Hypertension (High Blood Pressure)

🩺 Hypertension (High Blood Pressure): Causes, Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Treatment.

✅ What is Hypertension?

Hypertension occurs when the force of blood against the walls of the arteries is consistently too high. Blood pressure is measured in millimeters of mercury (mmHg) and recorded as two numbers:

• Systolic pressure: Pressure in the arteries when the heart beats (top number).
• Diastolic pressure: Pressure in the arteries when the heart is at rest between beats (bottom number).

Blood Pressure Ranges:

🚨 Causes of Hypertension

Hypertension can be classified into two main types based on its cause:

1. Primary (Essential) Hypertension

• No identifiable cause
• Develops gradually over many years
• Contributing factors:
  • Aging
  • Genetic factors
  • Poor diet (high sodium, low potassium)
  • Lack of physical activity
  • Stress

2. Secondary Hypertension

• Caused by an underlying health condition
• Tends to appear suddenly and causes higher blood pressure than primary hypertension
• Causes include:
  • Kidney disease
  • Hormonal disorders (e.g., thyroid disease, adrenal gland tumors)
  • Obstructive sleep apnea
  • Certain medications (e.g., birth control pills, decongestants)
  • Illegal drugs (e.g., cocaine, amphetamines)

🩸 Symptoms of Hypertension

Hypertension is often called the "silent killer" because it usually does not cause noticeable symptoms until it reaches a dangerous level. However, some people may experience:
✅ Headaches (especially in the morning)
✅ Dizziness
✅ Nosebleeds
✅ Blurred vision
✅ Shortness of breath
✅ Chest pain
✅ Fatigue

⚠️ Hypertensive Crisis Symptoms:

• Severe headache
• Shortness of breath
• Severe chest pain
• Nausea and vomiting
• Confusion
• Loss of consciousness

🏥 Diagnosis of Hypertension

➡️ Blood Pressure Measurement:

• Blood pressure is measured using a sphygmomanometer (manual or digital).
• To confirm hypertension, multiple readings should be taken on different days.

➡️ Additional Tests:

If hypertension is suspected, the following tests may be ordered to identify underlying causes or complications:
✔️ Blood tests (to check for kidney function, electrolyte balance)
✔️ Urinalysis (to detect protein or signs of kidney disease)
✔️ ECG (electrocardiogram) to check heart function
✔️ Echocardiogram (to assess heart size and function)
✔️ Eye exam (to check for damage to blood vessels in the eyes)

💊 Treatment of Hypertension

1. Lifestyle Changes

Making healthy lifestyle changes is the first step in managing hypertension:

✅ Diet:

• Reduce salt intake to less than 2,300 mg/day (ideal: 1,500 mg/day).
• Increase potassium intake through fruits, vegetables, and whole grains.
• Follow the DASH (Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension) diet, which emphasizes fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and low-fat dairy.

✅ Exercise:

• Engage in at least 30 minutes of moderate exercise (e.g., brisk walking) 5 days a week.
• Include strength training exercises at least twice a week.

✅ Weight Management:

• Losing even 5–10% of body weight can significantly reduce blood pressure.

✅ Limit Alcohol and Caffeine:

• Limit alcohol to no more than one drink per day for women and two for men.
• Limit caffeine intake, as it can temporarily increase blood pressure.

✅ Quit Smoking:

• Smoking increases the risk of heart disease and raises blood pressure.

✅ Stress Management:

• Practice relaxation techniques such as deep breathing, meditation, and yoga.

2. Medications

If lifestyle changes are not enough, medications may be prescribed:

🌍 Complications of Hypertension

Untreated hypertension can lead to severe complications:

1. Heart Disease:

• Heart attack
• Heart failure
• Left ventricular hypertrophy (thickening of the heart wall)

2. Stroke:

• Ischemic stroke (due to blocked blood flow)
• Hemorrhagic stroke (due to ruptured blood vessel)

3. Kidney Damage:

• Reduced kidney function
• Kidney failure (requiring dialysis or transplant)

4. Aneurysm:

• Weakening of artery walls, leading to rupture

5. Eye Damage:

• Retinopathy (damage to blood vessels in the eye)
• Vision loss

6. Cognitive Issues:

• Memory problems
• Dementia

✅ Prevention of Hypertension

You can reduce your risk of developing hypertension by adopting a healthy lifestyle:

• Maintain a healthy weight.
• Eat a balanced, low-sodium diet.
• Exercise regularly.
• Avoid smoking and limit alcohol.
• Manage stress effectively.
• Monitor your blood pressure regularly.

🏆 Key Takeaways:

✔️ Hypertension is a common but dangerous condition.
✔️ Early detection and management are crucial to prevent complications.
✔️ Lifestyle changes combined with medication (if necessary) are effective in controlling blood pressure.
✔️ Regular monitoring and follow-ups with a healthcare provider are essential for long-term success.