Based on the Basic Health Research (Riskesdas 2018), the prevalence of hypertension in Indonesia has increased to 34.1% from Riskesda in 2013. It is estimated that only 1/3 of hypertension cases in Indonesia are diagnosed, the rest are undiagnosed.
Also Read: Beware! 12 Diseases Caused by Hypertension Complications
The long-term effects of hypertension are very detrimental and dangerous, so you need to adjust your lifestyle to avoid hypertension and improve your health. Here's an explanation of the various causes of hypertension that you should be aware of:
Causes of Hypertension That You Should Be Aware Of
1. Too Much Salt Consumption
Too much salt in the body increases sodium levels, making it difficult for the kidneys to remove fluid, leading to fluid buildup. This buildup then presses against the walls of the arteries, causing damage, disrupting blood flow to various organs and posing a risk of various diseases. The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends that individuals consume no more than 2,400 mg of salt, or about 1 teaspoon, per day.
2. Excessive Stress
The body handles stress by releasing the hormones adrenaline and cortisol, which increase the heart rate, so the more stressed a person is, the higher their heart rate will be.
3. Lack of Physical Movement
Lack of physical activity can also be a further cause of hypertension because the heart rate will tend to be faster during activity and trigger high blood pressure.
4. Obesity
Obesity is the accumulation of excess fat that can narrow blood vessels, making it harder for the heart to work, making it susceptible to the risk of hypertension.
5. Smoking Addiction
Nicotine levels can damage artery walls, causing them to narrow and triggering hypertension. Over the long term, this condition can cause severe damage to various organs.
6. Addiction to Drinking Alcoholic Beverages
Another cause of hypertension is alcohol. Alcohol can also significantly increase body fat levels, which can then narrow the arteries and make the body susceptible to disease.
7. Sleep Apnea
Sleep apnea is a condition where breathing stops for up to 10 seconds hundreds of times during sleep. This condition can cause and be caused by hypertension. Increased blood flow puts pressure on blood vessel walls, which then leads to hypertension.
8. Kidney Problems
If the renal vessels narrow, the kidneys will think the body is dehydrated and begin to retain excess fluid, retaining water and salt. This buildup can then lead to hypertension, also known as renal hypertension.
Also Read: Hypertension Emergency, an Emergency Condition That Requires Rapid Action
9. Tumors in the Adrenal Glands
The adrenal glands are located near the kidneys and are responsible for producing aldosterone, epinephrine, and norepinephrine, which regulate blood pressure. Increased levels of these hormones cause blood vessels to constrict sharply, which is characterized by an accelerated heartbeat, especially if a tumor has developed, which can cause hypertension.
10. Thyroid Disorders
The thyroid gland regulates body temperature, heart rhythm, and weight. Thyroid disorders occur when the thyroid gland changes shape and produces too little (hypothyroidism) or too much (hyperthyroidism) thyroid hormone. Disorders of this gland can cause hypertension, which also disrupts heart rhythm.
11. History of Diabetes
Because diabetes makes it difficult for the body to control blood sugar, glucose is difficult to digest as energy and builds up in the blood vessels, causing hypertension.
How to prevent hypertension
Hypertension can affect anyone. To prevent it, you can start by adopting a healthier lifestyle and managing stress effectively to prevent it from negatively impacting your health. If you consistently do all of these things, you'll be protected not only from hypertension but also from many other illnesses.
Also Read: Beware of Hypertension During Pregnancy: Dangerous!
For further information on hypertension prevention, you can consult and have a direct examination with a cardiologist. You can also visit a specialized heart and blood medical unit, such as at Bunda Hospital Jakarta. Find out the doctor's schedule at Bunda Group Hospital units near you and book your visit here. Also, visit the information page for other healthcare services.
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