When a doctor takes your blood pressure reading, he gives a fraction. This fraction is the blood pressure reading. The number on top is known as systolic pressure and the number on the bottom is the diastolic pressure. Systolic pressure signifies the amount of pressure in the arteries during the contraction of heart muscles. Diastolic pressure signifies the amount of pressure of the heart muscle in between the beats. Both the numbers are important for the determination of the health of your heart.
Normal reading
The normal reading for blood pressure should be 120/80. The systolic pressure must be in the range 90-120 and the diastolic pressure must be in the range 60-80. The American Heart Association considers blood pressure to be normal only when it is in the range. Both the systolic and diastolic readings should be within the above-stated ranges.
Blood pressure readings are usually given in millimeters of mercury. That is, a normal reading would be known as 120/80 mmHg. If you have a normal reading, then you do not need any medical intervention. In order to do so, you must follow a healthy lifestyle. Regular exercise, balanced diet, and weight management can be of great help.
Prehypertension
If your blood pressure reading is more than 120/80 mmHg, then you have to be alert and switch to a healthier lifestyle. You are suffering from prehypertension when the systolic pressure is between the range of 120-139 mmHg and the diastolic pressure is between the ranges of 80- 89 mmHg.
The above-stated numbers are not considered as high blood pressure. But they are beyond the normal range. There is a good chance of prehypertension turning into high blood pressure. You are at a high risk of a stroke and other heart diseases. Pre-hypertension does not require any medication, but you have to start leading a healthy life. A balanced diet, weight loss, and daily exercising will help you bring your blood pressure down to the normal range.
Stage 1 of hypertension
You will be diagnosed with high blood pressure when the systolic pressure is in the range 140-159 mmHg and the diastolic pressure is in the range 90-99 mmHg. This is the stage 1 of hypertension or high blood pressure. Stage 1 of hypertension is usually diagnosed when the blood pressure reading remains high over a long period of time. Your doctor will help you to keep track of your blood pressure reading. He/she will prescribe medications if your blood pressure does not come down after starting a healthy lifestyle.
Stage 2 of hypertension
The second stage of hypertension is when the blood pressure reading shows the systolic pressure as 160 or more and the diastolic pressure is 100 or more. The doctor will prescribe one or two medications to bring down the high blood pressure to the normal level. But you must never rely only on the medications. A change in your daily lifestyle is always recommended to keep your blood pressure in check.
Hypertensive crisis
If the blood pressure reading is more than 180/110 mmHg, then it signifies a serious health issue that needs to be checked immediately. You must go in for an emergency check-up if your blood pressure is that high. It is best to visit the doctor immediately, if you are also experiencing chest pain, sweating, dizziness, blood in urine, and other difficulties.
Stuffy nose can often leave you frustrated, because it can make breathing an extremely difficult task. This leaves you mulling over one question, what can I do to clear a stuffy nose? An answer to that, here are some measures that you can take to effectively clear your stuffy nose.
Consult a doctor
At times, self-medication or home treatments are just not a good idea! Why? The former might be harmful to your health, and the latter might take some time to work. If you happen to be looking for an effective and a quick fix then visit your doctor. He/she will accurately diagnose you and prescribe you with appropriate medication which can instantly relieve you.
Hot shower
Taking a hot shower can clear out your nasal congestion. Although this can be a short-term remedy, you will still end up feeling refreshed, as it will improve your breathing. You can also inhale steam from a bowl of boiling water, if you don’t want to bathe.
Humidifier
A humidifier can add some extra moisture in the air, easing the congestion in your nose by reducing the inflammation of the mucus membranes located in the nose. While using the humidifier make sure that it is clean, as any presence of bacteria in it can only aggravate your health condition.
Warm compress
You can use a warm compress to cover your sinuses to loosen up the mucus inside. Place the compress over the nose while you are lying down, and it will gradually loosen up your stuffy nose. Just make sure that the warm compress is not soaked in super-hot water as it can burn your face. So, remember to check the water temperature before you use it.
Extra pillow
While you sleep at night make sure that you place an extra pillow under the head. This is because if you sleep with your head at a 180 degree angle, then it can make your condition worse. An elevated position will help you enjoy a sound and uninterrupted sleep, as it provides a better posture for congestion free breathing.
Neti pot
A possible amalgamation of a teapot and watering can, Neti pot is increasingly gaining popularity as an effective remedy for stuffy nose. The purpose of a Neti pot is to basically rinse your membranes in the nostrils to facilitate easier breathing. Although, make sure that you avoid it if you have had any recent nasal injuries or if you are already suffering from an ear infection.
A good night’s sound sleep is a sign of good health. Irregular sleep causes many health issues. OSA (obstructive sleep apnea) is one such common disorder which has been seen in increasing numbers amongst people in the last few decades. It later leads to more complicated health issues. Snoring is one such issue, which mostly happens due to OSA. It also gives birth to health issues like diabetes and blood pressure. Hence, sleep apnea needs to be cured early on.
Some of the health risks due to OSA are:
High blood pressure is one of the biggest risks that occur because of OSA. If blood pressure already exists, then sleep apnea gets worse, with one even experiencing stressful times during sleep when the blood pressure tends to spike. Oxygen levels in the body could also decrease, leading to breathing difficulties. For most people, treating sleep apnea will also control blood pressure levels greatly.
Keeping the heart healthy is one of the greatest challenges for being healthy. People with OSA are more likely to get heart attacks. The reason is because of low oxygen and a stressful time at night. Sleep apnea also causes the oxygen circulation to the brain and in arteries to be uneven.
80% of people with sleep apnea are more likely to be affected by Type 2 Diabetes. Going further, people with both OSA and type 2 diabetes are more likely to be obese and struggle to tackle with obesity in their lives later. Not getting enough shut-eye also leads to diabetes.
Gaining extra pounds or sudden weight gain also leads to a person acquiring sleep apnea. This condition can also make it tough to slim down. Sleep apnea also increases the levels of the hormone ghrelin, which causes sugary cravings, leading to sudden weight gain.
Sleep apnea also causes tiredness and indigestion, exhausting a person physically as well as mentally.
Treating OSA not just takes care of it, but can also end up making a person feel energetic and fit, and also end up improving one’s sleep.
Health issues because of sleep apnea are great in numbers, yes, but if one treats it at the early stages, it can put a stop to many possible future problems. One of the most effective ways to treat sleep apnea is via a masked device called CPAP. It is connected to the nose and helps a person breathe freely with proper pressure in the airway, thus improving one’s sleep.
Fibromyalgia is a chronic, incessant medical disorder, usually associated with extensive pain in the muscles and bones, areas of tenderness, coupled with tiredness. Fibromyalgia affects individuals physically, emotionally and socially. These symptoms are considered subjective as they can’t be determined or measured by tests. Till now, there isn’t a clear known cause, and in fact, fibromyalgia has been misdiagnosed as another ailment now and then. People who have fibromyalgia process pain in a unique manner and the way the patient’s cerebrum recognize pain signals makes them excessively sensitive to touch and other stimuli.
Earlier, the condition used to be known as fibrositis because many specialists believed the pain was brought about by inflammation all through the body. However, in 1976, the disease was renamed as ‘fibromyalgia’ from the Latin word fibro signifying fibrosis tissue and the Greek terms myo (muscle) and algia (pain).
What to expect when affected by fibromyalgia?
Fibromyalgia is a real condition that can meddle with your day-to-day activities. The condition is additionally long-haul; so once you develop symptoms, they may last a long time. The reassuring news is that fibromyalgia doesn’t harm your joints, muscles, or tissues. Additionally, it is not life-threatening. Seek medicinal assistance, if you encounter pain or unknown origins that last for over three months. With the right treatment and lifestyle changes, you can adapt to the illness and manage the symptoms quite well.
What can you do to prevent fibromyalgia?
Fibromyalgia can’t be avoided. Appropriate treatment and lifestyle changes can help lessen the recurrence and seriousness of your symptoms. Individuals with fibromyalgia can aim to forestall flare-ups as opposed to preventing the disorder itself. A few precautions can be taken to avoid worsening of your symptoms.
Improve sleep
The absence of restorative sleep is both a side effect of fibromyalgia and a reason for flare-ups. Poor sleep makes a cycle of more agony, making it harder to rest, which causes more pain. Break this cycle by going to bed at a particular time every day consistently and practice good sleep habits. Switch off the TV and other electronic gadgets and relax one hour before bed. Reading or reflecting are all great approaches to loosen up and get ready for more profound rest. Your specialist may prescribe a sleeping aid in case you have persistent problems falling or staying asleep.
Reduce stress
The symptoms of fibromyalgia get aggravated with stress. Reduce the flare-ups by limiting the factors that cause stress. Eliminating sources of stress such as unhealthy relationships or tense workplaces is one approach. You may also learn coping techniques that can help minimize the effects of stress. These stress-busters include meditation, relaxation, and deep breathing techniques.
Yoga and moderate intensity exercise are very effective in minimizing stress. There are many people who turn up to alcohol and drugs to cope up with stress. However, this is counterproductive and may give rise to serious health complications. Exercise regularly to keep your muscles and joints healthy. However, avoid strenuous exercises. You may try walking as it is a good way to stay healthy and active without much effort. Also, have a balanced diet, avoid junk food, and monitor your symptoms time to time.