High Blood Pressure – Symptoms, Causes and Treatments

High blood pressure, or hypertension, is the general term for high blood flow. It is a condition in which the force of blood against the artery walls is high enough that it may eventually lead to medical problems. This condition is present in about 33 percent of adults in Australia. It’s also known as “the silent killer” because it often has no noticeable symptoms. However, there are warning signs which can aid you in getting treatment if they occur.

Symptoms

High blood pressure usually has no symptoms, so it goes unnoticed for quite some time. The only reliable way to detect it is through lab work which takes place during a routine physical exam or an appointment with your doctor because they suspect you have high blood pressure. However, as mentioned earlier, there are warning signs that can help you detect high blood pressure earlier.



The main symptom of high blood pressure is an unusual increase in your need to urinate during the day or at night. Other possible symptoms include frequent headaches and nosebleeds, blurry vision, nausea, extreme fatigue, chest pain, dizziness when standing up quickly, and trouble breathing. Depression, panic attacks, and intense anxiety are also potential symptoms of high blood pressure.

Causes

The cause of high blood pressure is typically unknown. However, there are some conditions which can increase your chances or bringing about the condition, such as over-stressing the body, use of drugs, excessive alcohol intake, lack of sleep, obesity, family history of hypertension, smoking cigarettes, diabetes mellitus, kidney disease, and loss of potassium through excessive urination.

Management

There are many devices for hypertension management, but not all are created equal. Some are designed for basic blood pressure monitoring, while others are more advanced but still lack features. Not to mention that most hypertension monitoring devices work individually and therefore are limited when it comes to capabilities. However, INS LifeGuard offers a suite of devices along with a TeleHealth monitoring option that can make blood pressure monitoring a breeze for hypertensive patients or clients, as well as give their families the peace of mind of knowing that their loved ones are safe.

The devices in INS LifeGuards suite work collaboratively with one another to deliver better quality blood pressure monitoring and patient care. For example, INS LifeGuard BP Monitor comes with a range of powerful features such as irregular heartbeat detection, automated averaging function, and comfort inflation technology. In addition, it can be configured so that the measurements it takes are sent automatically via Bluetooth for monitoring.

Free TeleHealth Monitoring can be accessed via LifeGuard SmartHome LGX, LifeGuard SmartMobile (or LifeGuard SmartMobile App), and SmartHome Mate allow clients to record vital signs and have them monitored by family or carers.

Professional TeleHealth Monitoring is an optional service through INS LifeGuard for a small monthly fee, the measurements are sent to a registered nurse at INS LifeGuard for monitoring. This means that should any readings fall outside normal levels, the nurse will take the necessary action to ensure that the patient or client is safe.

Other INS LifeGuard devices for hypertension management include an ECG and an Sp02 Pulse Oximeter. Measurements taken also by these devices are also covered by INS LifeGuards TeleHealth monitoring options above.

Treatments

High blood pressure must be treated to prevent it from leading to other health problems like heart attack and stroke. There are many different treatments for high blood pressure depending on how severe it is. One effective treatment option is lifestyle changes which include eating healthy foods low in sodium (salt), exercising regularly, and quitting smoking. Medication may also be necessary to bring down pressure to optimum levels and prevent further damage.

Takeaway

High blood pressure is a condition that affects many people around the world, but there are ways to detect, treat and manage the disease. If you have questions or think that you may be at risk, talk to your doctor about your concerns. Also – remember that lifestyle changes can help lower high blood pressure, so as much as possible you should try to lead a healthier life by eating well-balanced meals, being physically active every day, keeping an eye on your alcohol intake, staying away from cigarettes, and reducing stress. I hope this helps you get a better idea of what high blood pressure is and how it can be treated. It’s always best not to ignore the symptoms so you can start taking action before it’s too late.



To find out more about the products and support INS LifeGuard provides call 1800 636 040 or visit our website here.