Hypertension

The silent killer, or hypertension, is one of the most common and widespread conditions, affecting about 1.2 billion people around the world. It could be mild or severe and might lead to serious complications in some cases.

Hypertension

High blood pressure means that the blood flow through the arteries is so strong that it affects their walls. Therefore, this makes the heart work harder to push the blood.

The pressure consists of two numbers:

• The top number is the systolic blood pressure, and it measures the blood pressure in the arteries when the heart contracts to beat.
• The bottom number is the diastolic blood pressure, and it measures the blood pressure in the arteries when the heart relaxes between contractions.

Blood pressure can be divided into four categories:

• Normal blood pressure: The blood pressure is around 80/120 mm Hg.
• Elevated blood pressure: The systolic blood pressure is around 130 mm Hg, and the diastolic doesn’t exceed 80 mm Hg.
• Stage 1 hypertension: The systolic blood pressure is between 130 and 139 mm Hg, and the diastolic is between 80 and 89 mm Hg.
• Stage 2 hypertension: The systolic blood pressure is 140 mm Hg or higher, and the diastolic blood pressure is 90 mm Hg or higher.

When the blood pressure is higher than 120/180 mm, it’s an emergency and must be medically managed immediately.

Causes and risk factors for hypertension

High blood pressure is classified according to the causative factor as:

Primary hypertension

It’s the most common (about 95% of cases), and there isn’t a specific cause for it. Causes might include the following risk factors:

• Unhealthy lifestyle.
• Not exercising enough.
• Having large amounts of high-sodium foods.
• Smoking and excessive alcohol consumption.
• Overweight and obesity.
• Stress.
• Family history.

Secondary hypertension

It results from certain conditions, such as kidney diseases, Crohn syndrome, adrenal gland tumors, problems in the thyroid gland, obstructive sleep apnea, and congenital heart defects, or as a result of certain medications, such as contraceptives, some immunosuppressants, some painkillers, some cold medicines, and illegal drugs (like amphetamines and cocaine).

Symptoms of hypertension

Hypertension is called the silent killer because most of the patients don’t feel any symptoms, even if it’s too high. Sometimes, hypertension can exist for years without symptoms.

Some people might experience headaches, shortness of breath, and nosebleeds.

Complications of hypertension

Uncontrollable high blood pressure could lead to the following complications:

• Heart attack.
• Strokes.
• Coronary artery disease.
• Heart failure.
• Aneurysm.
• Peripheral arterial disease.
• Kidney damage and kidney failure.
• Eye damage.
• Problems in thinking and memory, and sometimes dementia.

Diagnosis of hypertension

Blood pressure is measured several times, and the person must be relaxed. If the blood pressure is high in all the measures, then it’s hypertension.

The doctor might do other blood and heart tests, according to the case.

Hypertension management

It’s done by:

• Following a healthy lifestyle: Exercising regularly, losing weight, reducing the consumption of salt and foods rich in sodium, and avoiding smoking and alcohol. Moreover, a healthy lifestyle is beneficial for preventing high blood pressure in general.
• Antihypertensive medications.
• People who have a family history should monitor their blood pressure regularly.