High blood pressure or hypertension is a disease that is currently in the spotlight because it can weaken the sufferer so that it is easy to catch the corona virus. Hypertension (HTN or HT), also known as high blood pressure (HBP), is a long-term medical condition in which the blood pressure in the arteries is persistently elevated. High blood pressure typically does not cause symptoms. Long-term high blood pressure, however, is a major risk factor for coronary artery disease, stroke, heart failure, atrial fibrillation, peripheral arterial disease, vision loss, chronic kidney disease, and dementia.

High blood pressure is classified as primary (essential) hypertension or secondary hypertension. About 90–95% of cases are primary, defined as high blood pressure due to nonspecific lifestyle and genetic factors. Lifestyle factors that increase the risk include excess salt in the diet, excess body weight, smoking, and alcohol use. The remaining 5–10% of cases are categorized as secondary high blood pressure, defined as high blood pressure due to an identifiable cause, such as chronic kidney disease, narrowing of the kidney arteries, an endocrine disorder, or the use of birth control pills.

Blood pressure is expressed by two measurements, the systolic and diastolic pressures, which are the maximum and minimum pressures, respectivelyFor most adults, normal blood pressure at rest is within the range of 100–130 millimeters mercury (mmHg) systolic and 60–80 mmHg diastolic. For most adults, high blood pressure is present if the resting blood pressure is persistently at or above 130/80 or 140/90 mmHg. Different numbers apply to children. Ambulatory blood pressure monitoring over a 24-hour period appears more accurate than office-based blood pressure measurement.

Lifestyle changes and medications

Lifestyle changes and medications can lower blood pressure and decrease the risk of health complications. Lifestyle changes include weight loss, physical exercise, decreased salt intake, reducing alcohol intake, and a healthy diet. If lifestyle changes are not sufficient then blood pressure medications are used.[8] Up to three medications taken concurrently can control blood pressure in 90% of people. The treatment of moderately high arterial blood pressure (defined as >160/100 mmHg) with medications is associated with an improved life expectancy.

When the blood pressure checks and the results exceed normal numbers, there are several things you can do so that the condition does not develop into high blood pressure or hypertension.A person is said to have hypertension if the blood pressure is ≥140 for systolic pressure and ≥90 for diastolic pressure. While normal blood pressure should be 120/80 mmHg.

The effect of treatment of blood pressure between 130/80 mmHg and 160/100 mmHg is less clear, with some reviews finding benefit and others finding unclear benefit. High blood pressure affects between 16 and 37% of the population globally. In 2010 hypertension was believed to have been a factor in 18% of all deaths (9.4 million globally).

Although many people experience it, unfortunately high blood pressure is often ignored because it does not cause symptoms. Those who are diagnosed generally only know about it after examination. In fact, uncontrolled high blood pressure will cause serious problems in other organs, such as kidney failure, blindness, heart problems, and stroke.

With the high incidence rate and increasing trend, coupled with the threat of serious complications, hypertension should be a concern. To prevent this, it is recommended that you do the following things:

Regular exercise

As a prevention of high blood pressure, the recommended exercise is a type of aerobics such as jogging, swimming, cycling, or gymnastics. Do exercise regularly, at least 30 minutes, 3-5 times a week. That way, the heart will be better trained and healthier, so that hypertension can be prevented.

Reduce and limit consumption of foods high in salt to cure hypertension

Salt retains liquid. If the content in the body is high, then the fluid will be retained in the blood vessels, which will increase blood pressure and burden the work of the heart.

Fast food, frozen food, and foods with MSG are high sources of salt and should not be consumed in excess.

Increase the consumption of fruits and vegetables to cure hypertension

Hypertension can also be prevented by adopting a healthy diet, one of which is by increasing the intake of vegetables and fruits. Fruits that are known to help control blood pressure are berries, guava, dragon fruit, banana, pomegranate, kiwi, peach, and avocado.

For vegetables, you can use celery. Celery contains yesterday’s compounds which help lower blood pressure and help balance water in the body. The content of phthalides and anticoagulants in celery also reduces the risk of blood clots and strokes, and lowers levels of stress hormones.

If you don’t like consuming celery directly, you can still get its benefits through supplements. Look for celery-based supplements that contain apigenin, which can relieve symptoms of hypertension.

This content can make large blood vessels relax, by increasing the production of sodium oxide and functioning as a calcium channel blocker. Before consuming it, you should consult your doctor.

Maintain ideal body weight to cure hypertension

Based on research, someone who is overweight and obese has a high risk of developing high blood pressure. This is related to metabolic problems, which are also related to diabetes and cholesterol.

Those are ways to cure hypertension in a safe way. Make sure you do all those things above to stay healthy and stay safe.