​​​5 more reasons to keep your blood pressure under control

6. Hypertension m​ay cause sexual dysfunction

In men, hypertension can cause erectile dysfunction (ED). It may make it more difficult for a man to have or maintain an erection due to reduced blood flow to the damaged penile arteries. 

Women with hypertension may experience vaginal dryness and lower sex drive.

7. Hypertension can cause bone loss

People with hypertension tend to excrete more calcium in the urine. Excessive calcium loss can lead to loss in bone density. 

The body needs calcium to maintain strong bones and teeth, and help blood vessels move blood throughout the body.

8. Hypertension is associated with sleep problems

People who are overweight and tend to snore may have obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA). This is a condition in which one repeatedly stops breathing momentarily or has shallow breathing during sleep. 

Symptoms are daytime sleepiness despite adequate hours of sleep. People with OSA tend to have higher blood pressure.

9. Hypertension is a sign of preeclampsia in pregnant women

Preeclampsia, a condition characterised by hypertension (high blood pressure) and protein in the urine, affects a small percentage of pregnant women. 

Uncontrolled high blood pressure affects the unborn child’s growth as blo​od flow to the placenta reduces. Severe preeclampsia or eclampsia, where the mother suffers from seizures and convulsions, may develop.

10. Hypertension is one of the components of the metabolic syndrome

Metabolic syndrome is a group of risk factors that increases your risk for heart disease and stroke. These factors include excess abdominal fat, high cholesterol and high glucose levels.

How to control your blood pressure

To keep your blood pressure in check, you should check your blood pressure at least once a year. Marginally elevated blood pressure may normalise when you lose weight, exercise more and reduce salt intake.

• Eat a healthy diet
  Avoid foods high in cholesterol and saturated fats such as animal fats, whole milk products, eggs, red meat such as beef and lamb, coconut milk and palm oil. Instead, choose lean meat, fish and low-fat dairy products and increase your intake of fruits and vegetables. Cut back on salty foods as well.
  To have idea of what to put on your plate, check out this article.

• Exercise regularly
  Aim for at least 150 to 300 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic physical activity per week. Although there are many kinds of physical activities you could do, brisk walking is one of the best forms of exercise to do. To find out which types of physical activities are suitable for you, check with your doctor.
  To brisk walk the right and safe way, check out this article.

• Watch your weight
  It has been proven that maintaining a healthy body weight reduces the risks of high blood pressure.
  To know if your weight is in the recommended range and for safe and effective weightloss tips, check out this article.

• Quit smoking, if you haven't
  Smoking can elevate the blood pressure and is also an independent risk factor for coronary artery disease and stroke.
  

  For help to quit smoking, click here.

• Take it easy
  To manage stress, engage in regular exercises. Adopt a balanced approach to work and family life. In addition, relax whenever possible to ease the tension whenever feelings of stress arise since stress may aggravate your blood pressure.
  Here are 20 stress-busting tips!

If the above measures are not successful, then drug treatment may be needed. 

However, once medicine has been started, it is essential to continue with the treatment, complemented by a healthy lifestyle. Treatment of hypertension for most people is lifelong.

See previous page for the first five reasons to keep your blood pressure in check.​

Ref: S13​

Related articles:

Hypertension: Understanding Blood Pressure Ranges

High Blood Pressure: Top 5 Myths

High Blood Pressure: 5 Ways to Lower It Without Medication

3 Foods to Avoid to Prevent High Blood Pressure

4 Foods to Eat to Bring Down High Blood Pressure

How High Blood Pressure Affects Men and Women Differently

Pre-Hypertension: How to Know If You Have It