High Blood Pressure: A Silent Threat to Health
Did you know that 3 in every 10 Malaysian adults suffer from high blood pressure? Also known as hypertension, this condition occurs when the force of blood flowing through your blood vessels remains consistently high. Often referred to as the “silent killer,” hypertension can develop without obvious symptoms, leaving many unaware of the risks until serious complications arise.
Understanding high blood pressure
Blood pressure is the measure of the force of blood pushing against the walls of your arteries. It is recorded using two numbers:
- Systolic pressure: The top number, indicating the pressure when your heart beats and pumps blood.
- Diastolic pressure: The bottom number, measuring the pressure when your heart rests between beats.
A normal blood pressure reading is generally considered to be around 120/80 mmHg, while a consistently high reading of 140/90 mmHg or higher is classified as hypertension.
Causes of high blood pressure
Several factors contribute to the development of high blood pressure, including:
- Overweight/ obese
- Sedentary lifestyle
- Diet with too much salt
- Excessive alcohol consumption
- Genetics
- Stress
Dangers of high blood pressure
Hypertension can lead to severe health issues if left unmanaged, including:
- Heart disease: Increases the risk of heart attacks and heart failure
- Stroke: A major contributor to strokes caused by blocked or ruptured blood vessels in the brain
- Kidney damage: Impairs kidney function, potentially leading to kidney failure
- Vision loss: Damages the blood vessels in the eyes, increasing the risk of blindness
Take control of your health
High blood pressure is a serious condition, but it is preventable and manageable with the right steps. By making healthy lifestyle choices and staying informed, you can reduce your risk of complications and lead a healthier life. One of the critical factors in managing blood pressure effectively is understanding the role of nitric oxide (NO) in your body.
NO is a naturally occurring compound that plays a key role in maintaining healthy blood pressure. As a natural vasodilator, NO helps your blood vessels relax and widen, allowing blood to flow smoothly and reducing the strain on your cardiovascular system. This makes it an essential component in regulating blood pressure and promoting overall heart health.
Your body relies on specific amino acids to produce NO efficiently, particularly L-citrulline and L-arginine. L-arginine is directly converted into NO through a biochemical process in the body, helping to improve blood flow and reduce blood pressure. On the other hand, L-citrulline acts as a precursor to L-arginine, effectively replenishing L-arginine levels more effectively than consuming L-arginine directly.
Research has shown that combining L-citrulline and L-arginine results in higher and more sustained levels of NO in the bloodstream compared to taking L-arginine alone. Together, they create a cycle that continuously supports NO production, enhancing cardiovascular health.
