What is hypertension?

Hypertension or high blood pressure is a chronic medical condition where the blood pressure is constantly elevated. The blood pressure of a normal person is less than 120/80 mm Hg. Levels between 120/80 and 139/89 are considered as pre-hypertension. Hypertension is diagnosed when the levels are above 140/90 and usually 3 separate readings are taken over several weeks.
The device used to measure blood pressure is called a sphygmanometer. It consists of an arm cuff, dial, pump and valve. Nowadays, battery operated sphgymanometers are available. This allows people who are of higher risks to own one for home used and monitoring purpose without the need of a health professional. However, they still need to go for routine check up and seek advice from their general practitioner
What do the numbers in the reading represent? The first number represents systolic pressure, the pressure exerted by the blood flowing away from the heart while the second number represents the pressure exerted by the blood flowing towards the heart. The measurement is in mm Hg, indication how many millimetres of mercury can be pushed by the blood.
A high blood pressure reading indicates that the heart has to pump harder. The excessive force is exerted of the walls of the blood vessels and organs, causing damage. The complications of hypertension will be addressed below. The terms high blood pressure and hypertension can be used interchangeably.


Causes of hypertension

The exact causes of hypertension are usually unknown. Hypertension has been highly associated with several factors, some of which have been mentioned on the above video. The factors include:
• Smoking
• Obesity or being overweight
• Diabetes
• Intake of excessive salt (sodium)
• Insufficient consumption of calcium, potassium and magnesium
• Vitamin D deficiency
• Stress
• Aging
• Lack of physical exercise
• Sedentary lifestyle
• Consumption of excessive alcohol
• Chronic kidney disease

Symptoms of high blood pressure

A person with hypertension may be asymptomatic, about 33 percent of people are unaware that they have high blood pressure and it may last for years. They may be able to detect the condition when they go for routine checkups. In cases where the blood pressure far exceeds the norms, the person may experience the following symptoms:
• Severe headaches
• Chest pains
• Breathing problems
• Fatigue
• Dizziness or confusion
• Irregular heartbeat
• Problems with vision
• Blood in the urine

Complications of high blood pressure

Chronic hypertension may lead to organ damage, heart attack, stroke, heart failure, aneurysm and renal failure.

Controlling high blood pressure

High blood pressure may be controlled by medication, change of lifestyle habits or a combination of both. Lifestyle changes include maintaining a healthy diet, losing weight, exercising regularly, quitting smoking, and reducing the intake of sodium and alcohol.
Medication or drugs may also be another option to control hypertension. They are classified into several classes:
• ACE inhibitors
• ARB drugs
• Beta-blockers
• Diuretics
• Calcium channel blockers
• Alpha-blockers
• Peripheral vasodilators

The medications may be used on its own or in a combination. If blood pressure is successfully lowered, it would be wise to have frequent checkups and take preventive measures to prevent a relapse. Preventive measures include maintaining a healthy lifestyle and healthy eating habits.



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