High blood pressure or Hypertension is very prevalent and according to the World Health Organization (WHO), more than one in every five adults worldwide are affected by this disease. The organisation also stated that about 9.4 million people around the world died as a result of the complication of hypertension.  

This number is alarmingly high but not surprising seeing that it is believed that one of the leading cause of this disease is stress related.

Stress is the build up of emotional tension due to worrying. All of us fret about something, whether is is our family, the economy, finances, the job, lack of employment or our health.

There are enough negative factors in this life that can promote stress. According to the American Heart Association when the body experience a stressful situation it increases the level of certain hormones (Adrenalin and Cortisone) which make the heart beat faster and constrict the blood vessels to get more blood to vital organs of the body.

These two actions of the body will raise the blood pressure in the body. When the stress factor is released the blood pressure returns to normal. However, some people believe that if the body experience prolonged stress, it might lead to chronic hypertension but this is not definitely proven by the scientist.

Why is there pressure in the blood?
The body needs nutrients and oxygen to grow and develop. The nutrients and oxygen are passed to the cells of the body by the blood. The Life of the body is in the blood, and this blood is transported in the body in veins and arteries. They are part of the circulatory system of the body that carries the blood throughout your body.

The blood that leaves the cells goes to the right atrium of the heart and then to the lungs to be refueled with oxygen. The oxygenated blood from the lungs is returned to the left side of the heart. The heart then pumps the blood rich in oxygen to the entire body.

The heart pumps this blood at a set pressure of 120/80. If this pressure is elevated due to certain factors, then you will develop a disease called high blood pressure or hypertension.

What cause your blood pressure to be elevated?
High blood pressure can result from a lifestyle that is unhealthy. These habits include smoking, drinking excess alcohol, obesity, drugs, lack of exercise, unhealthy diet, worrying and stress.

Medical conditions such as kidney and heart disease, thyroid problems can all contribute to increasing blood pressure.

Atherosclerosis is the build up of plaque composing of cholesterol and fat in the arteries. The arteries carry the oxygen-rich blood to the body.

When the artery contains plaque, the blood has a narrow path to travel, and this can increase the pressure of the blood.
This disease can also lead to stroke and heart attack.

How can you know if you have high blood pressure?
You can get your blood pressure check regularly by a health professional. The pressure is measured using a special instrument called a Sphygmomanometer.

The pressure in your artery has two readings, one when the heart is contracting (systolic or top number) and the other when it is at rest (diastolic or bottom number) – 120/80

If your blood pressure is high, you do not need to panic because it does not mean you are hypertensive. You could just be experiencing some stress in your life.

The doctor will do several readings over time before a diagnosis is made.

If you are indeed hypertensive, it is not over for you because it can be treated.

What is the treatment of High Blood Pressure?
The doctors will prescribe drugs to treat your hypertension. It is important that you take them according to how the doctor prescribed them.

However, do not forget that God is the greatest physician because He created you. Keep in touch with Him for direction regarding your life and believe that He will heal you.

Taking care of yourself if diagnosed with hypertension
You will need to change your lifestyle.
First and foremost you need to worry less and try to live a stress-free life by thinking only good and positive thoughts. Avoid contentions and gossiping.

Read your bible more and develop a healthy relationship with the Lord. God is your healer, and He can cure you.

Exercise more often and eat a healthy diet which means you will need to reduce your intake of fat, sugar and salt.

If you smoke or drink, stop these immediately.

Always visit your doctor or the clinic regularly and take your medication.

References:
(WHO); American Heart Association; NIH