Hypertension
Hypertension
Hypertension, commonly known as high blood pressure, is a chronic medical condition in which the force of the blood against the artery walls is consistently too high. A normal blood pressure reading usually around with 120/80 mmHg. Hypertension is diagnosed when blood pressure consistently exceeds 130/80 mmHg.
Types of Hypertension
1. Primary (Essential) Hypertension
- Develops gradually over years.
- No identifiable cause.
- Most common type.
2. Secondary Hypertension
- Caused by underlying condition such as kidney disease, thyroid problems or certain medications.
- Tends to appear suddenly and can causes higher blood pressure than primary hypertension.
Causes and Risk Factors
- Genetics
- Obesity
- Lack of physical activity
- Excessive salt consumption
- Alcohol and tobacco use
- Chronic stress
- Age (risk increases with age)
- Underlying health conditions (e.g., diabetes, kidney disease)
Symptoms of Hypertension
- Headaches
- Shortness of breath
- Nosebleeds
- Chest pain
- Dizziness
- Blurred vision
Complications of Uncontrolled Hypertension
- Heart attack or stroke
- Heart failure
- Aneurysm
- Chronic kidney disease
- Vision loss
- Cognitive issues or dementia
Treatment and Management
Lifestyle Modifications
- Healthy diet: Focus on fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and low-sodium foods.
- Regular exercise: At least 30 minutes of moderate activity most days of the week.
- Weight loss: Even a small reduction in weight can help lower blood pressure.
- Limit alcohol: No more than one drink a day for women, two for men.
- Quit smoking: Tobacco raises blood pressure and damages arteries.
- Manage stress: Techniques like yoga, meditation, or deep breathing can be beneficial.
Medications
- Diuretics (water pills)
- ACE inhibitors
- Beta-blockers
- Calcium channel blockers
- Angiotensin II receptor blockers (ARBs)
Diagnosis
- Blood and urine tests
- Electrocardiogram (ECG)
- Echocardiogram
- Kidney function tests
Stages of Hypertension
- Normal: Less than 120/80 mmHg
- Elevated: 120–129 systolic and <80 diastolic
- Stage1 Hypertension: 130–139 systolic or 80–89 diastolic
- Stage 2 Hypertension: ≥140 systolic or ≥90 diastolic
- Hypertensive Crisis: >180 systolic and/or >120 diastolic (requires immediate medical attention)