Hypertension: What Is It, At What Age It Occurs and When to Worry

Hypertension: What Is It

Hypertension (high blood pressure) is widespread throughout the world.

We can talk about the presence of hypertension if an increase in blood pressure is registered by a doctor in at least 3 control measurements of blood pressure.

Normally, the blood pressure may fluctuate depending on your condition: it may arise during physical or mental stress and fall during sleep. However, the pressure returns to normal numbers.

Symptoms of hypertension

The main symptom of hypertension is a headache. This occurs due to narrowing, and spasms of the blood vessels of the brain. Also frequent symptoms of hypertension:

– Ear murmurs

– A shroud in front of the eyes

– General weakness

– Sleep disturbance

– Dizziness

– Feeling of heaviness in the head

– Heart palpitations

These symptoms occur in the early stage of hypertension and are neurotic in nature. In the later stage of hypertension, heart failure may occur due to constant overwork of the heart muscle due to high pressure.

Due to the progression of the disease process, a decrease in visual acuity, and damage to blood vessels in the brain from high blood pressure is possible, this may lead in some cases to paralysis, and decreased sensitivity of the limbs, which occurs due to vasospasm, hemorrhage or thrombosis.

Causes of hypertension

If the cause of the increase in blood pressure is not identified, a primary (essential) hypertension, or hypertensive disease, is referred to. In its development play a role:

– Hereditary predisposition

– Chronic stress

– The amount of salt consumed

– Low physical activity, etc.

– In women, the cause of hypertension may be a period of restructuring of the body during menopause.

The underlying cause in each case is difficult to determine, since most people diagnosed with hypertension are exposed to several risk factors that contribute to high blood pressure.

Up to 5% of arterial hypertension is secondary, that is, due to certain causes. The most common causes of high blood pressure are renal pathology, endocrine pathology, or major vascular abnormalities.

Examination of patients is aimed at the exclusion of secondary causes of high blood pressure, because sometimes these causes can be eliminated or they require specific treatment.

In addition, the examination clarifies changes in organs and systems caused by arterial hypertension itself. High blood pressure leads to changes in the heart, kidneys, brain vessels, and ocular vessels. Such examination should be performed regularly, at least once a year.

The level of hypertension and target organ damage determine the risk of cardiovascular complications. Depending on the degree of risk, treatment tactics are determined: from lifestyle changes, diet, and weight loss to the immediate initiation of drug therapy.

It is important to monitor blood pressure levels not only at your doctor’s office but also on your own.

How should I measure my blood pressure?

The blood pressure should be measured at rest, after a 5-minute rest, sitting

The cuff of the sphygmomanometer should be at heart level, its lower edge 2 cm above the elbow bend

The blood pressure should be measured every day.

Hypertension Treatment

A blood pressure control program consists of lifestyle changes and medication therapy. Lifestyle changes involve:

– Regular physical activity for up to 30 minutes a day

– Eating a low-calorie diet and losing weight

– Reducing salt intake

– Limiting alcohol consumption

– Reducing the intake of saturated fatty acids and foods rich in cholesterol.

– Increase fruit intake

– Stop smoking

Drug therapy is prescribed immediately if the level of high blood pressure is high. Most patients need to take 2 or more medications.

Treatment of patients with arterial hypertension is continuous, as its withdrawal will lead to a rise in blood pressure again.

Dr. Ilham Kaffa.

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