At 31 years old, I was diagnosed with Stage II Hypertension, and it completely changed my perspective on health. As a registered nurse, I had always guided patients on the importance of managing their blood pressure, but when I found myself in their shoes, it was a harsh reality to accept.
At first, my doctor ordered several lab tests to determine the cause of my hypertension. I expected something abnormal, maybe kidney issues or hormonal imbalances, but to my surprise, all my lab results were normal. That's when it became clear: my hypertension was genetic.
Both my late father and my maternal grandmother had hypertension, so I was at a high risk from the start. My doctor prescribed a single antihypertensive medication initially, but my blood pressure did not go down. Eventually, he switched me to a combination therapy of:
This combination worked, and I have been taking it every single day for the past six years- now at age 37, it has become part of my routine. It wasn't easy at first. I struggled with the idea of being dependent on medication at such a young age. But over time, I realized that hypertension is not something to be ignored.
Since this condition is already in my genes, I decided that instead of feeling discouraged, I would be a role model for my patients. As a nurse, I could inspire others to do the same if I could commit to managing my hypertension. I'm writing this article to raise awareness aboutearly detection, prevention, and proper management.
What is Hypertension?
Hypertension, or high blood pressure, occurs when the force of blood against the artery walls is too high. If left uncontrolled, it can lead to:
- Heart disease
- Stroke
- Kidney failure
- Vision loss
Blood Pressure Categories
Blood pressure is measured in millimeters of mercury (mmHg) and falls into these categories:
- Normal: Less than 120/80 mmHg
- Elevated: 120-129/<80 mmHg
- Stage 1 Hypertension: 130-139/80-89 mmHg
- Stage 2 Hypertension: 140/90 mmHg or higher
When I was diagnosed, my readings were in the Stage 2 range (above 140/90 mmHg), meaning I needed immediate intervention to prevent complications.
Why I Developed Hypertension at a Young Age
Many people assume that hypertension only affects older adults, but that's not always the case. Younger individuals are increasingly being diagnosed with high blood pressure, and the causes vary.
For me, it was genetics. Despite my efforts to maintain a healthy lifestyle, my family history made me more likely to develop hypertension at an early age. If you have parents or grandparents with high blood pressure, your risk is significantly higher.
Other common causes of early-onset hypertension include:
- Obesity - Extra body weight increases strain on the heart.
- High salt intake - Too much sodium leads to fluid retention, raising blood pressure.
- Lack of exercise - A sedentary lifestyle weakens the cardiovascular system. Chronic stress - Prolonged stress raises blood pressure over time.
- Smoking and alcohol consumption - Both damage blood vessels and increase blood pressure.
Even though I couldn't change my genetics, I realized that I could still take control of my lifestyle to prevent my condition from getting worse.
Early Detection: Why It's Important
One of the most dangerous aspects of hypertension is that it is often referred to as the "silent killer. You may not experience any symptoms until serious complications develop.
In my case, I didn't have any major symptoms when I was first diagnosed. I wasn't experiencing frequent headaches, dizziness, or chest pain. It was only through routine blood pressure monitoring that I discovered my levels were dangerously high.
How to Detect Hypertension Early
Regular Blood Pressure Checks - If you have a family history of hypertension, monitor your blood pressure at least once a year or more frequently if you have other risk factors.
Watch for Subtle Signs - While hypertension is usually asymptomatic, some people may experience:
- Frequent headaches
- Blurred vision
- Shortness of breath
- Dizziness
Get Routine Medical Check-ups - Your doctor may recommend additional tests to check kidney function, cholesterol levels, and blood sugar, as hypertension is often linked to other health conditions.
If I had ignored my blood pressure readings, I might not have taken action early enough. Don't wait until symptoms appear; early detection can save your life.
How I Manage My Hypertension
After six years of living with hypertension, I've learned that proper management requires consistency. Here's what has worked for me:
1. Taking My Medications Every Day
Skipping my medication is not an option. I take Amlodipine 5mg and Losartan 50mg daily to:
- Keep my blood pressure stable.
- Reduce the strain on my heart and arteries.
- Prevent long-term complications.
If you are prescribed medication, stick to your regimenhypertension doesn't take a day off, and neither should your treatment.
2. Following a Heart-Healthy Diet
To control my blood pressure, I follow the DASH diet (Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension), which includes:
- More fruits and vegetables - High in potassium to help balance sodium levels.
- Whole grains and lean proteins - For a healthier cardiovascular system.
- Less processed and salty foods - Reducing sodium intake is crucial.
3. Exercising Regularly
I make an effort to stay active by:
- Walking or jogging for 30 minutes at least 5 days a week.
- Doing strength training to maintain muscle and metabolism.
- Taking the stairs instead of the elevator whenever possible.
4. Managing Stress
Since stress can trigger spikes in blood pressure, I've learned to:
- Practice deep breathing exercises and meditation.
- Journal my thoughts to reduce mental tension.
- Get enough sleep to allow my body to recover.
5. Avoiding Smoking and Excess Alcohol
Smoking and heavy drinking increase the risk of hypertension complications, so I avoid them entirely.
Why Prevention is Key
Even if you don't have hypertension yet, taking preventive steps now can reduce your risk:
Check your blood pressure regularly.
Eat a balanced, low-sodium diet.
Stay physically active.
Manage stress effectively.
Avoid smoking and limit alcohol.
Final Thoughts: Taking Control of My Health
Being diagnosed with Stage II Hypertension at 31 was difficult, but I've learned that managing my condition is a lifelong commitment. Now, at age 37, I've been taking my maintenance medication for six years, and I am proof that hypertension doesn't have to control your life.
Take action now if you have high blood pressure or a family history of it. Don't wait for symptoms to start managing your health today.
About the Author:
Perchy Carrera holds a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Far Eastern University in the Philippines and is a Registered Nurse currently working in a government rural health unit and birthing facility. When she is not working, she enjoys spending time with her three children.
Perchy is an independent contributor to CEUfasts Nursing Blog Program. Please note that the views, thoughts, and opinions expressed in this blog post are solely of the independent contributor and do not necessarily represent those of CEUfast. This is not medical advice. Always consult with your personal healthcare provider for any health-related questions or concerns.
If you are interested in learning more about CEUfasts Nursing Blog Program or would like to submit a blog post for consideration, please visit https://ceufast.com/blog/submissions.
