Ask a doctor - What is hypertension?

Q. What is hypertension?

Doctor Answer is medically reviewed by SecondMedic medical review team.

Answered by Secondmedic Expert

Hypertension, also known as high blood pressure, is a condition in which the force of the blood against the artery walls is too high. It can lead to heart disease, stroke and other serious health problems if left untreated. It is one of the most common conditions affecting people worldwide, with nearly one-third of adults in the United States having it.

The two components that make up blood pressure are systolic (top number) and diastolic (bottom number). A normal blood pressure reading should be less than 120/80 mmHg (millimeters of mercury). If your systolic reading is between 130 to 139 or diastolic reading between 80 to 89 then you have hypertension.

Hypertension can have many causes including lifestyle behaviors such as poor diet, lack of physical activity or being overweight; medical conditions like kidney or thyroid problems; family history; stress; smoking; drinking alcohol excessively; illegal drug use; and certain medications such as birth control pills or some cold medicines.

Treatment for hypertension involves lifestyle changes such as quitting smoking, reducing alcohol intake, increasing physical activity levels and eating a healthy diet rich in fruits & vegetables while limiting salt intake. Your doctor may also prescribe medication to lower your blood pressure if lifestyle changes alone don't work well enough. These medications include ACE inhibitors (angiotensin-converting enzyme), beta blockers and calcium channel blockers among others which work by relaxing your arteries so that more oxygenated blood flows through them more easily thus helping reduce your risk for potential health complications associated with uncontrolled hypertension.

It's important to get regular checkups to monitor your progress because hypertension can increase risk for other long term health issues including stroke & damage to organs due heart not receiving enough oxygenated flow from restricted pathways caused by clogged arteries stemming from hypertension over time without proper management or treatment intervention plans put into place when medically indicated by primary care physician(s).

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Q. Hello Doctor, from past 3 weeks I have too much dandruff problem and it cause hair loss will you suggest any best solution for this?

Doctor Answer is medically reviewed by SecondMedic medical review team.

Answered by Secondmedic Expert

Dealing with excessive dandruff leading to hair loss can be frustrating, but there are effective ways to address this issue. Here's what you can do:

1. Switch to a Gentle Shampoo: Opt for shampoos specifically designed for dandruff, containing ingredients like ketoconazole, zinc pyrithione, coal tar, or selenium sulfide. Use these shampoos regularly to reduce dandruff buildup.

2. Scalp Massage: Gently massage your scalp while shampooing to help remove flakes and improve blood circulation, which can promote healthier hair growth.

3. Avoid Hot Water: Wash your hair with lukewarm water instead of hot water, as hot water can dry out your scalp and worsen dandruff.

4. Balanced Diet: Ensure you're eating a balanced diet rich in vitamins and minerals essential for healthy hair and scalp, such as omega-3 fatty acids, zinc, and B vitamins.

5. Manage Stress: Stress can exacerbate dandruff problems. Practice stress-relief techniques like meditation, yoga, or regular exercise to help manage stress levels.

6. Apple Cider Vinegar Rinse: Consider using diluted apple cider vinegar as a rinse after shampooing. It can help restore the scalp's pH balance and reduce dandruff.

7. Consult a Dermatologist: If the issue persists despite trying home remedies or over-the-counter solutions, seek advice from a dermatologist. They can provide a personalized treatment plan tailored to your specific scalp condition.

Remember, consistency is key when dealing with dandruff. Give these remedies some time to work, as immediate results might not always occur. It's essential to find what works best for your scalp, so don't get discouraged if you don't see immediate improvements.

Taking care of your scalp health not only addresses dandruff but also aids in reducing hair loss associated with this issue. Feel free to incorporate these tips into your routine and observe how your scalp responds. If the problem persists or worsens, seeking professional guidance is always recommended.