Prehypertension, a condition that should not be underestimated & bull; hello healthy

When you do a blood pressure check, sometimes the results can be above normal numbers, but the doctor says that you do not have hypertension. This condition is known as prehypertension. Then, what is prehypertension and is this type of hypertension dangerous for your health?

What is prehypertension?

Prehypertension is a health condition that occurs when blood pressure increases, but not high enough to be categorized as hypertension.

A person is said to have prehypertension when their blood pressure is between 120/80 mmHg and 139/89 mmHg. The blood pressure is classified as hypertension, which reaches 140/90 mmHg or more.

Although not classified as hypertension, this condition can be a warning for you to pay more attention to your health. The reason is, uncontrolled prehypertension can develop into hypertension, which increases the risk of heart disease, stroke and other complications of hypertension.

What are the signs and symptoms of prehypertension?

Just like hypertension, prehypertension generally does not show any signs or symptoms. Meanwhile, if the symptoms of hypertension have appeared, such as headaches, chest pain, or shortness of breath, it is possible that your blood pressure will rise higher than usual. If this happens, consult a doctor immediately.

Meanwhile, the only way to determine whether you fall into the prehypertension category is to check your blood pressure regularly. Checking blood pressure regularly can also help you avoid hypertension.

What causes prehypertension?

The increased blood pressure is caused by excessive pressure on the artery walls as blood flows. This condition can occur due to an unhealthy lifestyle or taking certain drugs, such as birth control pills, pain relievers, decongestants, or illegal drugs, such as cocaine and amphetamines.

In addition, certain health conditions can also cause blood pressure to rise above normal, such as sleep apnea, kidney disease, adrenal gland disease, or thyroid disease. These diseases are also a cause of secondary hypertension.

What factors can increase the risk of developing prehypertension?

Prehypertension is a health condition that can happen to anyone. However, certain groups of people are more at risk of developing this type of hypertension. The following are risk factors that can trigger you to develop prehypertension:

1. Age

Blood pressure increases with age. Therefore, prehypertension generally occurs in young adults. As for people who are elderly generally have higher blood pressure that is classified as hypertension.

However, children can also be at risk of developing prehypertension, especially for those who are overweight or obese.

2. Gender

Prehypertension is more common in men than in women. However, when past the age of 55 years, women have a higher risk of developing hypertension than men.

3. Excess weight

The heavier your body mass, the more blood supply your tissues and organs need. The increased blood supply has the potential to increase the pressure on your arteries.

4. Heredity or genetics

You are more at risk of developing prehypertension and hypertension if you have parents or siblings who have high blood pressure or hypertension.

5. Unhealthy eating patterns

Salt and potassium are two of the main nutrients that play a role in regulating your body's blood pressure. If you consume too much salt, or lack of potassium in your diet, this increases your chances of experiencing a rise in blood pressure.

6. Rarely exercise

If you don't do enough physical activity, such as exercising, your weight tends to get out of control and you are at risk for obesity. When this happens, you have a higher risk of developing prehypertension.

7. Smoking habits and alcohol consumption

Smoking and consuming excess alcohol can increase your blood pressure, including in passive smoking.

8. Certain diseases

You are more prone to prehypertension and hypertension if you have a history of certain diseases, such as diabetes, kidney disease, sleep apnea, and others. If this happens to you, consult a doctor immediately so that the disease does not lead to hypertension.

How is prehypertension diagnosed?

Raised blood pressure or prehypertension can only be diagnosed by measuring blood pressure.

As previously explained, a person is classified as prehypertensive if their systolic blood pressure (the number on top) is between 120-139 mmHg and the diastolic number (the number that is below) is between 80-89 mmHg.

Generally, the doctor will take several blood pressure measurements to confirm the diagnosis. This is because some people may only experience white coat hypertension, which is an increase in blood pressure that only occurs when around a doctor, but returns to normal when measuring blood pressure at home or elsewhere.

How to treat prehypertension?

In the case of prehypertension, doctors usually will not immediately give high blood medication. However, the doctor will only ask you to change your lifestyle and diet to be healthier.

This healthy lifestyle can be used to control and lower blood pressure so that hypertension and its complications are avoided. Here are some steps for a healthy lifestyle that you can apply every day:

1. Adjust your diet

Although the DASH diet is specifically designed to treat hypertension, this diet also helps you manage prehypertension so that your blood pressure remains within normal limits. The DASH diet emphasizes a diet rich in fruit, vegetables, whole grains, and low-fat products, while limiting salt and cholesterol intake.

The DASH diet also makes you consume more food sources of calcium and a series of important minerals, such as potassium and magnesium, which help lower blood pressure.

2. Limit consumption of salt

Experts recommend reducing salt as an important way to treat prehypertension. Don't forget to check food nutrition labels, limit processed foods, and replace salt with other herbs or spices.

The American Heart Association (AHA) recommends limiting sodium or salt to no more than 1,500 mg aka about 1 teaspoon of salt for your entire diet in one day (including from packaged foods).

3. Regular exercise

Do physical activity or exercise for at least 150 minutes a week or 30 minutes per day. Do exercise regularly every day to get optimal results. You can start this activity from small things, such as walking when you go to work or cycling.

4. Maintain the ideal body weight

Being overweight can increase the chances of prehypertension and hypertension. Therefore, you need to maintain your weight to prevent this from happening.

If you are obese, you need to lose weight. Losing just a little bit can help lower your blood pressure.

5. Limit alcohol consumption

Do not drink more than two drinks per day if you are a man and no more than one drink if you are a woman. If you don't drink alcohol, don't start. It's good to avoid alcoholic drinks altogether to maintain normal blood pressure.

6. Stop smoking

Smoking can increase your risk of developing prehypertension and hypertension. Therefore, you need to stop smoking to help you maintain blood pressure. If necessary, ask your doctor to be able to quit smoking.

7. Manage stress

Stress can be one of the causes of increased blood pressure. Especially if you are trying to relieve stress by smoking, consuming alcohol, or other unhealthy lifestyles.

Therefore, manage your stress well and find healthy ways to deal with it. Do positive things to relieve stress, like doing hobbies or meditating.

8. Check blood pressure

Perform regular blood pressure checks to monitor the progress of your blood pressure. Do check blood pressure once a year, especially adults and children who are over 3 years old.

If you are classified as prehypertension, do check your blood pressure more often as recommended by your doctor to prevent hypertension and its complications. If possible, buy a blood pressure meter for you to use at home.

What are the complications of prehypertension?

Prehypertension is not a serious disease or health condition. However, if not controlled immediately, this condition can develop into hypertension.

If you have hypertension, your risk for developing other diseases will be even higher. Here are some other diseases that can occur due to prehypertension or untreated hypertension:

• Blood vessel problems, such as aneurysms.
• Heart disorders, such as coronary artery disease, heart attack, and heart failure.
• Brain problems, such as stroke or dementia.
• Problems with the kidneys, such as chronic kidney disease or kidney failure.
• Blindness.
• Sexual dysfunction.

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