Overview
Hypertension, also known as high blood pressure, is a common medical condition in which the force of the blood against the walls of the arteries is too high. This condition can cause damage to the blood vessels and lead to serious health problems such as heart disease, stroke, kidney disease, and blindness.
Blood pressure measured in millimetres of mercury (mmHg) measured in two numbers: systolic pressure (the highest number) and diastolic pressure. Normal blood pressure of approximately 120/80mmHg.
When blood pressure readings are consistent at 140/90 mmHg or higher, considered as high blood pressure. However, for people with diabetes or chronic kidney disease, the threshold for hypertension is lower, at 130/80 mmHg.
Symptoms:
Hypertension is often called the “silent killer” because it typically doesn’t cause any noticeable symptoms. Many people with high blood pressure are unaware that they have it until they experience a serious health complication such as a heart attack, stroke, or kidney disease.
However, in some cases, high blood pressure can cause symptoms such as:
- Headaches
- Shortness of breath
- Dizziness
- Chest pain
- Nosebleeds
Causes:
There are several factors that can contribute to the development of hypertension, including:
- Age: Blood pressure tends to increase as we age, so the risk of developing hypertension increases with age.
- Genetics: It can be passed down through families. If your parents or other close relatives have hypertension, you may be at a higher risk of developing it.
- Obesity: Being overweight or obese increases the risk.
- Lack of physical activity: A sedentary lifestyle can contribute to the development of hypertension.
- Smoking: Smoking can damage blood vessels and increase the risk.
- Excessive salt intake: Consuming too much salt can cause the body to retain fluid, which can increase blood pressure.
- Excessive alcohol consumption: Drinking too much alcohol can raise blood pressure and increase the risk of developing hypertension.
- Chronic stress: Chronic stress can cause an increase in blood pressure.
- Sleep apnea: Sleep apnea, a condition in which breathing is interrupted during sleep, can increase the risk of developing hypertension.
Treatment:
The treatment for hypertension can vary depending on the severity of the condition and any underlying health issues. Generally, the treatment for hypertension may include:
- Lifestyle changes: Lifestyle changes, such as maintaining a healthy weight, following a healthy diet, engaging in regular physical activity, quitting smoking, limiting alcohol intake, and managing stress, can help to lower blood pressure.
- Medications: If lifestyle changes alone are not enough to lower blood pressure, medication may be prescribed. There are several types of medications used to treat hypertension, including diuretics, ACE inhibitors, angiotensin II receptor blockers (ARBs), beta blockers, calcium channel blockers, and others. The type of medication prescribed will depend on the individual’s blood pressure levels, overall health, and any other health conditions they may have.
- Regular monitoring: Regular monitoring of blood pressure is essential to ensure that treatment is effective and to adjust medication as needed.
- Treating underlying conditions: If hypertension is caused by an underlying health condition, such as kidney disease or sleep apnea, treating that condition may help to lower blood pressure.
- Hypertensive crisis: If blood pressure reaches a hypertensive crisis level, immediate medical attention is required, often involving hospitalization and the use of intravenous medications to quickly lower blood pressure.
It’s important to work closely with a healthcare professional to develop a treatment plan for hypertension. The treatment plan may need to be adjusted over time based on the individual’s blood pressure readings and overall health status.
