What you need to know about hypertension
Hypertension, or high blood pressure, is a common condition that can lead to serious health problems if left untreated. In this article, we'll explore the causes and effects of hypertension, as well as how it can be diagnosed and treated. We'll also provide some tips on how patients can prevent hypertension from developing in the first place. So if you're interested in learning more about this important topic, read on!
What Is Hypertension?
Hypertension is a blood pressure disorder that occurs when the pumping action of the heart is not able to counteract the force of blood flowing through the arteries. The average systolic pressure (the top number in a blood pressure reading) measures 120 mmHg or higher and diastolic pressure (the bottom number in a blood pressure reading) measures 80 mmHg or higher. Hypertension can be caused by many factors, but its most common causes are age, genetics, and smoking. Approximately 55 percent of Americans over age 60 have hypertension. In general medical practice, we consider hypertension to be above 140 mmHg systolic or 90 mmHg diastolic. However, this can vary depending on the age and condition of the patient
What are the symptoms of hypertension?
The most common symptom of hypertension is high blood pressure, which can cause headaches, chest pain, shortness of breath, fatigue, and vision problems. Other symptoms may vary depending on the person and may include: faintness; anxiety; rapid weight gain or loss; irritability; dry skin; pale skin; numbness or tingling in hands or feet; muscle cramps; memory problems; difficulty concentrating; leg swelling from edema (fluid retention); irregular menstrual periods. If untreated, high blood pressure can lead to heart disease, stroke, kidney failure, and even death.
How is high blood pressure treated?
There are many treatments for hypertension including lifestyle changes such as quitting smoking cigarettes, eating a healthy diet with plenty of fruits and vegetables, exercising, and reducing stress. Medications such as ACE inhibitors (angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors), beta-blockers, calcium channel blockers, angiotensin receptor blockers, and diuretics can be very beneficial. In some cases, surgery such as percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty (PTCA) may also be of benefit.
How Does Hypertension Cause Health Problems?
Hypertension is a condition in which blood pressure increases beyond the norm. For many people, hypertension is simply a nuisance that they only know about from their doctor’s office. However, for others with hypertension, it can lead to serious health problems. In general, high blood pressure primarily results in problems in the vessels. There are many different sizes and strengths of vessels in the human body, ranging from the largest and strongest (the aorta), to the smallest and most fragile (capillaries and microvessels). High blood pressure can affect all of them and put patients at risk for ruptures, aneurysms, strokes, and clots. As well as impair the actual functioning of the organs they are supplying. Most commonly the retina in the eyes and kidneys are two of the most fragile structures.
Hypertension is the most common chronic medical condition in the United States. According to the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI), over 30% of American adults have hypertension. Hypertension is also more common in African Americans and Hispanics than in Caucasians. In fact, according to NHLBI's report “Prevalence of Hypertension Among US Adults: 1992-1994”1, almost one-third (31%) of African Americans and Hispanics have hypertension compared to only about one-fifth (19%) of Caucasian adults. There are many known factors that can increase blood pressure including obesity, salt sensitivity, age, chronic medical conditions, stress, and more. Given the seriousness of hypertension and its impact on both individual patients and society at large, it is essential that people know how this condition affects their health overall and what they can do about it.
What Are the Signs and Symptoms of Hypertension?
Hypertension is a medical condition in which the blood pressure rises higher than usual. It is a major risk factor for heart disease, stroke, and other serious cardiovascular problems. There are many different signs and symptoms of hypertension, but they often overlap. The most common signs/symptoms we see are headaches, vision changes, and kidney problems. But we also see patients who complain of chest pain or discomfort when getting up from a seated or lying position; Shortness of breath; Rapid heartbeat; Blue coloration in the skin, eyes, lips, or urine; Thickening of the neck veins; Nausea or vomiting; Sweating; Tremor. In some cases, only some of these signs may be present. If you have any concerns about your blood pressure level, you should contact your doctor immediately. Many people with hypertension don’t have any overt signs or symptoms at all until their blood pressure reaches high levels due to damage to their kidneys, heart, brain, spine or other organs caused by high blood pressure. When left untreated, high blood pressure can lead to debilitating conditions such as heart attack and stroke over time. For this reason it is important to get checked for hypertension regularly and treat it if necessary so that you can maintain healthy heart health and avoid serious complications down the road.
How Is Hypertension Diagnosed and Treated?
The diagnosis of hypertension is typically made through a combination of blood pressure measurements and a medical history. Some common symptoms of high blood pressure, such as headaches, fatigue, and shortness of breath, can be indicative of the condition. A doctor may also perform an electrocardiogram (ECG) or an ultrasound of the heart to rule out other heart problems. For people who have mild hypertension , lifestyle changes such as diet, exercise, and stress management may be enough to control blood pressure levels. For people who have more severe forms or uncontrolled high blood pressure , medications may be prescribed. In some cases surgery may also be required to correct valve problems or reduce blockages in arteries . Sometimes patients are placed on medication for life but in many cases these treatments can be adjusted as needed over time in order to achieve consistent success in managing blood pressure levels..
Monitoring Hypertension
Monitoring your blood pressure is a critical part of understanding how your body is functioning. In our practice, we recommend that patients check their blood pressure at a baseline of twice per day. Once in the morning and once in the evening. We recommend you take your blood pressure at the same time each day and follow the same routine. It is important to stop what you’re doing, sit at a table, rest for at least 1 minute then check your pressure. The same routine should be done each time. If your blood pressure is outside the normal range, make sure to document what you think might have caused it. It could be certain foods, medications, stress, or a variety of other factors.
What Can Patients Do to Prevent Hypertension from Developing?
Preventing hypertension from developing is important for both the patient and the healthcare provider. Potential prevention strategies include maintaining a healthy weight, getting regular exercise, controlling blood pressure medications, and avoiding tobacco use. However, it is ultimately up to the individual to make lifestyle changes and take action to prevent hypertension from arising. Patients should be aware of their own health and take steps to maintain a healthy weight if they are overweight or obese. In addition, patients should get regular exercise by walking or biking for 30 minutes at least five times per week. Regular physical activity can help lower blood pressure levels and improve overall cardiovascular health. It also reduces the risk of developing diabetes and other chronic conditions such as heart disease. People who have hypertension should be especially diligent about taking their blood pressure medications as prescribed by their healthcare provider. Improper dosing or skipping doses can lead to hypertension development in some people. Healthcare providers should also closely monitor patients who are taking blood pressure medications to ensure that they are properly controlled and do not develop high blood pressure levels unnecessarily
Final Conclusion
Hypertension is a common disorder that affects many Americans. It is caused by increased blood pressure levels and can lead to serious health problems if not treated. Understanding the causes, symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment of hypertension will help you take steps to improve your overall health. Patients can also reduce their risk of hypertension by following a healthy lifestyle including eating right, exercising regularly, and avoiding substance abuse. If you have any questions or would like more information about hypertension, be sure to consult your doctor or visit our website for helpful resources.
Additional Resources
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