High Blood Pressure: The Silent Condition and 7 Ways to Control It

Short answer: High blood pressure (hypertension) usually causes no symptoms, which is why it's called the silent killer. A reading of 140/90 mmHg or higher on repeated checks usually means hypertension. It's controlled by taking medicine daily, cutting salt, staying active and checking regularly.

Many of the people we diagnose with high blood pressure came in for something else entirely: a cough, a malaria test, an antenatal visit. They felt fine. That's exactly why every adult should know their numbers.

Understanding the numbers

Why it matters

Over time, uncontrolled high blood pressure damages blood vessels and can lead to stroke, heart attack, heart failure, kidney disease and vision loss.

Seek care immediately if you have

• Severe headache with blurred vision
• Chest pain or difficulty breathing
• Sudden weakness or numbness on one side, a drooping face or slurred speech. Call 999 or 112.

7 practical ways to control it

1. Cut the salt. Aim for less than one teaspoon of salt a day in total. Taste food before adding salt, and go easy on stock cubes, royco, crisps and processed meats.
2. Fill half your plate with vegetables. Sukuma wiki, managu, terere, cabbage, carrots, beans and fruit are all excellent.
3. Move for 30 minutes a day. Brisk walking counts, and so do shamba work and cycling.
4. Limit alcohol and stop smoking.
5. Maintain a healthy weight. Even a few kilos lost lowers blood pressure.
6. Take your medicine every day, even when you feel well. Use a phone alarm.
7. Check regularly. Every visit to a facility is a chance to check.

Pregnancy and blood pressure

High blood pressure in pregnancy can be dangerous for mother and baby. That's why it's checked at every antenatal visit.

Blood pressure care at Primegala

Our diabetes and hypertension clinic at Maili Sita offers quick checks, medication reviews, refills and, if you want them, reminders. Book a check or ask at any visit.