Hypertension affects 40% of adult Spaniards

Hypertension affects 40% of Spanish adults, according to data from the Spanish Society of Hypertension. Currently, this disease ranks first among the 25 most frequent health problems in people over 65 years of age and affects 50% of this population group. In order to know how to prevent and treat this pathology, we have counted on the opinion of the specialist in Internal Medicine, Dr. Inglada Galiana, and the cardiologist, Dr. Mantilla González, both members of Top Doctors’ medical staff.

Hypertension or high blood pressure is a condition that puts you at risk of suffering a heart attack, a cerebrovascular accident (stroke) or kidney disease, as defined by the internist, Dr. Inglada Galiana. Generally, it is a “silent” disease, with no symptoms, but it can be serious, which is why it is recommended that all adults have their blood pressure checked at least every two years to prevent it and avoid complications.

How do I know if I suffer from high blood pressure?

Dr. Inglada exemplifies it in the following way: “When the doctor or nurse tells you what your blood pressure is, he or she mentions two numbers; for example, he or she might tell you that your blood pressure is “140 over 90.” The top number is the pressure inside the arteries when the heart contracts. The lower number is the pressure inside the arteries when the heart relaxes.”

For his part, Dr. Mantilla Gonzalez details that hypertension is the elevation above the values of 140 mm Hg systolic and/or 90 mm Hg diastolic. “In diabetic patients or those with renal insufficiency, high blood pressure (BP) levels above 130 mm Hg and 80 mm Hg, respectively, are considered”, warns the cardiologist. In addition, he recommends seeing a specialist in the presence of symptoms such as headaches, blurred vision, precordial pressure or fatigue.

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It should be noted that the risk of prolonged high blood pressure can have repercussions on the so-called target organs: heart, kidney and brain, causing a cardiac infarction, progressive renal failure or cerebral stroke, respectively. Other risk factors are diabetes, increased cholesterol and tobacco consumption.

Recommendations for lowering high blood pressure

According to February data from the Spanish Society of Hypertension, 15% of hypertensive patients could do without taking drugs if, in exchange, they took regular physical exercise as prescribed by their doctor. There are also other recommendations:

  • Lose weight, if you are overweight.
  • Choose a diet low in fat and refined sugars and rich in fruits, vegetables and low-fat dairy products.
  • Reduce the amount of salt you consume
  • Be physically active at least 30 minutes a day, most days of the week.
  • Reduce alcohol consumption, if you drink more than two alcoholic beverages a day.
  • Regularly check your blood pressure at home
  • Avoid smoking, if you smoke. Giving up this habit may not lower your blood pressure, but it will decrease your chances of having a heart attack or stroke.

Even with these tips in mind, Dr. Inglada stresses that if your healthcare professional has prescribed blood pressure medication, the most important thing you can do is to take it. If they cause side effects, do not stop taking them and consult with him. Taking your blood pressure medicine can prevent a heart attack or stroke and… it can save your life!