Blood pressure is the typical force your blood exerts when passing through your arteries. Hypertension or high blood pressure happens when this force of blood through the arteries is unusually high. If the blood pressure in your arteries stays high for a prolonged period of time, then it can cause serious health complications such as heart disease, or in the worst-case scenario, stroke. This post will cover the basics of hypertension, its signs, risk factors, how it can be treated, and whether or not it runs in families.
What is Hypertension?
Hypertension is a condition that is characterized by a high pressure in the flow of the blood. Usually, the blood pressure will change due to various factors such as the amount of activity your body partakes, your lifestyle habits, or due to undetected underlying medical conditions. However, a blood pressure that reads consistently above average might lead to a diagnosis of hypertension.
If your blood pressure is extremely high, you risk having other health issues like heart disease and risk suffering from a heart attack. Your doctor will diagnose hypertension and recommend the best treatment method by assessing your systolic and diastolic blood pressure levels.
Five categories define the blood pressure measurements in adults. They include:
• Healthy: a healthy blood pressures measurement is below 120/80 mm Hg.
• Elevated: The diastolic figure is below 80 mm Hg, and the systolic figure ranges 120-129 mm Hg. In most cases, doctors don’t treat elevated blood pressure using a medication, but they advise on lifestyle changes to assist in reducing the figures.
• Stage one hypertension: the diastolic figure is 80-89 mm Hg, or the systolic figure is 130-139 mm Hg.
• Stage two hypertension: the diastolic figure is above 90 mm Hg, and the systolic figure is above 140 mm Hg.
• Hypertensive crises: the diastolic figure is above 120 mm Hg, and the systolic number is above 180 mm Hg. Note that blood pressure in this condition requires immediate medical attention.
Blood pressure readings are taken while the patient is wearing a pressure cuff. So, the cuff must be fit properly for the readings to be accurate.
Symptoms of Hypertension
In most cases, hypertension is a silent disease. Many people might not experience the symptoms, and it might take many years for this condition to get to the serious level where symptoms are noticeable. Symptoms of severe hypertension might include:
• Blood spots in the eyes
• Flushing
• Dizziness
The most effective way to find out if you have severe hypertension is by getting frequent blood pressure readings. The majority of doctors’ offices will take blood pressure readings at each appointment.
If you have an annual physical, consult your doctor about the risks for high blood pressure and other readings you might need to assist you in monitoring your blood pressure.
Genetic links in families: some individuals are genetically predisposed to hypertension. This might be caused by gene mutations or genetic abnormalities inherited from the parents.
Other risk factors include age, obesity, and high alcohol intake. Leading a sedentary lifestyle and high sodium intake are also linked to high blood pressure.
Treatment Options for Hypertension
Various factors will help your doctor define the best treatment method. They include the type of hypertension and what caused it.
If you have primary hypertension, lifestyle changes will help lower the pressure. However, the doctor might prescribe medication if lifestyle changes are not effective.
If you have secondary hypertension, the doctor will diagnose the causes of the condition, and the treatment will focus on that other disease. For instance, if the medicine you have started using is causing high blood pressure, the doctor will subscribe to another drug with no side effects. Some medications used in hypertension treatment include beta-blockers, diuretics, ACE inhibitors, calcium channel blockers, angiotensin II receptor blockers, and alpha-2 agonists.
Home Remedies for Hypertension
• Eat heart-healthy meals like fruits, lean proteins such as fish, vegetables, and whole grains.
• Increase physical activity
• Try to reach an optimal weight
• Manage your stress through meditation, yoga, massage, and deep breathing.
