In Canada, May is Hypertension Month as World Hypertension Day is on May 17. Almost 8 million adults (about 1 in 4) in Canada are affected by high blood pressure. High blood pressure is often called the “silent killer” because it can lead to serious health problems, often without noticeable symptoms.
Diabetes and Hypertension:
Hypertension (high blood pressure) and diabetes are two of the most common chronic health conditions worldwide. Both conditions are significant risk factors for heart disease, stroke, kidney damage, and other serious health problems.
What is Hypertension?
Hypertension is the medical term for High Blood Pressure. Blood pressure refers to the force of the blood pumped from the heart against the blood vessels. This force makes blood flow possible, delivering nutrients and oxygen to organs and tissues throughout the body.
High blood pressure occurs when there is too much pressure in your blood vessels. You can think of it as like pumping too much air into a tire or balloon. This can damage your blood vessels and cause health problems. Anyone can develop high blood pressure, but it becomes more common as you get older. People with diabetes are at an increased risk of developing high blood pressure and vice versa. They are often diagnosed in the same person. There are often no signs or symptoms of hypertension which means you may have high blood pressure and not know!
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