High Blood Pressure

Causes

Essential hypertension:

This is the most common type of hypertension, and its exact cause is often unknown. However, lifestyle factors such as poor diet, lack of exercise, obesity, and stress can contribute to its development.

Secondary hypertension:

This type is caused by an underlying medical condition, such as kidney disease, hormonal disorders, certain medications, or narrowing of the arteries supplying the kidneys.

Symptoms:

Hypertension is often referred to as the “silent killer” because it typically doesn’t cause noticeable symptoms. However, some people may experience symptoms such as headaches, dizziness, shortness of breath, chest pain, or visual changes in severe cases. It’s important to note that these symptoms are not exclusive to hypertension and may occur due to other conditions as well.

Diagnosis:

Hypertension is diagnosed by measuring blood pressure using a blood pressure cuff. Two measurements are taken: systolic pressure (the higher number) and diastolic pressure (the lower number). Normal blood pressure is typically around 120/80 mmHg. Hypertension is diagnosed when blood pressure consistently measures 130/80 mmHg or higher during multiple readings.

Treatment:

Managing hypertension involves a combination of lifestyle modifications and, in some cases, medication. Here are some key approaches:

Lifestyle changes:

This includes adopting a healthy diet (such as the DASH diet, which emphasizes fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and low-fat dairy products), regular exercise, weight management, limiting alcohol consumption, and reducing sodium intake.

Medication:

If lifestyle changes alone aren’t sufficient, healthcare providers may prescribe medications to help lower blood pressure. These medications may include diuretics, ACE inhibitors, angiotensin II receptor blockers, beta-blockers, calcium channel blockers, or other antihypertensive drugs.

Regular monitoring:

It’s important to regularly monitor blood pressure and follow up with healthcare providers to ensure it is well-controlled. This helps prevent complications associated with uncontrolled hypertension, such as heart disease, stroke, kidney problems, or vision loss.