Hypertension (High Blood Pressure) - Causes, Symptoms & Treatment

The definition of hypertension, or high blood pressure, is when the long-term force of the blood is high enough to put excessive pressure on artery walls.

What is the meaning of Hypertension?

Blood pressure depends on two factors:

• Amount of blood pumped by the heart.
• Resistance to blood flow in the arteries.

High blood pressure or hypertension is measured based on two parameters:

• Systolic pressure: It measures the pressure on arteries when the heart beats.
• Diastolic pressure: It measures the pressure on arteries between each heartbeat.

Risk Factors of Hypertension

Hypertension has many risk factors, which vary from individual to individual.

1. Age

High BP symptoms are more common in men until age 64, while women above 65 are more prone to develop high blood pressure symptoms.

2. Race

Hypertension is a widespread phenomenon in people of African origin.

3. Family History

Hypertension is primarily genetic.

4. Obesity

Being overweight increases the risk of hypertension.

5. Lack of Physical Activity

Inactive people generally have a higher heart rate, putting them at risk of high blood pressure and hypertension.

6. Tobacco Consumption

Regular smoking contributes to hypertension.

7. High-Sodium Diet

Consuming too much sodium tends to increase blood pressure.

8. Low-Potassium Diet

Potassium balances out sodium, and imbalanced consumption may be one of the causes of sudden high blood pressure.

9. Alcohol Consumption

Individuals who are heavy drinkers tend to develop hypertension.

10. Stress

High-stress levels may also cause a surge in blood pressure.

11. Chronic Health Conditions

Other chronic health conditions like kidney disease or sleep apnea also lead to hypertension.

Hypertension Diagnosis

The treatment of hypertension depends on the diagnosis. A blood pressure reading taken in millimeters of mercury (mm Hg) reflects two numbers—systolic and diastolic pressure. The regular reading is 120/80 mm Hg or a little lower. Diagnosis may take the following forms:

1. Elevated blood pressure or systolic pressure ranging between 120 to 129 mm Hg and diastolic below 80 mm Hg.

2. Stage 1 hypertension is when systolic reading is between 130 to 139 mm Hg and diastolic is between 80 to 89 mm Hg.

3. Stage 2 hypertension is when systolic pressure is above 140 mm Hg and diastolic is above 90 mm Hg.

Causes of Hypertension

Hypertension causes and symptoms may be attributed to a combination of factors.

1. Age

Hypertension is more common as one starts aging owing to loss of flexibility in the blood vessels and other age-related factors.

2. Gender

Hypertension is more common in men until age 65, while women become more prone post 60 years.

3. Race

Latinos and Asians are less prone to hypertension than whites or people of African origin.

4. Kidney Disease

Kidney disease can affect electrolyte and fluid volumes, which, in turn, cause hypertension.

5. Diabetes

Diabetes affects the kidneys, which, in turn, may cause hypertension.

6. Hormone Conditions

Thyroid or adrenaline hormones and their fluctuations may also cause hypertension.

7. Sleep Apnea

Although no clear relationship has been established, sleep apnea may be connected to high BP symptoms.

8. Medications

Corticosteroids or oral contraceptives may cause hypertension.

Signs and Symptoms of Hypertension

The common symptoms of high blood pressure include,

1. Nosebleed

This is caused by severe pressure on the arteries.

2. Breathing Difficulty

A prevalent sign of hypertension, thanks to flared-up blood vessels.

3. Severe Headache

Increased blood pressure may cause pressure on the head muscles.

4. Fatigue

Sometimes, hypertension is accompanied by excess fatigue or even disorientation.

5. Loss of Vision

In severe cases, high blood pressure can lead to vision loss.

6. Bloody Urine

Traces of blood are common while urinating.

7. Irregular Heartbeat

Given the pressure against the arterial walls, heartbeat may fluctuate.

8. Pounding in the Chest

Pounding in the chest, neck, and ears can also happen in hypertension.

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Complications of Hypertension

Uncontrolled hypertension may lead to more severe conditions like:

• Stroke
• Heart attack
• Aneurysm
• Heart failure
• Weakened blood vessels in the kidney
• Metabolic syndrome
• Disorientation
• Dementia

Hypertension Treatment

Prevention of hypertension is possible. And if it is diagnosed, then hypertension treatment is also relatively easy.

1. Avoid Gaining Excess Weight

Being overweight or obese and having an excess waistline may elevate blood pressure.

2. Regular Physical Workout

If you are suffering from hypertension, this is mandatory. It can help in the prevention of hypertension as well.

3. Follow A Hypertension Diet

Follow a diet rich in vegetables, fruits, and whole grains.

4. Reduce Sodium

High consumption of sodium contributes to hypertension.

5. Restrict Alcohol Consumption

Alcohol is a killer when it comes to hypertension control.

6. Avoid Smoking

Just like alcohol, smoking is dangerous in many ways.

7. Sleep Well

Getting good sleep helps reduce blood pressure.

8. Reduce Stress

Mental stress adds to hypertension.

9. Monitor your BP

Regularly check your BP at home and with a doctor.

10. Get Help

Seek support wherever possible.

References

Oparil S, Acelajado MC, Bakris GL, Berlowitz DR, Cífková R, Dominiczak AF, Grassi G, Jordan J, Poulter NR, Rodgers A, Whelton PK. (2018). Hypertension. www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov