Hypertension , meaning, symptoms and prevention

So, last year, I was feeling on top of the world. I was working hard, sleeping less, skipping meals, adding “just small salt” to my food like it owed me money , living the typical hustle life.

No headaches. 

No dizziness. 

I felt fine. 

Until my body said, “Oga, you dey play?”

The Wake-Up Call

I went to the clinic to support a friend. He was getting his blood pressure checked, and I just joined for vibes.

Nurse: “madam,  do you want to check yours too?”

Me: “Sure, why not? I’m as strong as an ox.”

Nurse checks. Pauses. Looks at me.

She says, “Your blood pressure is high.”

I laughed,  It's not.

I thought it was stress. 

Or maybe I hadn’t eaten. 

We checked again. Still high.

That was the day I met Hypertension  the silent killer that almost caught me off guard.

Let Me Break It Down for You…, what exactly is Hypertension 

Hypertension ( High Blood Pressure) happens when the force of your blood pushing against your blood vessels is too high for too long.

Your heart? Struggling.

Your brain? Risking stroke.

Your kidneys? Slowly shutting down.

And the worst part? You might not feel anything.

No signs. 

No sirens. 

Nothing.

Just quiet damage  until one day, your body sends the final memo.

Why You Should Take This Seriously

You're young, Or old, Or in-between. Doesn’t matter.

Hypertension doesn’t check age before it attacks.

Let me scare you , just a little bit:

✓ High BP can lead to stroke

✓ It can damage your heart and cause failure

✓ It can silently destroy your kidneys until you need dialysis

✓ And yes, it can cause sudden death

Now imagine all of this happening... while you still feel “fine.”

But What Causes Hypertension 

It’s not one thing. It’s usually a combo of things we do (or don’t do) every day:

📌 Eating too much salt or processed food

📌 Sitting all day like it’s a full-time job

📌 Drinking too much alcohol

📌 Smoking “just small”

📌 Gaining excess weight (especially around the belly)

📌 Stressing over life, bills, and bad Wi-Fi

📌 Not sleeping well

📌 And sometimes, family history (which you can’t control , but you can manage

Here’s how to prevent it Starting Today

If you’re still reading, I know you care.

So let’s fix it together:

✅ 1. Check your blood pressure regularly

Don’t assume. Knowing your numbers can save your life.

✅ 2. Reduce salt intake

Please, stop cooking like you’re seasoning for a village meeting.

✅ 3. Eat better

Fruits. 

Veggies. 

Water. 

Your body needs fuel, not just vibes.

✅ 4. Move your body

Exercise doesn’t have to be fancy. 

Just walk, dance, stretch. Just move.

✅ 5. Sleep and manage stress

You can’t carry the whole world. 

Even your phone needs to charge.

✅ 6. If the doctor gives you medicine  take it

Consistently. Not when you “feel like it.” Don’t gamble with your life.

My Final Word to You

Please, my friend…

Don’t wait until your body screams. 

Don’t wait until your chest is heavy or you collapse in public.

High blood pressure doesn’t always knock. It just walks in, uninvited.

But if you take control of your health now  you can avoid the worst.

Your Turn…

When last did you check your blood pressure?

Drop a comment.

Let’s talk. Let’s spread awareness.

And if this story sounds like someone you know  share it with them.

Let’s fight this silent killer. Together