Hypertension

 

Hypertension

Introduction

Millions of people worldwide have hypertension or high blood pressure. Blood pressure is measured by two numbers

Systolic Pressure: This is the pressure during your heartbeats.

Diastolic Pressure: The bottom number, which measures the pressure between heartbeats.

A healthy normal blood pressure range is around 120/80 mmHg. If untreated, it may lead to heart disease, stroke, and kidney damage.

Causes of High Blood Pressure

There are several reasons which cause high blood pressure (hypertension),

• Genetic Background: Family history plays a significant role.
• Eating Habits: Eating a lot of salt, drinking too much alcohol, and eating low potassium levels can contribute.
• Non-exercise: Insufficient physical activity raises risk.
• Obesity: Those with excess weight can have high blood pressure.
• Stress: Chronic stress can cause spikes in blood pressure that are often temporary.
• Age: It increases with age.
• Smoking: Tobacco use raises temporarily blood pressure and damages the arteries.
• Kidney disease, diabetes, and sleep apnea are other medical conditions that can cause hypertension.

Symptoms and Signs

Hypertension is often referred to as a "silent killer" because it usually does not present any signs or symptoms. However, there are signs and symptoms you can be alert for:

• Persistent headaches
• Shortness of breath
• Nosebleeds 
• Fatigue or confusion 
• Vision problems 
•  Chest pain 
• Irregular heartbeat 
• Blood in urine

Early detection with timely check-ups can help manage and lower the risks posed by hypertension.

Hypertension Diagnosis and Management

To diagnose hypertension, healthcare professionals use a sphygmomanometer to measure blood pressure.

1. Blood Pressure readings: 120/80 mmHg or less.

2. Blood pressure is normal: Systolic <120 mmHg and diastolic 80 mm Hg.

3. Stage 1 Hypertension: Systolic(130-139 mmHg) or Diastolic(80-89 mm Hg.

4. Stage 2 hypertension: Systolic over or equal to 140 mm Hg and Diastolic over or equal to 90 mm Hg.

This involves keeping an eye on your blood pressure and may include using ambulatory blood pressure monitoring (ABPM). ABPM is an all-day recording of blood pressure, which corresponds more closely to daily rhythm.

Types of Hypertension

Broadly, hypertension is categorised under two headlines -

1. Essential Hypertension (Primary)

• Most common type.
• Long-term process that develops over years
• No identifiable cause.
• Influenced by Lifestyle factors and genetics.

2. Secondary Hypertension

• Less common.
• Is secondary to the underlying condition.
• Develops suddenly.
• Common causes:
• Kidney disease. 
• Adrenal gland tumors.
• Thyroid problems. 
• Birth control pills 
• Cold remedies.

Each type of hypertension requires distinct approaches for management and treatment. Proper diagnosis is necessary for effective management.

Risk Factors Associated with Hypertension

Hypertension, or high blood pressure, is influenced by various risk factors. Understanding these can help to prevent and manage the condition.

Age: Blood pressure tends to go up with age after 60 years.

Family History: Genes play a part; having close relatives with hypertension increases the risk.

Obesity: Extra body weight makes the heart work harder pushing up blood pressure.

Salt Intake: Too much sodium causes fluid buildup thus raising blood pressure.

Physical Inactivity: A sedentary lifestyle leads to higher heart rates and blood pressure.

Alcohol and Tobacco: Too much alcohol or tobacco can push blood pressure up a lot.

Complications Arising from Uncontrolled Hypertension

Hypertension that's not in check can cause many serious health problems. These issues affect different organs and systems in the body:

Heart: Higher chance of heart attack, heart failure, and left ventricular hypertrophy.

Brain: More likely to have a stroke, aneurysm, and mental decline.

Kidneys: Harm that can turn into chronic kidney disease or kidney failure.

Eyes: Hypertensive retinopathy, which can lead to loss of sight.

Arteries: Higher risk of atherosclerosis, which can cause peripheral artery disease.

Overall: More health risks and shorter life expectancy.

Lifestyle Changes to Control High Blood Pressure

Changing daily habits helps manage high blood pressure. Key changes to your lifestyle include:

Eating: The DASH diet, which focuses on fruits, veggies whole grains, and lean proteins, can lower your blood pressure.

Exercise: Regular exercise, like a brisk 30-minute walk most days, can bring down your blood pressure.

Watching Your Weight: Shedding extra pounds eases the load on your heart.

Less Alcohol Intake: Drinking less alcohol helps control high blood pressure.

Quit smoking: Giving up smoking cuts your risk of heart disease.

Handling Stress: Things like meditation and yoga can help you relax.

These changes boost your heart health and help keep high blood pressure in check.

Medicines for High Blood Pressure

Drugs play a big part in managing high blood pressure. Common types include:

Diuretics: They help your body get rid of extra salt.

Beta-blockers: These slow down your heart rate and lower blood pressure.

ACE inhibitors: These relax blood vessels.

Calcium channel blockers: These stop calcium from getting into cells.

Lifestyle changes like:

• Eating: 
• Less salt in your food. 
• More fruits and veggies.

• Exercise:
• Regular physical activity.

• Keeping a Healthy Weight:
• Staying at a good weight for your height.

Monitoring and regular check-ups are necessary for management. Some people may need combinations for effective control, based on individual needs and responses.

Preventive measures for High blood pressure

Diet: Eat fruits, vegetables, and lean meat. Less intake of sodium and saturated fats.

Exercise regularly: Get at least 150 minutes per week of moderate-intensity aerobic activity.

Weight Management: Maintain a healthy weight.

Alcohol restriction: For most people, one drink per day for women and two a day for men is generally considered safe.

Stop smoking: Keeping away from tobacco products lowers blood pressure and exercises your heart to move more naturally.

Stress Management: Use breathing techniques, meditation, or yoga.

Regular Check-Ups: Monitor blood pressure and Visit health professionals for risk control

Conclusion: Taking control of your health

To control and prevent high blood pressure, it is important to comprehend the nature of hypertension. The following are some of the things individuals should do:

·       Measure hypertension at regular intervals to identify symptoms in its early stages.

·       Take on a good diet such as low in salt and high in fruits and vegetables.

·       Keep cardiovascular health stable by performing routine exercise while watching your weight.

·       Avoid smoking and excessive intake of alcohol which may worsen blood pressure problems.

·   Adhere to the recommended drug regime while seeking counsel for tailored interventions from physicians.

·       Relieve anxiety through mindfulness, yoga, or any other means of relaxation.