According to experts, high blood pressure or hypertension is a disease caused by vital factors and eating too much salt and weight gain can cause hypertension. Hypertension, which causes damage to the cardiovascular system, brain, eyes and kidneys, can be prevented. According to experts, it is necessary not to smoke, reduce the amount of salt consumed, get rid of excess weight, exercise and deal with stress.

Hypertension, which is defined as "high blood pressure" and is a chronic disease, ranks first among the risk factors for cardiovascular diseases. The World Hypertension Association commemorates May 17 as World Hypertension Day. On this special day, it is aimed to raise awareness about hypertension, draw attention to the problems it causes, and increase the level of awareness of individuals and societies about hypertension.

Üsküdar University NPISTANBUL Hospital Cardiology Specialist Prof. Dr. Mehmet Baltalı explained the causes of hypertension and gave important information about risk factors.
Prof. Dr. Mehmet Baltalı said, "Hypertension; blood pressure in the vessels is higher than normal values. When the heart pumps the blood, it applies pressure to the vascular structure and wall, this is blood pressure, and when it relaxes, it is the pressure it applies to the walls. If this pressure is higher than normal, we call it hypertension, that is, high blood pressure. This leads to a wide variety of problems."

Hypertension is a disease in itself

Noting that the cause of hypertension is not known exactly, Prof. Dr. Mehmet Baltalı said, "95% of the causes are unknown. Apart from that, the part caused by the kidneys, adrenal glands and many other reasons constitutes the remaining 5%. In other words, it is very unlikely to be caused by a disease we call secondary, a secondary disease. Primary hypertension, which we call primary hypertension, makes up 95% of this. It causes a disease on its own, not any disease," he said.

Pay attention to excess salt consumption and overweight!

Pointing out that primary hypertension occurs after a certain age, Prof. Dr. Mehmet Baltalı said, "Primary hypertension occurs after a certain age. It is caused by excess salt consumption. When there is an increase in weight, there is an increase in blood pressure. It is a disease that occurs due to vital factors rather than genetic factors."

The damage of hypertension is very big

Stating that hypertension can cause great damage to organs such as the heart, kidneys, eyes and brain, Prof. Dr. Mehmet Baltalı gave the following information
Cardiovascular system: There are three factors. The first one can cause the heart to enlarge. It prevents the heart from filling, the heart loses its elasticity. It causes heart failure and respiratory failure. Secondly, it causes a heart attack. Thirdly, it can cause thickening of the heart muscle because the pressure in the vessels is higher.

Brain: Hypertension is a cause of stroke. It can cause both strokes, blood clots and cerebral hemorrhage.
Eye: It can cause problems up to blindness.
Kidney: It can lead to kidney failure. Some dialysis patients undergo dialysis due to high blood pressure.

Smokers beware!

Stating that hypertension can be seen at any age, but those over a certain age are more at risk, Prof. Dr. Mehmet Baltalı warned, "Smokers, overweight people and those who consume too much salt are also at risk." Baltalı stated that hypertension can also be seen during pregnancy and said that while it is temporary in some, it can be permanent in others.

Listen to these recommendations to prevent hypertension

Stating that lifestyle is effective in preventing hypertension, Prof. Dr. Mehmet Baltalı listed the measures to be taken as follows:
"It is necessary to pay attention to what you eat and drink both in quantity and salt ratio. Low-calorie foods should be consumed and ready-made foods should be avoided. Additional salt should not be added to meals. It is necessary to do sports, plenty of walking can reduce the risk of blood pressure. Stress can also lead to high blood pressure, so it is necessary to deal with stress. For example, walking can reduce stress because it releases endorphins. People should cope with their own stress by using medication, listening to music and walking."

Medication should not be left unfinished

Pointing out the importance of drug use in the treatment of hypertension, Prof. Dr. Mehmet Baltalı said, "Hypertension is now very common. In blood pressure disease, it is important whether the medication is enough or not. Is it too much or too little. It is necessary to pay attention to lifestyle and drug use. The aim of drug use is to keep blood pressure under control. If the medication is too much, the dose should be reduced and if it is too little, it should be increased. Over time, the medication becomes insufficient, in which case more than one medication can be used in combination. Once you start taking medication, there is no going back, the heart becomes elastic to the medication. (Instead of this sentence, drug treatment should never be interrupted. It should be used at the time and in the amounts recommended by the doctor.")".