Introduction
Blood pressure is determined by the amount of blood your heart pumps and the amount of resistance to blood flow in your arteries. The more blood your heart pumps and the narrower your arteries, the higher your blood pressure. Hypertension typically develops over several years and may not present any noticeable symptoms. However, even without symptoms, the damage to blood vessels and your heart continues and can be detected.
Causes of Hypertension
Hypertension can be categorized into two types:
Primary (essential) hypertension
For most adults, there's no identifiable cause of high blood pressure. This type of hypertension tends to develop gradually over many years.
Secondary hypertension
Some people have high blood pressure caused by an underlying condition. This type typically appears suddenly and causes higher blood pressure than primary hypertension. Conditions that can lead to secondary hypertension include kidney disease, hormonal disorders, and certain medications.
Symptoms of Hypertension
Most people with hypertension experience no symptoms, even if blood pressure readings reach dangerously high levels. A few people with high blood pressure may have headaches, shortness of breath, or nosebleeds, but these signs and symptoms aren't specific and usually don't occur until high blood pressure has reached an advanced or life-threatening stage.
Diagnosis of Hypertension
Blood pressure is measured using two numbers. The first number, called systolic blood pressure, measures the pressure in your blood vessels when your heart beats. The second number, called diastolic blood pressure, measures the pressure in your blood vessels when your heart rests between beats.
A blood pressure reading is given in millimeters of mercury (mm Hg). It has two numbers:
- Normal blood pressure: Below 120/80 mm Hg.
- Elevated blood pressure: 120-129/less than 80 mm Hg.
- Stage 1 hypertension: 130-139/80-89 mm Hg.
- Stage 2 hypertension: 140 and above/90 mm Hg and above.
Precautions for Hypertension
Lifestyle changes can significantly reduce your risk of developing hypertension and lower your blood pressure if it's already high. These include:
- Regular physical activity.
- A balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and lean proteins.
- Limiting sodium (salt) intake.
- Limiting alcohol consumption.
- Avoiding tobacco and second-hand smoke.
- Maintaining a healthy weight.
- Stress management.
Treatment of Hypertension in India's Top Hospitals
Treatment for hypertension often begins with lifestyle changes. If these aren't sufficient, or if blood pressure levels are very high to begin with, medications may be necessary.
Medications for hypertension include:
- Diuretics: Also called water pills, help your kidneys get rid of extra sodium and water, reducing blood volume.
- Beta blockers: These work by blocking the effects of the hormone epinephrine, also known as adrenaline, to make your heart beat slower and with less force.
- ACE inhibitors: Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme (ACE) inhibitors help relax and widen your blood vessels.
- Calcium channel blockers: These medications help relax the muscles of your blood vessels.
Conclusion
In conclusion, hypertension is a serious condition that, when left unchecked, can lead to life-threatening health problems. Regular health check-ups and adherence to prescribed treatments can keep it under control and help individuals lead a healthy life.
FAQ's
While hypertension can't be cured, it can be successfully managed through lifestyle changes and medication.
While stress and emotional factors can temporarily elevate blood pressure, they do not cause long-term hypertension.
Most of the time, high blood pressure does not cause headaches or dizziness. These symptoms usually appear when blood pressure spikes suddenly or reaches a very high level.
Yes, hypertension can be hereditary. However, lifestyle factors also significantly contribute to the risk.
Excessive sodium intake is linked to high blood pressure. However, some people are more sensitive to the effects of sodium than others.
Yes, regular physical activity can help lower your blood pressure and keep it under control.
Yes, maintaining a healthy weight is crucial for controlling hypertension. Losing even a small amount of weight can help.
Yes, untreated high blood pressure can lead to serious diseases, including heart disease and stroke.