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A quick guide to hypertension or high blood pressure

Hypertension or high blood pressure is a common condition that affects millions of adults. You may be one of them, but you probably don’t know it yet. 

The truth is that many people have hypertension without even realising it. Although this type of high blood pressure is usually benign and asymptomatic, left untreated it can cause serious health problems.

In this article we will discuss everything you need to know about hypertension. From the risk factors and symptoms to the various treatments available, we’ll cover all there is to know about hypertension so you can make informed decisions about your own health going forward.

 

What is hypertension?

If you have high blood pressure, also known as hypertension, you have more pressure in your blood vessels than what is normal for your age, sex and other medical conditions. Hypertension is the medical term for high blood pressure. 

High blood pressure can lead to serious complications if it’s not treated. Blood pressure is measured in millimeters of mercury (mmHg), and is reported as two numbers. 

The first number is your systolic blood pressure, which is the pressure in your arteries when your heart contracts to pump blood. 

The second number is your diastolic blood pressure, which is the pressure in your arteries when your heart is at rest between beats. 

Normal blood pressure is less than 120 over 80.

 

Different types of hypertension

There are 3 types of hypertension, which are narrowed down to specific categories based on their causes and underlying risk factors. 

The three types are: 

– Primary hypertension – This type of hypertension is also referred to as idiopathic hypertension. It is the most common type of hypertension and is not associated with an identifiable cause

– Secondary hypertension – This type of hypertension occurs as a result of another condition, often a serious and potentially life-threatening disorder. Some examples of secondary hypertension include kidney disease, heart disease, hyperthyroidism, and hypothyroidism

– Other specified hypertension – This type of hypertension doesn’t fall into any of the above categories. This is the least common type of hypertension and may be related to another condition or may have unknown causes.

 

Risk factors for hypertension

 

– Age: The most common risk factor for hypertension is age, as approximately 90% of all cases of hypertension occur in people over the age of 60. As you age, your kidneys become less efficient at removing sodium from your blood, which leads to fluid retention and hypertension 

– Race: The NHS website saysYou might be more at risk of high blood pressure if you are of black African or black Caribbean descent”

– Gender: Women are twice as likely to develop hypertension as men. This increased risk may be due to hormonal changes associated with menstruation and menopause 

– Family history of hypertension: If hypertension runs in your family, you are likely to develop it as well 

– Obesity: Excess weight is a risk factor for hypertension 

– Diabetes: Diabetes is another common condition that predisposes people to hypertension 

– Medications: Certain prescription medications, including steroids and some antidepressants, can cause hypertension 

– Stress: Stress is a risk factor for hypertension, particularly when it is ongoing

Diagnosing hypertension

Health care professionals usually use blood pressure measurements to diagnose hypertension. If your blood pressure is 140/90 mmHg or higher, you may have hypertension. 

Your doctor may also recommend additional tests, such as a complete blood count, urinalysis, and a blood test to rule out other potential causes of high blood pressure such as kidney disease or an underactive thyroid. 

They may also recommend a 24-hour blood pressure monitoring test, where a device is used to continuously monitor your blood pressure for a full 24 hours. This test helps your doctor determine whether or not you have hypertension and if your current treatment is effective. 

If you are diagnosed with hypertension, your doctor will likely recommend lifestyle changes, including losing weight, eating a healthy diet, and exercising on a regular basis. Your doctor may also suggest that you start taking medication to lower your blood pressure.

 

Managing hypertension

Ways to manage hypertension:

– Weight loss – Excess weight is a risk factor for hypertension, so if you are overweight, you should try to lose weight. In fact, losing just 10 pounds can lower your blood pressure significantly 

– Healthy diet – Eating a healthy diet can also help lower your blood pressure. Foods that are high in potassium, calcium, and magnesium are good choices 

– Regular exercise – Regular exercise can also help lower your blood pressure. You should aim to get 30 minutes of aerobic exercise on most days of the week 

– Medications – If your lifestyle changes don’t lower your blood pressure, your doctor may recommend that you start taking medications

 

Conclusion

Hypertension, commonly referred to as high blood pressure, is a common condition that affects millions of people around the world. While most people with hypertension don’t experience any symptoms, left untreated it can cause damage to your organs and lead to serious health issues. The good news is that hypertension is largely asymptomatic and easily treatable, which means that it can be effectively managed with lifestyle changes and medication. That said, if you think you may have hypertension, it is important that you visit your doctor for a proper diagnosis and treatment plan.

 

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