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High blood pressure, also known as hypertension, is a prevalent medical condition where the force exerted by blood on artery walls over an extended period becomes elevated. This condition can potentially lead to various health complications such as stroke, heart failure, kidney failure, and other medical ailments.
The determination of blood pressure relies on two factors: the volume of blood pumped by the heart and the resistance encountered by blood flow within the arteries. When the heart pumps a larger amount of blood or when the arteries become narrower, it results in an increase in blood pressure. A blood pressure measurement is expressed using millimeters of mercury (mm Hg) and consists of two numbers.
It has two numbers.
High blood pressure can exist for an extended period without manifesting any noticeable symptoms. However, if left uncontrolled, it significantly elevates the risk of severe health complications, including heart attacks and strokes. Thankfully, detecting high blood pressure is a straightforward process. Once aware of your elevated blood pressure, you can collaborate with your doctor to effectively manage and regulate it.
For example, the normal range of a blood pressure is within 110/70, but a blood pressure ranging from 135/85 is stage 1 (mild) hypertension, and so on.
Category | Blood Pressure |
Normal | Under 130/80 mmHg |
Elevated blood pressure | Systolic pressure of 120-129 mm Hg/ diastolic pressure below (not above) 80 mm Hg |
Stage I Hypertension (mild) | 130-139/OR diastolic between 80-89 mmHg |
Stage 2 Hypertension (moderate) | 140/90 mmHg or higher |
Hypertensive Crisis (get emergency care) | 180/120 mmHg or higher |
Hypertension is known as a “silent killer”. Hypertension sometimes might have no signs or symptoms, leaving people unaware of it. Therefore, it is important to measure blood pressure regularly.
When symptoms do occur, they can include:
Severe hypertension can cause:
The detection of hypertension relies on having a healthcare professional measure blood pressure, as it is the only reliable method. This process is quick and painless. While individuals can use automated devices to measure their own blood pressure, it is crucial to seek evaluation from a healthcare professional for accurate assessment of risk and identification of associated conditions..
High blood pressure is of two kinds.
1- Primary (essential) hypertension
High blood pressure, which typically manifests in adults, often lacks a distinct cause. It is commonly called Primary hypertension tends to emerge gradually over an extended period of time.
2- Secondary hypertension
Secondary hypertension refers to high blood pressure that is caused by an underlying condition or a specific factor. Unlike primary hypertension, secondary hypertension tends to manifest suddenly and results in higher blood pressure levels. There are several factors and medications that can contribute to the development of secondary hypertension, including:
There are numerous risk factors associated with high blood pressure, which include:
In some cases, pregnancy can be a contributing factor to high blood pressure.
Untreated high blood pressure can potentially result in severe health complications, such as:
Since high blood pressure doesn’t have symptoms, your doctor will inquire about your medical history to perform a physical examination. Your provider will use a blood pressure cuff around your arm using a measuring gauge to check your blood pressure. To assess blood pressure accurately, it is generally recommended to measure it in both arms to identify any discrepancies. If high blood pressure readings are consistently observed in two or more appointments, your provider may diagnose you with hypertension and may advise further tests to confirm the condition. Additional diagnostic methods for hypertension may include:
Lifestyle change can help control high blood pressure. Your doctor may recommend you to make lifestyle changes. They may include:
The choice of medication for high blood pressure prescribed by your doctor depends on various factors, including your blood pressure readings and overall health condition. The optimal treatment goal for blood pressure can vary which rely on factors such as age and existing health conditions, particularly for individuals aged 65 and older. Medications usually prescribed for the treatment of high blood pressure include:
Diuretics. Diuretics, which is commonly known as water pills, are medications that aid in the elimination of sodium and water from the body by enhancing kidney function. These medications are often the primary choice to treat high blood pressure.
Angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors. Lisinopril (Prinivil, Zestril), benazepril (Lotensin), captopril, and others, are a class of medications that work by blocking the production of a natural chemical that constricts blood vessels. By doing so, ACE inhibitors help to relax and widen the blood vessels, contributing to lower blood pressure levels.
Angiotensin II receptor blockers (ARBs). These medications work by relaxing blood vessels through the blocking of a natural chemical’s action that constricts blood vessels, rather than inhibiting its formation. Some examples of ARBs include candesartan (Atacand), losartan (Cozaar), and others.
Calcium channel blockers. These medications include Diltiazem (Tiazac, Cardizem, others) amlodipine (Norvasc) and others — help relax the muscles of your blood vessels. Some lower your heart rate. For older individuals and individuals of African heritage, calcium channel blockers can be more effective than ACE inhibitors when treating high blood pressure.
It is important to refrain from consuming grapefruit products while on calcium channel blockers, as grapefruit can raise the blood levels of certain calcium channel blockers, posing potential dangers.
Incorporating lifestyle changes can assist in managing and preventing high blood pressure, even when taking medication. Here is a list of a few lifestyle changes that can be made:
Due to the initial lack of noticeable symptoms, individuals diagnosed with high blood pressure typically do not experience any significant changes or differences in how they feel.
Adhering to your healthcare provider’s guidance is crucial for lowering your blood pressure to prevent potential serious health complications later in life. Incorporating regular exercise and consuming nutritious foods are also effective strategies for reducing blood pressure levels.
If you have been diagnosed with primary high blood pressure, it is typically necessary to manage and control it for the long term.
Treating the underlying medical condition responsible for secondary high blood pressure typically results in a decrease in blood pressure levels. In cases where medication usage is responsible for elevated blood pressure, switching to an alternative medication may help lower blood pressure readings.
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This site is for informational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.
©.
KIDNEY CARE CENTER. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
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