Hypertension (high blood pressure/ high BP) is a very common disease. Usually it does not show any symptom, and therefore, people do not get diagnosed and later suffer from its consequences. As hypertension has come out as a major killer due to its effects on heart, brain and kidney, one should know more about it. Here are some facts on hypertension that can save you from putting yourself in jeopardy due to lack of knowledge...

1 . High blood pressure many a time is asymptomatic � with out any symptom. You may feel absolutely normal. Therefore, you should regularly monitor your blood pressure so that you do not skip on your raised blood pressure levels.

2 . High blood pressure many a time is asymptomatic � with out any symptom. You may feel absolutely normal. Therefore, you should regularly monitor your blood pressure so that you do not skip on your raised blood pressure levels.

3 . Anyone can get hypertension regardless of their age, gender, race, religion or personality.

4 . The heart, kidney, brain and neurological complications developed due to high blood pressure increases the morbidity and mortality rates

5 . People who are obese or chronic smoker or alcoholic or women on contraceptive pills are more likely to get hypertension.

6 . The normal blood pressure used to be 120/80 mm Hg. But as per the revised standards, the healthy blood pressure is defined as a blood pressure that is less than 120/80 mm Hg because blood pressure as low as 115/75 mm Hg can also cause heart, vascular and neurological problems.

7 . It is essential that both the systolic and diastolic blood pressures are normal. An increase of 20 points in the systolic or 10 points in the diastolic pressure could double your risk of heart attack or stroke. As per recent studies, to treat a high systolic blood pressure in older people is especially important, and to treat a high diastolic pressure in younger people is very crucial.

8 . It not always true that if you have high blood pressure then you will have high cholesterol level. In some cases it is true but not always. Therefore, it is better to take relevant precautions to prevent the development of hypertension even if you are above 50 and do not suffer from hypertension.

9 . Besides prescribed medications to have a healthy diet is very essential. Medicines are not a substitute for a high calorie and salt diet. The right diet will not just reduce blood pressure but also lower the risk of your developing any complications.

10 . Adequate salt intake is essential to get iodine to prevent hypothyroidism. But excess salt intake can lead to water retention in the body, and therefore, increased blood pressure. This is more likely to happen in a known patient of hypertension.

11. Lifestyle modifications like right diet and regular exercise are important to maintain good health, to keep you active and to maintain or reduce weight. But they are no substitution for the prescribed medicines. So, do not stop taking the prescribed medicines or change the dosage with out your doctor�s consent.

12. Some medications for hypertension may give side effects. But that does not mean you have to live with these side effects. Talk to your health care provider. A change in prescription may help you.