Hypertension is another word for high blood pressure. Worldwide, over 1.13 million people have been diagnosed with high blood pressure. It is one of the most prevalent yet feared diseases, with long-term consequences for your health and psyche.
It is a disorder in which the blood pressure in the arteries remains constantly high, leading to significant health issues if left untreated. High blood pressure is also known as the “silent killer” since it usually shows no symptoms.
This post will examine the science underlying high blood pressure and how to prevent and control hypertension through lifestyle modifications and medication.
What Is High Blood Pressure?
High blood pressure is when the pressure of blood flow against the artery walls is increased. Blood pressure is determined by measuring the blood pumped by the heart and the degree of resistance to it in your arteries. High blood pressure occurs when your heart pumps more blood and your arteries narrow. Uncontrolled high blood pressure improves your chances of developing significant health problems like heart failure and mitral valve problems.
Types Of High Blood Pressure
Primary hypertension and secondary hypertension are the two types of high blood pressure.
1. Primary Hypertension
Many people, primarily adults, have high blood pressure for no apparent reason. This is known as primary (or essential) hypertension, which develops steadily over time.
2. Secondary Hypertension
An underlying problem causes high blood pressure in some people. This is referred to as secondary hypertension. Secondary hypertension, as opposed to primary hypertension, appears unexpectedly, and causes higher blood pressure. Secondary hypertension can be caused by a variety of conditions and medications, including
- Kidney issues
- Thyroid problems
- Thyroid problems Adrenal gland tumors
- Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA)
- Congenital heart disease
- Prohibited drugs such as amphetamines and cocaine.
How To Understand High Blood Pressure Readings?
Blood pressure is determined in millimeters of mercury (mm Hg). It is usually reported as a systolic pressure (the higher number) and diastolic pressure (the lower number). The table below summarizes blood pressure groups and their accompanying systolic and diastolic readings:
Blood Pressure Category | Systolic (mm Hg) | Diastolic (mm Hg)
Normal | Less than 120 | Less than 80
Elevated | 120-129 | Less than 80
Stage 1 Hypertension | 130-139 | 80-89
Stage 2 Hypertension | 140 or Higher | 90 or Higher
Hypertension Crisis | Higher than 180 | Higher than 120
Adult blood pressure values are classified into five categories:
Healthy: A normal blood pressure is less than 120/80 millimeters of mercury (mm Hg).
Elevated: The systolic blood pressure is between 120- and 129-mm Hg, and the diastolic blood pressure is less than 80 mm Hg. Medication is rarely used to treat high blood pressure. Alternatively, your doctor may advise you to make lifestyle adjustments to lower your numbers.
Hypertension in stage 1: The systolic pressure ranges between 130- and 139-mm Hg, whereas the diastolic pressure ranges between 80- and 89 mm Hg.
Hypertension in Stage 2: The systolic blood pressure is 140 mm Hg or higher, with the diastolic blood pressure being 90 mm Hg or higher.
Hypertensive crisis: It occurs when the systolic pressure exceeds 180 mm Hg, or the diastolic pressure falls below 120 mm Hg. Blood pressure in this range necessitates immediate medical treatment.
It is crucial to remember that blood pressure measurements might fluctuate depending on age, gender, exercise level, and overall health. Ask your doctor for healthy ranges for your child if you are asked to monitor their blood pressure.
Symptoms
High blood pressure often has no noticeable symptoms, so it is recognized as the “silent killer.” In some circumstances, however, symptoms of high blood pressure are as follows:
- Headaches
- Dizziness
- Breathing difficulty
- Chest pain
- Irregular heartbeat
- Vision issues
- Fatigue
It is crucial to remember that other health conditions can also cause these symptoms. Therefore, if you have any of these hypertension symptoms, consult the best hospital in Hyderabad.
Causes
A variety of causes of high blood pressure include the following:
- Age: Our blood vessels stiffen and become less elastic, leading to high blood pressure.
- Family History: If your parents or other family members have high blood pressure, you may also be more likely to get it.
- Obesity: Being overweight increases your risk of developing high blood pressure.
- Sedentary lifestyle: Inactivity in daily life can contribute to high blood pressure.
- Unhealthy diet: A diet heavy in salt, fat, and cholesterol can raise the risk of hypertension.
- Stress: Stress and high blood pressure are interrelated, so that chronic stress can cause high blood pressure.
- Smoking: Smoking can cause blood vessel damage and increase the risk of high blood pressure.
- Alcohol consumption: Excessive alcohol drinking increases the chance of developing high blood pressure.
- Pregnancy: Sometimes pregnancy causes high blood pressure.
Diagnosis
High blood pressure can be diagnosed with a simple and painless test called a blood pressure reading. A blood pressure reading measures the blood pressure on the arteries’ walls while the heart pumps. Blood pressure would be less than 120/80 mm Hg.
Your doctor may diagnose high blood pressure if your blood pressure readings are persistently higher than usual. Further tests may be recommended by your doctor to discover the source of how to treat high blood pressure and to check for organ damage.
Treatment
High blood pressure treatment aims to lower blood pressure to a healthy level while reducing the risk of consequences. Hypertension treatment options include:
- Changing your diet for high blood pressure and increasing physical exercise can help reduce your blood pressure. In addition, increasing potassium and decreasing salt intake can also help reduce blood pressure.
- Various drugs, including beta-blockers, ACE inhibitors, diuretics, and calcium channel blockers, can treat high blood pressure. Your doctor will collaborate with you to select the optimum medicine or combination of medications for you.
- Blood pressure should be monitored by regular health check-ups to ensure that it remains at a healthy range and to detect any changes that may necessitate additional medication.
Complications
If untreated, high blood pressure can lead to significant health consequences such as:
- Heart disease: High blood pressure can cause heart damage, heart disease, and heart attacks.
- Stroke: High blood pressure can damage blood arteries in the brain, resulting in a stroke.
- Kidney problems: High blood pressure can damage the blood vessels in the kidneys, resulting in renal disease.
- Vision problems: High blood pressure can damage the blood vessels in the eyes, resulting in eye issues.
- Sexual dysfunction: High blood pressure can damage blood vessels in the genitals, resulting in sexual dysfunction.
Prevention
High blood pressure prevention is critical for overall health and well-being. Some methods for lowering blood pressure include:
- Being overweight raises the risk of hypertension. So, reducing weight can help lower your risk of developing high blood pressure.
- Regularly exercising can help keep blood pressure at a healthy range.
- A diet high in fruits, veggies, and whole grains low in salt, fat, and cholesterol will help lower blood pressure.
- Stress management methods such as meditation, deep breathing, and exercise can all help lower blood pressure.
- Smoking destroys blood vessels and increases the risk of hypertension.
If you have high blood pressure, working with your doctor to manage it and reduce the risk of complications is essential. In addition, by making lifestyle changes and taking medications as prescribed, you can help prevent hypertension and improve your overall health.
Final Words
High blood pressure is a common illness that, if left untreated, can lead to substantial health issues. While it frequently has no visible symptoms, it can be identified with a simple blood pressure reading. Changes in lifestyle, drugs, and regular monitoring can help manage high blood pressure and lower the effects of high blood pressure. You can control your blood pressure and enhance your overall health and well-being by making healthy choices and working with your doctor.
FAQs
1. Can high blood pressure affect pregnancy?
High blood pressure, often known as hypertension, is a frequent illness with significant health repercussions, especially during pregnancy. Elevated blood pressure during pregnancy can develop preeclampsia, which can be dangerous for both the mother and the baby.
Preeclampsia is defined by elevated blood pressure and organ damage, mainly to the liver and kidneys. It can also cause placental issues, impacting the baby’s growth and development. Mothers who develop preeclampsia may need their babies delivered early to avoid complications.
2. How long does high blood pressure last?
If you have primary hypertension, you must manage it for the rest of your life.
If you have secondary high blood pressure, it will most likely fall once you receive therapy for the medical illness that caused it. If your high blood pressure was caused by a drug, switching to a different prescription may help.
3. Does Hypertension Lead to Brain Hemorrhage?
The risk of brain hemorrhage, bleeding in the brain caused by a ruptured blood vessel, is one of the most severe complications of hypertension.
When blood pressure is continually elevated, the walls of blood arteries in the brain might weaken and become damaged over time. This makes them more prone to rupture, resulting in brain bleeding. The ruptured blood artery’s size and location determine the bleeding’s intensity. Sometimes, a brain hemorrhage can be fatal or cause lifelong brain damage.
