Prehypertension: Definition, Risks, and Lifestyle Management

Prehypertension: Definition, Risks, and Lifestyle Management

Question. Write a short note on prehypertension and its management.

Answer. Prehypertension is considered to be blood pressure readings with a systolic pressure from 120–139 mm Hg or a diastolic pressure from 80–89 mm Hg.
Readings greater than or equal to 140 / 90 mm Hg are considered hypertension.

“Common challenges in diagnosing and managing prehypertension effectively: FAQs provided”

Prehypertension Symptoms

Prehypertension is often asymptomatic (without symptoms) at the time of diagnosis. Only extremely elevated blood pressure (malignant hypertension) can, in rare cases, cause headaches, visual changes, fatigue, or dizziness, but these are nonspecific symptoms which can occur with many other conditions.
Thus, blood pressures above normal can go undiagnosed for a long period.

“Understanding prehypertension through FAQs: Definition, risks, and lifestyle management explained”

Prehypertension Management

Depending on one’s blood pressure and risk factors for heart disease, one may only need to make a few lifestyle adjustments.
Here are some strategies to help manage prehypertension:

1. Lose weight, if one is overweight. Being overweight increases the risk of high blood pressure.
   However, losing weight can lower high blood pressure.
   Studies show that modest weight loss can prevent hypertension by 20% in overweight people with prehypertension.
2. Exercise regularly: Exercise helps to lose weight. Exercise also helps in lowering blood pressure.
3. Eat plenty offruits, vegetables, whole grains, fih, and low-fat dairy: Studies show high blood pressure can be lowered and prevented with the DASH diet.
   This diet is low in sodium and high in potassium, magnesium, calcium, protein, and fiber.
4. Cut back on dietary salt / sodium: A diet high in sodium (salt) can increase blood pressure.
   A low­sodium diet can lower high blood pressure or prevent it.
   Aim for less than 2,300 milligrams of sodium daily (about 1 teaspoon of table salt).
5. Eat foods low in saturated and transfat and cholesterol.
   Diets high in saturated fat (meats and high­fat dairy), trans fat (some margarine, snack foods, and pastries) and cholesterol (organ meats, high­fat dairy, and egg yolks) may lead to obesity, heart disease, and cancer.
6. Eat a plant-based or vegetarian diet: Add high­protein soy foods to your diet. Increase servings of fruits and vegetables by adding one serving at a time.
   You can add a serving of fruit at lunchtime.
   Then add a serving of vegetables at dinner.

“Importance of studying prehypertension for healthcare professionals: Questions explained”

1. Drink only in moderation: Drinking excess alcohol can increase blood pressure. Limit drinking to not more than two drinks a day for men, and one drink a day for women.