Hypertension (High Blood Pressure)

Hypertension is basically known as high blood pressure, scientifically defined as a condition in which the blood pressure exceeds 140/90 mm Hg and considered as severe if the pressure reaches above 180/120 mm Hg.

• High Blood Pressure
• Hypertension Symptoms
• Hypertension Causes
• Who is at risk for hypertension?
• Hypertension Diagnosis
• Hypertension Range
• Hypertension Tests
• Hypertension Treatment
• Hypertension Questions
• Citations

High Blood Pressure:

High blood pressure occurs when blood flows against the artery walls is very high. Generally, we do not feel anything different with high blood pressure, but if it's not treated, it may cause severe health conditions like cardiovascular diseases and heart strokes over time.

Following a healthy diet pattern with less salt intake, regular engagement in physical activities, and regular exercising can help in reducing blood pressure levels.

Based on doctor / physician suggestion, few medications can be used in lowering the blood pressure levels. Although, do not opt for any medicines without a doctor’s prescription.

Hypertension Symptoms:

Hypertension does not show any symptoms or signs until and unless hypertension gets very severe, because high blood pressure is usually asymptomatic.

Regular health checkups are suggested to keep a track of your blood pressure levels.

Here are 10 hypertension symptoms:

• Breathlessness
• Non-uniform heartbeat
• Nose bleeding
• Confusion
• Pounding in the ears, neck or chest
• Severe headaches
• Vision problems
• Blood in urine
• Fatigue
• Chest pain

Hypertension Causes:

Blood pressure is the evaluation of blood force that pushes against the arterial walls. The heart beats and pumps blood into the blood vessels and then carries it throughout the human body.

Commonly hypertension is known as high blood pressure, it's a severe condition because it pressurises the heart to work harder.

As a result, it increases the blood flow to the body, which results in the hardening of the arteries, leading to the conditions like atherosclerosis, heart strokes, chronic kidney diseases, and heart failure.

Causes of hypertension can be due to various reasons how ever the exact cause of hypertension is not defined.

Here are the 11 most common hypertension causes:

• Genetic inheritance
• Old age
• Obesity
• Smoking
• Excess alcohol consumption
• Stress and anxiety
• Excess salt consumption
• Lack of physical activity
• Conditions like sleep apnea, hypothyroidism, etc
• CKD – chronic kidney disease
• A family history of hypertension

Hypertension Diagnosis:

Regular monitoring of blood pressure is the only best way to diagnose the hypertension. This is mandatory if one has experienced it before or has a family history of hypertension.

Doctors recommend that individuals aged above 18 years should be screened for hypertension every once in 3-6 months to treat it while it gets severe.

Hypertension Range:

Blood pressure regulates from time to time throughout the day in response to the factors like the body fluid status, anxiety levels, activity level, and other contributing factors.
An average of blood pressure readings will give an exact picture of the blood pressure status. Healthcare providers or doctors may often ask for a blood or urine test to suspect secondary hypertension.

Hypertension Tests:

Ambulatory monitoring:

24 hour blood pressure monitoring test helps in diagnosing high blood pressure levels. The ambulatory monitoring device records the blood pressure readings at specific intervals over 24 hours. As a result, it gives a more accurate idea of blood pressure changes in the body over a day.

Lab tests:

The patient might be suggested with a urine test known as urinalysis or a blood test that includes a cholesterol test.

Electrocardiogram:

Most commonly known as ECG or EKG, this test is quick and painless and measures the heart’s electrical activity and presents it in the form of a graph.

Echocardiogram:

A cardiologist may suggest an echocardiogram to check for more signs of heart disease depending on your signs and symptoms and test results. This test uses sound waves to develop images of the human heart.

Hypertension Treatment:

Lifestyle Modifications:

Modifying your lifestyle will help in controlling the blood pressure levels. Here are 5 best suggested lifestyle changes for hypertension:

• Following heart-healthy diet and healthy fats intake
• Reduce salt intake
• Regular physical activities
• Maintain ideal body weight
• Reduce intake of alcohol and smoking

Medication:

Doctor may prescribe medicine to control the hypertension based on the severity levels,

• Following heart-healthy diet and healthy fats intake
• Reduce salt intake
• Regular physical activities
• Maintain ideal body weight
• Reduce intake of alcohol and smoking

Hypertension Questions:

What type of diet should I follow if I have hypertension?

A healthy diet is effective in helping to lower hypertension (high blood pressure. The diet includes daily servings from various food groups, including fruits, vegetables, and whole grains.
Here are few diet options for Hypertension:

• Eating more fruits, vegetables, and low-fat dairy foods
• Eating more whole grain products, fish, poultry, and nuts
• Eating less of foods that are high in saturated fat and cholesterol, such as fried foods
• Eating less hard meat and sweets
• Eating foods with less sodium

When should I consult a doctor about hypertension?

If you are diagnosed with hypertension, it is suggested to consult a doctor regularly and follow the prescribed treatment.
Even during the treatment course, consult a doctor regularly so doctor can analyse the progress.

If in case you have any side effects with the prescribed hypertension medication, doctor can change the medication course / dosage.

What Is the Treatment for High Blood Pressure?

Lifestyle changes are key to keeping normal blood pressure. In fact, most doctors will suggest them before prescribing drugs. Lifestyle changes are also the recommended treatment for elevated blood pressure, a condition in which blood pressure readings are higher than 120 (systolic) over 80 (diastolic) and regularly over 130/80.

You can read more about, Hypertension Treatment

Citations:

• Essential hypertension, from https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0140673603133028
• Essential hypertension, from https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0140673607612999
• Stress and hypertension, from https://europepmc.org/article/med/9894438
• Blood pressure and high blood pressure. Aspects of risk., from https://www.ahajournals.org/doi/abs/10.1161/01.HYP.18.3_Suppl.I95
• Salt and high blood pressure, from https://portlandpress.com/clinsci/article-abstract/117/1/1/77704/Salt-and-high-blood-pressure