We are still in the preliminary stages, but a study published in a renowned medical journal indicates thata single subcutaneous injection of a drug could significantly reduce blood pressure for six months. Currently, patients who have hypertension must take daily treatment, sometimes several times a day, for life.
In France, 17 million people suffer from high blood pressure. Among those treated, only half manage to maintain normal blood pressure. In other words, many patients have too high blood pressure despite treatment, either because they forget to take their medication, or because the treatment is not suitable.
When do we consider our blood pressure to be too high? It’s very simple: get yourself a cuff blood pressure monitoravailable for 20 to 30 euros. Take your blood pressure at rest, away from exercise, in a seated position. If it exceeds 13.5/8.5, it is too high. In this case, measure your blood pressure morning and evening for three days, three times each time, take the average and consult your doctor.
Who should get tested?
All French people should measure their blood pressure at least once a year. High blood pressure is more common if you have a family history, are elderly, stressed, smoke, drink alcohol, or sleep poorly. Ideally, every family should have a blood pressure monitor. If the readings are high, consult a doctor; if they are normal, lend it to someone else!
How dangerous is it to have too high blood pressure?
Hypertension is a silent killer. You can live with a blood pressure of 15-16-17-18 without apparent symptoms: no headaches, dizziness or chest pain. However, high blood pressure damages every artery in your body. It can affect the heart (risk of heart attack), the brain (stroke), the kidneys (kidney failure), the eyes, as well as the arteries of the legs, among others. High blood pressure is the leading cause of death among people over 65 and among women.. Get tested!
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