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Hypertension
Blood pressure is essentially the pressure exerted by
the blood on the walls of the arteries while flowing through them.
One type of pressure is the pressure exerted when blood is pumped into
the circulatory system by the heart, and the other is due to the
resistance offered by the arteries to it. In normal
situations, the arteries are extremely elastic and expand or contract
depending on the situation.
The blood pressure can change from minute to minute,
as it increases when the heart pumps blood and falls when the heart
relaxes. It also changes with changes in posture, exercise or
while a person is sleeping. But, it should normally be less than
140/90 mm Hg for an adult. Blood pressure that stays above this
level consistently is considered high. Your doctor may take several
readings over a period before making a judgment about whether your blood
pressure is considered to be in a high level range.
Blood pressure numbers indicate
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The higher (systolic) number represents the pressure while the heart
is beating. |
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The lower (diastolic) number represents the pressure when the heart
is resting between beats. |
The systolic pressure is always stated first and the
diastolic pressure second. For example: 122/76 (122 over 76); systolic =
122 mm of Hg, diastolic = 76 mm of Hg.
Blood pressure of less than 140 over 90 is considered
a normal reading for adults. A systolic pressure of 130 to 139 or a
diastolic pressure of 85 to 89 needs to be watched carefully. A
blood pressure reading equal to or greater than 140 (systolic) over 90
(diastolic) is considered elevated (high).
High Blood Pressure
Optimal or ideal blood pressure is less than 120/80.
Normal blood pressure is considered to be less than 130/85 mm of Hg.
High-normal is considered to be between 130-139/85-89 mm of Hg.
High blood pressure, or hypertension, is divided
into three stages:
Stage 1: 140-159/90-99 mm of Hg
Stage 2: 160-179/100-109 mm of Hg
Stage 3: Greater or equal to 180/110 mm of Hg
Causes
In many cases the causative factor is unknown and it
is known as primary or essential hypertension.
When the cause of hypertension is established it is known as secondary
hypertension.
Hypertension is caused due to various multiple risk factors like:
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Family history of the disease.
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Obesity.
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Stress.
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Smoking tobacco.
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High fat and high sodium diet.
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Extremely nervous and highly emotional people.
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Kidney failure is the cause as well as the
effect of hypertension.
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Diseases like renal artery failure, metabolic
disorders, central nervous system disorders, endocrine disorders.
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Oral contraceptive pills
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Steroids.
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Toxemia of pregnancy. |
Diagnosis
The diagnosis of high blood pressure has to be
confirmed by the doctor. A diagnosis, most often is made after
measuring blood pressure on at least three visits, one to several weeks
apart.
During the examination of blood pressure, the person
should be seated comfortably for at least five minutes. He should
not smoke or drink caffeine within 30 minutes before measurement to ensure
the best result. A regular record of the blood pressure can be
maintained at home using handy, electronic, blood pressure monitors.
Clinical Features
A wide range of signs and symptoms are observed in
various cases:
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Severe headache usually in the morning.
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Nausea and vomiting.
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Dizziness and fainting attack.
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Bleeding from the nose.
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Easy fatigability.
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Palpitations (awareness of the heart beat)
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Complications Of Hypertension
Arteriosclerosis
High blood pressure harms the arteries by making them thick and stiff.
This speeds the build-up of cholesterol and fats in the blood vessels the
way rust and dirt collect in a pipe. This prevents blood from flowing
through the body, and in time can lead to a heart attack or stroke.
Heart attack
Blood carries oxygen to the body. When the arteries that bring
blood to the heart muscle become blocked, the heart cannot get enough
oxygen. Reduced blood flow can cause chest pain (angina).
Eventually, the flow may be stopped completely, causing a heart attack.
Heart failure
High blood pressure causes the heart to work harder. Over time,
this causes the heart to thicken and stretch. Eventually, the heart
fails to function normally, causing fluids to back up into the lungs.
Controlling high blood pressure can prevent this from happening.
Kidney damage
The kidneys act as filters to rid the body of wastes. Over a
number of years, high blood pressure can narrow and thicken the blood
vessels of the kidneys. The kidney filters less fluid, and waste
builds up in the blood. They may fail altogether. When
this happens, medical treatment (dialysis) or a kidney transplant may be
needed.
Stroke
High blood pressure can harm the arteries, causing them to narrow
down faster. So, less blood can get to the brain. If a blood clot
blocks one of the narrowed arteries, a stroke (thrombotic stroke) may
occur. A stroke can also occur when very high pressure causes a
break in a weakened blood vessel in the brain (hemorrhagic stroke).
Other complications include a confused state of mind, retinal
hemorrhage and can even cause paralysis.
High Risk Groups
Anyone can develop high blood pressure, but some people are more likely to
develop it than others. Here are some high risk groups:
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People with family members who have high blood pressure. |
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Women who are pregnant. |
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Women who take birth control pills. |
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People over 35 years of age. |
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People who are overweight. |
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People who are not active and lead sedentary lifestyles. |
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People who drink a lot of alcohol. |
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People who eat too many fatty foods or foods with too much salt. |
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People who smoke. |
Treatment
Blood pressure must be monitored
regularly and counseling regarding the importance of taking medications
consistently should be given.
Treatment of underlying disease in
secondary hypertension:
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Exercise, for
at least 30 minutes four times a week.
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Reduce
your weight if you are overweight.
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Avoid smoking.
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Restrict the intake of salt
in your diet.
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Reduce the intake of saturated fatty diet.
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Decrease alcohol intake.
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Stress reduction.
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Dos And Don'ts
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Eat healthy foods that are low in salt and fat. |
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Lose weight, if you are overweight. |
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If you have to drink, then limit alcohol to no more than two drinks
(beer, wine or liquor) each day. |
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Be more active, physically. |
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Quit smoking. |
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Take high blood pressure medicines regularly if your doctor has
prescribed it and follow directions carefully. |
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Have regular blood pressure checks. |
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