Hari Hipertensi Sedunia: Jagalah Tekanan Darah Anda
World Hypertension Day (WHD) atau Hari Hipertensi Sedunia diprakarsai oleh The World Hypertension League (WHL)
yang merupakan payung dari 85 komunitas hipertensi di dunia. Perayaan
WHD adalah dimaksudkan untuk meningkatkan kesadaran masyarakat terhadap
bahaya hipertensi. Hal ini dirasakan penting karena biasanya individu
yang mengalami hipertensi kurang tahu akan bahaya yang mengintainya.
WHL kemudian melancarakan WHD pada tanggal 14 Mei 2005, yang pada
akhirnya setiap tanggal 17 setiap tahun dirayakan sebagai Hari
Hipertensi Sedunia. Adapun tema perayaan WHD tahun 2005 adalah Awareness of High Blood Pressure. Kemudian pada tahun 2006 bertemakan Treat to Goal. Selanjutnya pada tahun 2007 tema yang diangkat adalah Healthy Diet, Healthy Blood Pressure. Adapun pada tahun 2013 ini tema yang diangkat dalam perayaan WHD adalah Take Control Blood Pressure. Mari kita kupas topik hipertensi dan bahayanya bagi kesehatan tubuh kita. Selamat membaca:
What is Hypertension?
Hypertension is most commonly known as High Blood Pressure. It is a
chronic medical condition in which the blood pressure is elevated.
Many people have high blood pressure for years without knowing it. Most
of the time, there are no symptoms, but when high blood pressure
goes untreated, it damages arteries and vital organs throughout the
body. That’s why high blood pressure is often called the “silent
killer”.
Hypertension Is A Global Epidemic!
Globally, 9.4 million die every year and 1.5 billion people worldwide
suffer because of high blood pressure or hypertension. It is the biggest
single risk factor for death world wide causing heart disease, stroke
and kidney disease and diabetes.
What Is World Hypertension Day?
World Hypertension Day has been established to highlight the preventable
stroke, heart and kidney diseases caused by high blood pressure and to
communicate to the public information on prevention, detection and
treatment. Each year, May 17th is designated World Hypertension Day.
What is Healthy Blood Pressure?
As hypertension and AF are often related, it is good to measure your
blood measure regularly at home with an automatic, cuff style bicep
(upper arm) monitor. Look for a blood pressure reading should be below 135 mmHG for the upper reading and below 85 mmHg for the lower reading for good health.
When taking your blood pressure remember to do it when you are calm and
quiet and at least 30 minutes after exercise. Begin by making sure the
cuff fits around your upper arm. Sit with your back straight and don’t
cross your feet. Take multiple readings at the same time of day. And of
course, record your results for future reference. If you maintain a healthy blood pressure, you will help to maintain a healthy heart rhythm.
What is Healthy Heart Beat?
Do you know whether your heart beat or heart rhythm is normal? You can
take your pulse at the same time as when you take your blood pressure. A
faster than normal heartbeat is usually greater than 100 beats per
minute and sometimes as fast as 150 beats per minute. An irregular
heartbeat or rhythm is harder to detect. Symptoms range from feeling an
irregular beat in your chest, to tiredness, fainting or
absolutely nothing. So, it is best to check with your doctor who can do a
simple test for AF.
What is Atrial Fibrillation (AF)?
Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most common problem when the heart is
pumping very irregularly and usually fast. Atrial fibrillation may have
no symptoms and only be noticed by feeling the pulse or by a health
care professional testing the heart. When the heart is not pumping
well, and regularly, blood clots can form in the heart, break free and
travel to the brain causing a stroke. AF episodes are usually
intermittent, often recurring, and may become permanent. What’s the Link
Between Hypertension and Atrial Fibrillation (AF)? Hypertension (high
blood pressure) is the most common cause or risk factor that may lead to
atrial fibrillation (abnormal heart beat). The combination of
having atrial fibrillation and hypertension both significantly increases
the risk of stroke!
The Best Prescription Is Prevention
STAY ACTIVE – ALL WAYS!
It may be possible to prevent hypertension and atrial fibrillation by
staying physically active. Try light to moderate physical activities
such as gardening, walking and housework as these have been shown in
studies to be effective.
EAT MORE FRUITS AND VEGGIES
Eating healthy is always good for you. Begin by eating more fruits and
vegetables. Have at least one vegetarian meal a week. Take fruit and
nuts in their natural form as a snack. Or eat one fruit or vegetable of
every colour, every day.
DECREASE FAST PROCESSED FOODS
Cut down on foods that are high in fat, sugar and salt. These are mainly
found in fast foods, ready to eat packaged foods and restaurant foods.
If you cook more meals at home you can control how much fat, sugar and
salt you use. And remember, it’s easy to remove the salt shaker from the
table.
LIMIT ALCOHOL
Drink little or no alcohol.
STOP SMOKING
Smoking is major cause of death and disability. If you smoke, plan to stop.
AF Treatment
There are two general strategies
for the treatment of atrial fibrillation – rhythm control and rate
control. Your doctor will decide which strategy is best for you based on
your symptoms and other factors.
RHYTHM CONTROL
These treatments attempt to prevent an irregular heartbeat by
restoring and maintaining a normal, regular heartbeat. The first
approach to rhythm control usually involves taking medications.
Occasionally, some patients will require a controlled electric shock to
the heart to restore a normal rhythm. Treatments for AF are generally
guided by specialists, who can monitor the response and decide if any
changes should be made to the treatment strategy.
RATE CONTROL
Almost every patient with atrial fibrillation will be prescribed a
medication that is designed to slow the heart rate during atrial
fibrillation. For many, this type of medication is enough to control the
symptoms.
Hypertension Treatment, Blood Pressure Medications
Many drugs that lower blood pressure also prevent heart attacks and
strokes. Talk to your doctor or healthcare provider for individualized
care. And then remember to:
- Take your medications regularly as instructed by your physician.
- Most people need more than one medication to control blood pressure.
- Report any side effects to your physician.
- Continue to monitor blood pressure while on medication