A common health condition that has gripped the adult population is the condition called hypertension. In this condition, blood rushes through the arteries extremely rapidly. The pace at which this happens is a lot more than the normal range, even when the human body is at complete rest. Hypertension can completely wear out the arteries gradually as time goes on and lead to severe illnesses like heart disease, stroke, kidney disease etc. Hypertension can be easily managed through regular health check-ups. Let us learn more about the hypertension symptoms, causes and some treatment options.
Primary Hypertension and How it Develops
Genes: If you have a genetic history of hypertension, the chances of acquiring the disease increases. This is because of certain genetic variants. Although genetic history makes it more possible for a person to get the disease, lifestyle factors also play a major role.
Age: As age increases, the chances of getting hypertension also increases. This is because the elasticity of the arterial walls decreases as a person grows older. Age therefore makes a person more vulnerable to the disease and this vulnerability is reinforced through a poor diet and having a sedentary lifestyle. :
Living with Obesity: Sedentary lifestyle can contribute to obesity risk. Obesity and increased weight can put a lot of pressure on the blood vessels and the heart. That’s why weight loss can help curb obesity and also reduce blood pressure.
High Alcohol Consumption: Consuming alcohol in large amounts on a regular basis can put you at a high risk of developing hypertension. This happens when regular high alcohol consumption narrows the blood vessels and stimulates the nervous system.
Living Sedentary Lifestyle: A life without movement can contribute to a lot of diseases including hypertension. Exercising daily, even small movements, jogging, skipping or even a few jumping jacks can keep your blood vessels healthy and fit. Make sure you lead an active life to keep hypertension at bay.
Living with Diabetes and/or Metabolic Syndrome:
If you have diabetes, hypertension comes along with it. Metabolic syndrome includes a lot of conditions which result in excess weight around the stomach area, odd cholesterol levels. All of this increases the risk of heart disease and in turn blood pressure also. Diet, exercise and medications are a way to combat hypertension and even avoid the diseases like diabetes that cause it.
High Sodium Intake: Consumption of foods with excessive sodium can cause the body to retain water and increase the blood volume which can in turn increase blood pressure. Junk and fast food, processed foods are commonly known to have a high sodium level.
Secondary Hypertension:
This form of hypertension can occur more quickly and can be more severe than primary hypertension.There are several conditions that cause secondary hypertension. Some of these are as follows:
Kidney Disease: In kidney disease, the ability to properly filter waste and fluid balance is affected. The disease also impairs the body’s ability to produce hormones that impact the functioning of blood vessels. This increases blood pressure. That is why proper kidney disease treatment is essential to treat hypertension symptoms too.
Obstructive Sleep Apnea:
Obstruction of sleep during the night can be caused by recurrent breathing problems and disruptions. This is a type of sleep disorder that can put a lot of stress on the body and generate hormones related to stress. This can increase blood pressure and cause abrupt reductions in blood oxygen levels.
Congenital Heart Defects:
Heart problems present at birth can also contribute to hypertension. Heart problems can affect the flow of blood through the blood vessels. This can lead to high blood pressure.
Problems with Thyroid:
Issues with your thyroid, hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism both can cause high blood pressure. Hyperthyroidism can increase heart rate and cardiac performance, this can raise blood pressure. Hypothyroidism can tighten blood vessels, this can also affect blood pressure.
Side Effects of Medications: Certain medications can also increase blood pressure and cause hypertension.
Use of Illegal Drugs: The usage of illegal drugs can cause a sudden and dangerous spike in blood pressure due to the substances that are in it.
Diagnosing High Blood Pressure
Detecting high blood pressure is a part of a regular doctor’s appointment. Blood pressure levels can change throughout the day and it depends on different circumstances a person is in. Screening regularly can reveal abnormal patterns and help in treating hypertension symptoms.
High Blood Pressure Measurement
Blood pressure is a critical health check that involves knowing how hard blood pushes against the walls of your arteries. It serves as a good indicator of cardiovascular health and helps diagnose conditions such as high and low blood pressure, which could be life-threatening if left untreated. The cuff wraps around the upper arm while the stethoscope gauges or monitors may also be included in a sphygmomanometer device used to measure blood pressure. The procedure is performed by inflating the cuff to block the flow of blood then slowly releasing it whilst listening to sounds of blood flow with a stethoscope or reading it off a gauge.
Blood pressure readings are given in two numbers: systolic (the top number) and diastolic (the lower number). Systolic pressure measures force when heart beats while diastolic measures force when heart relaxes between beats. A normal reading on blood pressure would generally be about 120/80mmHg. Any readings that constantly fall above 140/90mmHg signify hypertension while anything below 90/60mmHg might indicate hypotension. Persistent monitoring of BP especially among those having risk factors like obesity, smoking, sedentary lifestyle or family history is very important as regards this condition.
Treatment Options for High Blood Pressure
The following are the hypertension treatments available:
Primary Hypertension Treatment Options
Primary hypertension alternatively known as essential hypertension is usually slowly progressive over a number of years without identifiable cause. The major one of the hypertension treatments is to manage through lifestyle changes. Some of the recommended ways to lower blood pressure include regular physical activity, eating a balanced diet that is low in sodium and rich in fruits, vegetables and whole grains, weight control and moderation of alcohol intake as well as quitting smoking among others.In addition, stress reduction using techniques such as yoga and meditation can be useful in controlling blood pressure.
Secondary Hypertension Treatment Options
Secondary hypertension occurs when there are underlying conditions such as kidney disorders, hormonal imbalances or certain medications taken. This condition requires hypertension treatments like dealing with the primary underlying issue even if it entails surgical procedures, alteration of drugs used for treatment of the disease causing it like in cases where there is kidney disease responsible for hypertension like drugs or procedures done to correct dysfunctional kidney cells.
Medications
For both primary and secondary hypertension, medications may be necessary for hypertension treatments:
Beta-blockers: These lower blood pressure by reducing the heart’s rate and force of contractions.
Diuretics: This helps to eliminate extra water and sodium through the kidneys, thereby decreasing blood volume and ultimately lowering the arterial pressure.
ACE inhibitors: They operate by obstructing the development of a chemical called angiotensin that will constrict vessels thus making them relax and reduce the level of tension on them.
The combinations in which these medicines are prescribed differ depending on many aspects such as severity of condition and overall physical condition.
FAQs
- How is hypertension diagnosed?
For the diagnosis of hypertension, blood pressure is measured daily. Hypertension can be indicated by readings of 130/80 mm Hg or higher consistently.
- How can I prevent hypertension?
In order to prevent high blood pressure, one should eat a balanced diet, exercise regularly, maintain a healthy weight, avoid alcohol and tobacco as well as manage stressful moments.
- What are the risks of untreated hypertension?
If left untreated, hypertension may result in heart disease, stroke, kidney damage, blindness and aneurysms.