. You are over 40 years

viii. You have high Cholesterol

ix. You have Diabetes

x. You use steroids.

If you are hypertensive:

1. Stop smoking

2. Reduce your alcohol consumption

3. Cut down your salt intake and increase the fruits and vegetables in your meals

4. Exercise regularly

5. Reduce your weight if you are too heavy for your height.

6. If your doctor has put you on any medication, take it daily (do not take your pills only when you feel unwell/have a headache, etc.).

Is the World’s No. 1 Killer stalking you?

The WHO has estimated that by the year 2020, 40% of all deaths worldwide will be related to cardiovascular disease.

DO NOT BE A VICTIM: for starters, let us make it a point to check our blood pressure TODAY.