What is hypertension?

Hypertension or high blood pressure is a condition in which the blood force against the artery wall is too high. This can eventually lead to serious health problems, such as heart disease, kidney failure, and stroke. Hypertension is often called "the silent killer" because it can go unnoticed.

The blood pressure is measured as millimeters (mmHg), and two numbers are recorded:

• Systolic pressure (Top Number) : Pressure when the heart beats.
• Diastolic pressure (Bottom number): the pressure at which the heart is resting between beats.

Blood pressure Categories:

• Normal : Less Than 120/80 mmHg
• Elevated : 120 - 129/80mmHg
• Stage 1 Hypertension: 130-139/80-89 mmHg
• Stage 2 Hypertension: 140+/90+ mmHg
• Hypertensive crisis: 180+/120+mmHg

Risk factors and common causes of disease

Hypertension is caused by a variety of factors including:

• Age: As you age, the risk increases.
• Family history: Genetics plays a role in hypertension.
• Obesity Excess weight increases heart strain
• Unhealthy diet: Processed foods, unhealthy fats, and too much salt are all factors that contribute to hypertension.
• Lack Of Physical Activity: Sedentary living weakens your cardiovascular system.
• Alcohol and smoking excessively: Both increase blood pressure and damage the arteries.
• Chronic stress: Long term stress can increase blood pressure.
• Hypertension can be caused by underlying conditions such as diabetes, kidney disease and thyroid disorders.

High Blood Pressure Symptoms

In mild cases of hypertension, people may not experience any symptoms. However, in severe cases they can develop:

• Headaches
• Dizziness
• Blurred Vision
• Chest pain
• Shortness of Breath
• Nosebleeds

It's vital to consult a physician if you are experiencing any of these symptoms on a regular basis.

Complications from Untreated Hypertension

High blood pressure, if left uncontrolled can cause:

• Heart Disease Increases risk of heart attack and heart failure.
• Stroke Causes blood vessels to rupture in the brain or block.
• Kidney damage: Reduces renal function and can lead to kidney failure.
• Vision problems: Damage to blood vessels in eyes can lead to loss of vision.
• Aneurysms: Weakening arteries increases the risk of rupture.

How is hypertension diagnosed?

The doctor will use the following to diagnose high blood tension:

• Regular Readings of Blood Pressure: One high reading alone is not enough to diagnose; measurements must be taken over time.
• Additional tests: Blood test, cholesterol level, kidney function tests and ECGs can be used to assess your overall health.

Hypertension: Managing and controlling it

Lifestyle changes

• Eat Heart-Healthy Food: The diet DASH (Dietary approaches to stop hypertension) emphasizes fruits and vegetables, lean protein, and whole grains.
• Reduce salt intake: Aim to consume less than 2,300mg of sodium daily (ideally, 1,500mg for those at high risk).
• Regular Exercise: 30 minutes moderate activity on most days.
• Maintaining a Healthy Body Weight: Even a small weight loss will lower blood pressure.
• Stop smoking and limit alcohol consumption: Both of these factors contribute to elevated blood pressure.
• Reduce stress: Deep breathing, yoga, meditation and other practices can help.

Medications

If lifestyle changes don't work, doctors might prescribe:

• Diuretics - Helps remove excessive salt and water in the body.
• Beta Blockers: Reduce blood pressure and heart rate.
• ARBs and ACE Inhibitors: Relax blood vessel to lower pressure.
• Calcium Channel Blockers: Prevent blood vessel tightening.

When Should You See A Doctor

It is important to have regular checkups, especially if there are risk factors. Don't ignore your high blood pressure. Early management can help prevent future complications.