Is high blood pressure also referred to as hypertension a death sentence? No, but it could be if you don’t make serious efforts to control it. It is very well documented that if left untreated high blood pressure can lead to other serious health complications including coronary heart disease, stroke, brain disorders and diabetes to name a few. Often times, there is no specific symptom or group of symptoms that indicate the presence of high blood pressure. In fact, in a high percentage of cases people are not aware that they are suffering from this ailment until they present with some other (related or unrelated) health problem. This is why this condition is sometimes referred to as the “silent killer”.

It is therefore critical that, as a matter of course, you have your blood pressure checked regularly by a qualified health practitioner. Many pharmacies and walk-in clinic now provide this service free of charge. It is recommended that you check your pressure at least twice a year or quarterly or even monthly if high blood pressure is present in your family health history. When detected early, high blood pressure could be rectified without too much difficulty.

In severe cases of hypertension, patients may be prescribed medication specifically designed to relax the veins and arteries and manage the amount of blood flowing through the system. Otherwise, patients are advised to control their diet and make some adjustments in lifestyle to remedy the problem. If necessary, they may also be told to begin a daily regimen of supplements. Persons in the early stages of hypertension who follow the diet and lifestyle recommendations generally find that their blood pressure typically return to normal – 120/80 (systolic/diastolic).

However, persons who are unable or unwilling to follow the prescribed recommendations generally find that keeping normal blood pressure readings constantly challenging. This means that their pressure will continue to increase to dangerously high levels. As mentioned previously, dangerously high blood pressure levels can lead to major health complications such as heart attacks and strokes.

No one wants hypertension, but if you are diagnosed with this problem let’s not make it a death sentence. Simple dietary changes such as reducing salt, saturated fat, carbohydrates and sugar intake may be all you need to do to control this condition. Additionally, it has also been established that reducing or eliminating alcohol consumption and cutting out smoking can have a tremendous impact on reducing and maintaining normal blood pressure. And finally, a daily regimen of exercises can be extremely effective in controlling this malady.

Follow these simple steps and there would be no need to worry about the question of whether high blood pressure is a death sentence.