Avoid excess use of the internet to check blood pressure

by Max Jones | Nov 18, 2015 | High Blood Pressure | 0 comments

Different ways to deal with high blood pressure

Teenagers seem to be more affected by excessive Internet use than other age groups. So, it’s very important to understand how to keep blood pressure in check and ensure a healthy life, even if you’re living in the virtual world of the internet.

If the internet has become a boon for humanity, there are some negative aspects to it, too. A haphazard lifestyle and excess use of the internet can make anyone a victim of high blood pressure and other health problems. And the most severe impact of the internet is on our brains and hearts. Several studies show that prolonged internet use can lead to various health problems and encourage a sedentary lifestyle.

Since teenagers are spending more time on the Internet, they are vulnerable to various health risks, leading to high blood pressure, being overweight, and other health conditions. A study has found that those teens spending about 14 hours a week on the internet witness elevated hypertension or blood pressure. As a guardian, you need to keep your teen’s blood pressure in check with some recommended measures. Otherwise, there will be a severe impact on the health of the future generation.

Anatomy of high blood pressure:

High blood pressure, or hypertension, is a condition in which blood pressure readings remain at 140/90 or above, while a systolic blood pressure of 90 to 100 denotes low blood pressure. High blood pressure is a very common condition in which blood flows through the blood vessels (arteries) at a higher rate, putting extra strain on the arteries. Hypertension increases the risk of heart diseases over a period, so it’s necessary to keep blood pressure in check to prevent any such risks.

Signs of high blood pressure:

Usually, it’s difficult to identify the symptoms of high blood pressure from physical appearance alone. Some common signs of hypertension include:

• Headaches

• Anxiety

• Shortness of breath

• Blood spots in the eyes

• Stroke

• Fatigue

• Cognitive changes

• Nosebleeds

How the internet causes high blood pressure:

American researchers have established a correlation between internet use and high blood pressure. In a study, almost 20% of teenagers, who were heavy internet users, were found to develop the symptoms of high blood pressure. Later on, some other health problems like obesity, depression, blood sugar, anxiety, and emotional detachment were also linked to the excessive use of the internet.

Though it’s still unclear how too much use of the internet can exactly cause health problems like hypertension. But one thing is clear that hours spent on the internet or surfing the net aren’t good for health in any way.

Some experts suggest that internet users take regular breaks to refresh themselves. This practice also helps keep blood pressure in check and reduces the risks associated with the hormone disorder. Many people recommend that a maximum of two hours a day, five days a week, is standard for net users. School teachers, paediatricians, and parents have to ensure normal blood pressure in teens and toddlers to support their healthy development.

Sedentary hypertension:

Spending too much time on the internet encourages a sedentary lifestyle that can contribute to high blood pressure. Similarly, excessive internet surfing somehow becomes a reason for various other health conditions, like:

• Stroke

• Obstructive sleep apnea

• Blood sugar

• Kidney problems

• Thyroid problems

• Adrenal gland tumours

• Consumption of illegal drugs

• Low rate of blood circulation

• Alcohol abuse

Prepare yourself to control blood pressure:

Curbing high blood pressure is a long-term process that requires a foolproof plan and strategy. Before jumping into the medications, patients with hypertension should follow some steps, such as:

• Make a list of all symptoms that you witness in hypertension

• Understand the deficiency of vitamins and minerals in the body

• Jot down all the possible medications that may be required

• Keep the information of health experts

• Mention the family history

• Write down how much and when you use the internet

• Measure the intensity of hypertension

• Discuss hypertension with your family members

Diagnosis to keep blood pressure in check:

There are some specific tests to measure hypertension in millimetres of mercury (mm Hg). The specific mercury device is used to measure the blood pressure in the arteries when the heart beats, also known as systolic pressure. Another measure taken between heartbeats is diastolic pressure. This pressure-measuring technique gives a clear picture of hypertension’s severity.

There are many medicines prescribed for high blood pressure, of which four types of drugs are widely used: ACE inhibitors, calcium channel blockers, angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs), and thiazide diuretics.

The dose and intensity of medicines differ when keeping blood pressure in check for teens and senior citizens. In addition to drugs, you have to have some home measures to control hypertension that are quite safe, inexpensive and free from side effects.

Also Read: Keep a Check on Your Blood Pressure Levels

Conclusion:

Hypertension is a common health condition that mostly affects people in their 30s and 40s, or later in life. But the way teenagers are using the internet and changing their lifestyles, they are bound to face health challenges early and invite the risks of high blood pressure. It requires a good number of precautions to keep blood pressure in check and mitigate potential risks, so adjust your lifestyle accordingly.