Ibadan – A medical expert on Wednesday said prolong stress could lead to high blood pressure (Hypertension).
Prof. Adefolarin Malomo, a Consultant Neurosurgeon at University College Hospital (UCH), Ibadan, made this known in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN).
Malomo said hypertension may develop through repeated rise in blood pressure levels and stimulation of the nervous system to produce large amounts of artery tightening hormones that increase blood pressure.
He added that “factors that can trigger high blood pressure through long term stress include job strain, race, social environment, emotional distress and desperation to meet targets.
“When one or more risk factors for high blood pressure are coupled together with other stress producing factors, the effect on blood pressure is multiplied.[pro_ad_display_adzone id=”70560″]
“Overall studies have shown that short term stress does not directly cause hypertension, but can have an effect on its development.
“Long term stress is not good for the human body and should be avoided and controlled wherever possible because it can produce irreversible complications.
“In managing stress, you need to identify the stressor (the things that cause you stress) and take step-wise methods
to deal with them.’’
The neurosurgeon said abusing alcohol and food may seem to reduce stress in the short term, but it actually adds to it greatly in the long run.
He explained that “reducing the stressor is the most effective way to manage it; many people find life filled with too many demands and too little time, and for most part, these demands are the ones we have chosen.
“Effective time management involves asking for help when appropriate, setting priorities, pacing yourself and most importantly, taking time out yourself.
“Getting enough rest with proper diet will effectively help in management of stress.
“The time spent resting should be long enough to relax the mind and body; some people find that taking a nap in the middle of the day helps them reduce stress.
“Finding time to exercise regularly also helps. Try to find a form of exercise you enjoy like swimming, cycling, walking, running to get you out of the house and away from any cause of stress.’’ (NAN)
