The most recent figures show that in Mexico, 25.5% of adults have hypertension, with a higher prevalence in women (26.1%) than in men (24.9%) and a higher percentage in adults aged 50 to 59 years.

Hypertension or high blood pressure is a condition that affects the blood vessels and increases the risk of having a myocardial infarction and stroke, also can cause kidney failure, blindness and cognitive impairment.

Since it usually does not present symptoms, hypertension can go unnoticed, as shown by the figures from the National Health and Nutrition Survey of Half Way (ENSANUT MC) 2016, which shows that 40% of Mexican adults did not know they had hypertension.

However, sometimes hypertension can cause severe headache, nausea or vomiting, confusion, vision disturbances and nosebleeds.

What to do in the face of a silent disease?

Know your numbers: when blood pressure is 140/90 mm Hg or higher, it is considered hypertension. And first of all, prevent it.

The World Health Organization recommends five actions to reduce the likelihood of developing hypertension and its complications.

  1. Eat a healthy diet: Reduce the consumption of salt to less than 5 g per day, eat 5 servings of fruits and vegetables, lower the fats (especially saturated) and limit the consumption of alcohol.
  2. Perform physical activity: On a regular basis, and promote it among children and young people (at least 30 minutes a day).
  3. Maintain a weight appropriate to age and height: 5 kg less than excess weight can reduce blood pressure.
  4. Stop smoking and do not expose yourself to the smoke of tobacco products
  5. Manage stress in a healthy way: Through exercises, positive social relationships.

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