Millions of individuals throughout the world suffer from hypertension. It is often known as high blood pressure, which is a common and potentially serious medical condition. Let’s examine the causes, risk factors, symptoms, and practical management techniques for hypertension.
What Is Hypertension or High Blood Pressure?
It occurs when your arteries continually experience too much blood pressure than normal. It may harm your blood vessels. Blood pressure is measured in millimeters of mercury (mm Hg) and is typically recorded as two numbers: systolic and diastolic. Systolic and diastolic blood pressure both measure the force of blood in your arteries as your heart contracts and expands throughout each beat, respectively.
The stages of hypertension are as follows:
Normal Blood Pressure: A measurement of 120/80 mm Hg or less indicates a healthy blood pressure level.
Hypertension: Hypertension is diagnosed when blood pressure consistently measures 130/80 mm Hg or higher.
What Are the Different Forms of Hypertension?
There are two forms of hypertension: Primary and secondary.
Primary Hypertension: There is no known cause of primary hypertension, which develops gradually over a number of years. Primary hypertension will occur at some point in life for the majority of adults who lead sedentary lifestyles.
Secondary Hypertension: The form of elevated blood pressure known as secondary hypertension results from an underlying disease. Secondary hypertension may occur in people with kidney issues, fatty liver, thyroid issues, alcoholism, tumours, or sleep apnea.
Causes And Risk Factors of Hypertension
There are several causes of high blood pressure, including:
Lifestyle decisions: High blood pressure can be brought on by unhealthy lifestyle behaviors such as a diet high in salt, a lack of exercise, smoking, and excessive alcohol intake.
Family history: Hypertension may be inherited. You may be more vulnerable to this condition if your parents or other close family members have high blood pressure.
Age: Hypertension risk rises with age. Adults, particularly those over the age of 65, are more likely to experience it.
Chronic medical disorders: Hypertension is a risk factor for a number of chronic medical disorders, including diabetes, kidney disease, and sleep apnea.
Obesity: Extra weight, particularly around the waist, can raise blood pressure.
Stress: A high-stress lifestyle and persistent stress both raise blood pressure.
Also Read: What Is the Link Between High Blood Pressure and Cardiovascular Disease?
Symptoms of Hypertension
Hypertension is frequently referred to as a silent killer, as most of the time it doesn't show symptoms until it reaches severe levels or causes difficulties. However, the most common hypertension symptoms may include:
- Headaches
- Respiration difficulty
- Dizziness
- Nosebleeding
Managing Hypertension
The good news is that hypertension may frequently be effectively controlled by altering one's lifestyle and, occasionally, by taking medication. Some methods for controlling high blood pressure are:
Changes in lifestyle: Follow a low-sodium, low-saturated-fat, and added-sugar diet that is high in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and low in salt. Work out regularly for at least 150 minutes per week in an aerobic manner, such as brisk walking, swimming, or cycling.
Weight management: Maintain a healthy weight or, if necessary, attempt to lose weight.
Avoid smoking: Quit smoking since it can increase the risk of heart disease and raise blood pressure.
Limit alcohol consumption: If you choose to consume alcohol, do it cautiously.
Stress reduction: Engage in stress-reduction exercises like yoga, deep breathing, or meditation.
Medication: Your healthcare practitioner may recommend medication if changing your lifestyle is not enough to control your blood pressure.
Monitor regularly: Monitor your blood pressure regularly, whether at home or when you visit the doctor. Monitoring aids in evaluating the efficacy of your treatment plan for both you and your healthcare practitioner.
Remember that treating hypertension requires continual effort. To avoid issues and keep your heart healthy, it's crucial to maintain a healthy lifestyle and to keep taking any prescription medications, even if you reach your goal blood pressure. For personalized advice and assistance in effectively controlling your hypertension, speak with your healthcare provider.
Agilus Diagnostics, a subsidiary of Fortis Healthcare Limited
