Understanding Essential Hypertension and How To Control It

Essential hypertension is an increase in blood pressure whose cause is not known with certainty. Of all cases of hypertension, about 90% of them include essential hypertension. Essential hypertension is also known as primary hypertension. This condition is different from secondary hypertension, which occurs because of another health condition, such as kidney disorders or thyroid disease. Although the cause is unknown, there are several conditions that are known to increase a person's risk of experiencing essential hypertension, ranging from heredity to lifestyle.

Risk factors for essential hypertension

The following are some of the factors that can increase the risk of developing essential hypertension:

1. Family history of hypertension

People who have a family with a history of hypertension are more prone to experience similar conditions. In addition, hypertension is also more common in men than women.

2. Excess body weight

Being overweight can put extra strain on the heart. This will increase the risk of hypertension, even up to 2-6 times. This is more or less related to the fact that people who rarely have physical activity have a higher risk for developing hypertension.

3. Aged 40 years and above

Essential hypertension can actually occur at any age, but this condition is more common in the 40s. This is because blood vessels become stiffer as you age, allowing for an increase in blood pressure.

4. Too much salt

Too much food containing salt can trigger hypertension. This is because salt can increase the amount of water stored in the body, so the volume of fluid in the blood increases which will then increase blood pressure. In addition, lack of potassium intake can also trigger hypertension, because potassium is a mineral that can neutralize salt levels in the body. Some other conditions, such as stress, excessive alcohol consumption, smoking, and sleep disorders are also known to be associated with an increased risk of essential hypertension.

How to Control Essential Hypertension

Essential hypertension cannot be cured, but can be controlled so that sufferers can still live healthy. The trick is as follows:

1. Exercise regularly

Being physically active can reduce the risk of hypertension by up to 50%. It is recommended to exercise about 30 minutes per day, at least 3 times a week. The type of exercise that is done does not need to be strenuous. Mild exercise, like walking or jogging, can also help. It is important to understand that exercise needs to be done routinely so that the benefits are optimal.

2. Apply the right diet

You are advised to go on a low salt diet. This can be done by limiting processed foods, such as fast food, and increasing consumption of fruits, vegetables, nuts, and whole grains.

3. Limit alcohol consumption

Although consuming 2 glasses of alcoholic drinks per day for men and 1 glass per day for women is still considered safe, but this can increase the risk of hypertension if done continuously, especially if you are an alcoholic. For this reason, limit alcohol consumption. It would be better if you could stop drinking alcohol completely.

4. Stop smoking

Smoking or frequent exposure to cigarette smoke can damage the walls of blood vessels and increase the risk of hypertension. It's best to stop smoking immediately and avoid exposure to cigarette smoke.

5. Manage stress well

So that essential hypertension can be controlled properly, learn to deal with stress, for example by taking yoga classes, writing a diary, or sharing stories with friends and family. Apart from lifestyle changes, your doctor may give you medicines that can control essential hypertension, such as beta-blockers, diuretics, and ACE inhibitors. These drugs can only be obtained by prescription from a doctor and need to be used according to instructions for use. Beware of physical complaints that often accompany hypertension, such as frequent headaches, difficulty breathing, and hearing the thud of the chest or ears. If you experience these complaints, you are advised to immediately consult a doctor so that the cause can be ascertained and given the right treatment.