High blood pressure
Hypertension, “BP”
What it is
Blood pushes too hard against the walls of your blood vessels. Over years this damages the heart, brain, kidneys and eyes. It is the main cause of stroke in Africa.
Common signs
- Often no signs at all — many people feel fine
- Headaches, especially in the morning
- Dizziness
- Blurred vision when very high
How it is diagnosed
A health worker measures your blood pressure with a cuff on your arm. If it is 140/90 or higher on two different days, or your home average is 135/85 or higher, you have high blood pressure.
Tests
- Blood pressure reading — the main test, done on at least two days
- Urine test — checks for kidney damage
- Blood test for kidneys and sugar — looks for related problems
- ECG (heart tracing) — checks if the heart is strained
How food affects it
Food makes a big difference. Eating less salt can lower blood pressure as much as one tablet. Foods rich in potassium, like beans, bananas and leafy greens, help too. Most people still need medicines as well — keep taking them.
Food as medicine, alongside your medicine. Food works alongside your medicines, not instead of them. Never stop or change your tablets without talking to your health worker.
Eat often
- Leafy greens (ugu, kontomire, sukuma wiki, morogo) — rich in potassium
- Beans, cowpeas and lentils
- Fresh fruit: banana, pawpaw, orange, avocado
- Fresh fish like tilapia and mackerel, grilled or boiled
- Unripe plantain, sweet potato and whole grains like millet and sorghum
Eat in moderation
- Palm oil and coconut oil — use a little
- Red meat — small pieces, a few times a week
- Rice, gari and fufu — keep portions small
Avoid or cut down
- Stock cubes and seasoning powder — use half or less, flavour with onion, ginger, garlic and herbs
- Adding salt at the table
- Smoked, salted or dried fish unless soaked first
- Processed meats, salty snacks and instant noodles
- Alcohol and sugary drinks
Get help urgently
Go to hospital now if your reading is above 180/120, or you have chest pain, a severe headache, weakness on one side, or trouble speaking or seeing.
General information, not a diagnosis. Always follow the advice of your health worker.