How Hypertension is Indirectly Related to Brain Damage

Hypertension often creeps in silently and there is no way other than regular BP checks to keep an eye on it. That is why it is referred to as the “Silent Killer”. This lifestyle condition is often a result of poor dietary habits and inactivity. If neglected it becomes more than just a regular lifestyle problem as it can cause severe damage to the vital organs of the body. As per a study, about 60-70% of individuals are unaware of their hypertension in India due to negligence or lack of awareness.

There are multiple reasons that could cause hypertension. But it could be triggered due to bad lifestyle choices like drinking, smoking, being obese, lack of physical activity, stress, or age. Furthermore, Hypertension is hereditary and is more likely to affect men than women.

Did you know? There is a strong relationship between your brain and blood pressure.

Hypertension hampers the blood flow from the arteries which increases the risk of blood clots in the veins. These clots make it difficult for the blood to reach the brain thereby causing brain issues. This can lead to problems like cognitive impairment, trouble getting up, watching fast videos at a minor level or it can even lead to a blood clot in the brain.

A significant chunk of the population don’t know much about Hypertension as compared to the damage it causes! Let us understand further about hypertension and how it affects your brain.

How is Hypertension related to your brain?

High blood pressure causes resistance in the blood flow through the veins to different parts of the body, which includes arteries that are connected to the brain.

Improper blood flow hampers the oxygen level that is required for healthy functioning of the brain leading to many cognitive problems like:

• Mental processing speed
• Executive functioning
• Memory loss

Recovering from these brain issues can be tough. Therefore, it is important to ensure that your blood pressure is in control. Taking medications on time and regularly monitoring your BP levels will help in averting risks to the brain and other organs.

Ways to Prevent Hypertension

Today, we prioritize everything else but our health. Amidst stress, hectic schedules, and poor lifestyle, our health has taken a backseat. What tops it all up is the food choices we make. All the quick-to-grab food items available around us are oily, greasy, cheesy, and have high sodium content. These food items deteriorate our health and push us on the verge of health issues like Hypertension. But there is always a way to undo the damage if it is not too late.

Making healthy choices can help you manage hypertension in a better way. This will not only reduce the risk but also help you enjoy life to the fullest. Here are some healthy habits you can adopt to start your journey towards a hypertension-free life:

• Having a balanced diet : Eating the right food is one of the first steps in keeping yourself away from hypertension. Healthy eating habits will eventually protect your vital organs, especially if your body is getting all the essential nutrients.
• Managing stress : Again, one of the major triggers of hypertension or high blood pressure is stress. Stress elevates the stimulation of the nervous system, and our body produces vasoconstricting hormones (which have a psychological connection to our body). These hormones result in an increase the blood pressure of the body. So avoiding stress or managing it the right way is the right approach.
• Practicing a healthy sleeping pattern : A hectic schedule can hamper your sleep cycles. Getting 7-8 hours of sound sleep is essential to keep your health status right. A regular lack of sleep may lead to high blood pressure (hypertension) in both children and adults.
• Monitoring BP levels regularly : Keeping a check on your BP levels is important to avoid further risks caused due to hypertension. It is always recommended to visit your doctor for a health check up. This will help you understand your health status and make changes in your lifestyle to keep hypertension at bay.

Overall, hypertension is a significant lifestyle disease that can’t be fixed with just medicines or just lifestyle changes. It has to be taken care of the right way by making the right choices and quitting habits like excessive drinking, smoking, or unhealthy eating. Keeping the doctor informed about your health and having regular check-ups will help you manage hypertension well. Book an appointment with our expert and get to know your blood pressure levels and better ways to manage them!