Hypertension, or high blood pressure, is a condition that affects the force of blood being pumped against the arteries. It is a major predisposing factor to heart disease, stroke, or kidney failure and remains a serious medical complication. Even though it is highly prevalent, a large number of people are not aware of it because hypertension tends to be asymptomatic.
What is Hypertension?
Contrary to what most people think, hypertension does not just refer to high blood pressure. It talks about a situation where arteries experience a constant high level of blood pressure, particularly in people suffering from obesity, diabetes, a sedentary lifestyle or pregnancy.
High blood pressure is diagnosed through two important readings: Systolic and Diastolic.
A healthy reading of blood pressure is 120/80 mmHg. Any hypertension condition would be diagnosed between at 140/90 mmHg or higher. Read more…
Types of Hypertension
1. Primary (Essential) Hypertension
High blood pressure caused due to genetics and other lifestyle choices is known as primary essential hypertension. Most of the elderly population is exposed to this type.
2. Secondary Hypertension
Sudden high blood pressure resulting from prescribed medication, kidney abnormalities, or hormonal disorders is termed as secondary hypertension.
Causes and Risk Factors
Some of these factors are lifestyle factors, medical conditions, and genetic factors. The following are the components or factors of hypertension:
1. Lifestyle Factors
1. Intake of too much sodium
2. Sedentary lifestyle
3. Obesity and overweight
4. High alcohol intake
5. Smoking
6. Chronic stress
Medical Conditions
Diabetes
Thyroidettis
Chronic sleep apnea
Adrenal gland tumors
Genetic and Age Factors
A family history of hypertension.
Ageing (the risk is higher after 40)
Certain ethnic groups (common among Africans and South Asians)
Symptoms of Hypertension
Headaches, dizziness, shortness of breath, blurred vision, fatigue, confusion, irregular heartbeat, and nosebleeds. These signs include chest pain, severe and a very little sign of an ailment, thus explaining why it is known as the silent killer of chronic fatigue.
Complications of Hypertension
Uncontrolled high blood pressure can lead to severe health complications, including but not limited to:
Cardiovascular Diseases
Heart attack (myocardial infarction), heart failure, paralysis, stroke, and aneurysm.
Kidney Damage
Kidney failure, chronic kidney disease, proteinuria (excess nephron in urine), and kidney hypertrophy.
Eye Problems
High blood pressure retinopathy, which is blood vessel damage to the eyes, as well as vision loss and swelling of the optic nerve.
Brain Disorders
Cognitive decline and dementia, increased chance of brain hemorrhage, and hypertensive encephalopathy, which is brain swelling caused by severe hypertension.
Metabolic Disorders
Increased blood pressure people are more resistant.
Increased risk of developing metabolic syndrome
Diagnosis of Hypertension
High blood pressure is diagnosed using a sphygmomanometer. Doctors may suggest:
Taking multiple readings over several days.
Measuring blood pressure over a 24-hour period.
Laboratory tests to evaluate lipid levels, renal function, and some hormones.
ECG and echocardiogram to examine heart health.
Analysis of urine for signs of damage to the kidneys.
Treatment and Management
1. Lifestyle Changes
A Healthy Diet: Follow the DASH diet which is composed of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and low-fat dairy products.
Sodium Reduction: Decrease sodium intake to less than 2,300 mg per day.
Regular Physical Activity: Partake in at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise a week.
Weight Control: An appropriate weight will minimize strain on the arteries.
Stress Management: Relaxation, deep-breathing, yoga.
Alcohol and Caffeine Consumption: Limit consumption as these may lead to heightened systolic blood pressure.
Smoking: Reduced use of tobacco products greatly lowers cardiovascular important risks.
Foods High in Potassium: Eating bananas, spinach or sweet potatoes assists in sodium regulation.
2. Therapies
Where life style changes are not satisfactory, physicians may advise the use of medicine such as:
Diuretics: Remove excess sodium and water from the body.
Beta-blockers have the effect of lowering both heart rate and cardiac output.
ACE Inhibitors allows for the relaxing of blood vessels as a result of blocking angiotensin.
Calcium Channel Blockers prevent the entry of calcium into the heart and blood vessel cells.
Angiotensin II Receptor Blockers (ARBs) assist in the relaxation of blood vessels.
Vasodilators works by expanding blood vessels to assist in lowering pressure.
Alpha-blockers lead to a decrease in the nerve signals that cause the tightening of blood vessels.
How to Treat High blood pressure
How to lower or prevent the risk of high blood pressure can be accomplished by:
Physical exercises routinely done.
Accurate body weight management.
A well-balanced diet but with less sodium.
Stress levels are managed.
Periodic and consistent health check ups and monitoring of blood pressure.
Prohibited consumption of processed and junk food.
Adequate sleep of 7 to 9 hours every night.
Drinking enough water and reducing caffeine consumption. Click here
Hypertension and Special Populations
Certain groups or populations may have different issues with hypertension such as:
Pregnant Women: Women are at risk of gestational hypertension or preeclampsia and need to be closely monitored.
Elderly Individuals: Greater risk for isolated systolic hypertension.
Diabetics: More strain are placed on blood pressure levels to prevent complications.
Athletes: Higher and lower blood pressure can occur due to sufficient training.
Conclusion
Hypertension is a prevalent yet potentially life-threatening condition that can be well-managed with timely diagnosis and appropriate treatment.
Blood pressure can be well-controlled through all necessary lifestyle modifications and medication, which can reduce the chances of dire health repercussions. Maintaining optimal blood pressure levels and overall health requires regular checkups, proper nutrition, physical activity, and effective stress management.
It is important to understand that adopting a proactive approach and a healthier way of life is essential to combating hypertension.
By adapting their way of life and using medications when other means fail, individuals can manage their blood pressure and lower the chances of experiencing bad health outcomes.
A healthy diet, regular physical activity, self-care, and consistent monitoring of blood pressure levels are critical to optimal health.
Controlling and preventing high blood pressure is possible by being aware of, taking action as early as possible, and abiding by a healthy way of life.