So, you have been told you have high blood pressure – do not sweat it! It is time to take control of your health and kick this thing to the curb. High blood pressure, or hypertension, is common, but it is something you need to deal with. Let us talk about what you should do next and what could happen if you simply ignore it.
What to Do After Diagnosis
Speak with your doctor: First things first, chat with your healthcare provider. They will run some tests and come up with a plan to keep you on track.
Healthy living: Time to clean up your act! Eat better by ditching the salty, fatty stuff, and adding more fruits, veggies, and whole grains to
your plate. Get moving too – a little exercise goes a long way.
Pills, maybe: Sometimes, lifestyle changes are not enough. Your doctor might prescribe some medications to help bring your blood pressure down. Take them as prescribed and let your doctor know if you notice any side effects
Keep an eye on things: You will need to stay on to of your condition. Consult your doctor regularly to ensure your hypertension is wellcontrolled.
The Dangers of Ignoring Hypertension
Listen up, ignoring high blood pressure is a no-go! If you let it run wild without doing anything about it, here is what might go down:
Your heart is in danger: High blood pressure makes your heart work way too hard, and that can lead to heart attack, heart disease, and even heart failure.
Hello, stroke: High blood pressure can mess with the blood vessels in your brain, setting you up for stroke.
Bad news for your kidneys: Your kidneys might take a hit from hypertension and that can lead to kidney disease or even kidney failure.
Bye, good vision: High blood pressure might mess with the blood vessels in your eyes, making it hard to see or even causing blindness.
Legs and arms in trouble: If you ignore high blood pressure, your arms and legs might not get enough blood flow, causing pain and other issues especially if you have other conditions such as smoking, high cholesterol, or diabetes.
Watch out for the balloon: Uncontrolled high blood pressure can weaken your arteries, which could lead to a ballooning situation called an aneurysm
Take Charge and Improve Your Lifestyle
There is no need to panic if you’re dealing with high blood pressure – you got this! Follow the advice from your healthcare provider, make
some positive lifestyle changes, and stay on top of your treatment plan. Ignoring high blood pressure is not an option since it can lead to
serious problems such as heart disease, stroke, kidney issues, and more. So, let us take charge and keep your health in check. Remember,
you are not alone, and there is plenty of support to help you tackle hypertension and live a healthier life.
This article was contributed by:
Dr Chng Shih Kiat – Medical Director (Raffles Medical Singapore)
