- Nadish Garg, MD, FASE, FACC
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Hypertension, commonly known as high blood pressure, is a medical condition characterized by elevated and sustained pressure in the arteries. Blood pressure is the force exerted by blood against the walls of the blood vessels as the heart pumps it throughout the body. When this pressure remains consistently high, it can put extra strain on the arteries and other organs, potentially leading to serious health problems.
Blood pressure is expressed using two measurements:
- Systolic pressure: The higher number, representing the pressure in the arteries when the heart contracts and pumps blood.
- Diastolic pressure: The lower number, representing the pressure in the arteries when the heart is at rest between beats.
A normal blood pressure reading is typically around 120/80 mmHg. Hypertension is usually diagnosed when blood pressure consistently measures 130/80 mmHg or higher.
Types of Hypertension:
- Primary (essential) hypertension: This is the most common type of hypertension, accounting for about 90-95% of cases. It develops gradually over time and does not have a specific identifiable cause. However, several risk factors, such as age, family history, obesity, lack of physical activity, and certain lifestyle habits (e.g., excessive salt intake, smoking, and alcohol consumption), can contribute to its development.
- Secondary hypertension: This type of hypertension is caused by an underlying medical condition, such as kidney disease, hormonal disorders, or certain medications. Treating the underlying cause can often help manage secondary hypertension.
Symptoms of Hypertension:
Hypertension is often referred to as the "silent killer" because it typically does not cause noticeable symptoms until it reaches severe or life-threatening levels. Some individuals with hypertension may experience symptoms like headaches, dizziness, or nosebleeds, but these are not reliable indicators of high blood pressure.
Complications of Hypertension:
If left untreated or uncontrolled, hypertension can lead to several serious health complications, including:
- Cardiovascular diseases: Hypertension increases the risk of heart attack, stroke, heart failure, and other heart-related conditions.
- Kidney damage: Chronic high blood pressure can damage the blood vessels in the kidneys, leading to kidney disease or kidney failure.
- Eye problems: Hypertension can cause damage to the blood vessels in the eyes, leading to vision problems or even blindness.
- Aneurysms: Persistent high blood pressure can weaken blood vessel walls, increasing the risk of developing aneurysms (bulging and potentially rupturing blood vessels).
Treatment and Management:
Hypertension is a chronic condition that requires lifelong management. Treatment strategies may include:
- Lifestyle modifications: Adopting a healthy diet (such as the DASH diet), maintaining a healthy weight, engaging in regular physical activity, limiting alcohol consumption, and reducing salt intake can help manage hypertension.
- Medications: In cases where lifestyle changes are insufficient, healthcare professionals may prescribe antihypertensive medications to help lower blood pressure.
- Regular monitoring: Individuals with hypertension should have their blood pressure regularly monitored by a healthcare provider to track progress and adjust treatment as needed.
- Managing underlying conditions: For secondary hypertension, addressing the underlying medical condition is essential in managing high blood pressure.
- Diagnosis of sleep apnea and treatment: Sleep apnea is a very common condition associated with uncontrolled hypertension
It's essential for individuals to be aware of their blood pressure levels, especially if they have risk factors for hypertension. Regular check-ups and working with healthcare professionals to manage blood pressure can significantly reduce the risk of complications associated with hypertension.