Harrisandbaker.com – Hypertension is the medical understanding of high blood pressure. This condition can cause various kinds of life-threatening health complications if left unchecked. In fact, this disorder can lead to an increased risk of heart disease, stroke, and death.
The term blood pressure itself can be described as the force of circulating blood against the walls of the body’s arteries which are the main blood vessels. The amount of pressure that occurs depends on the resistance of the blood vessels and how intense the heart is to work.
A person can experience high blood pressure when more blood is pumped by the heart and due to the narrowing of the blood vessels in the arteries. Hypertension can be known by routine checks on blood pressure. It is recommended to be done annually by all adults.
Blood pressure readings are taken in millimeters of mercury (mmHg). The results of the examination will be divided into two numbers, namely:
The first number or systolic represents the pressure in the blood vessels when the heart contracts or beats.
The second or diastolic number represents the pressure in the blood vessels when the heart rests between beats.
A person can be said to have hypertension if the systolic blood pressure number from two consecutive measurements shows a result that is greater than 140 mmHg, and/or the diastolic blood pressure number shows a result that is greater than 90 mmHg.
Causes of Hypertension
Hypertension is divided into two types, namely primary and secondary hypertension. The following is an explanation of the causes of this hypertension:
1. Primary Hypertension
Often, the cause of hypertension in most adults cannot be identified. Primary hypertension tends to develop gradually over years and eventually get worse if left untreated.
2. Secondary Hypertension
Some people have high blood pressure due to an underlying health condition. This type of hypertension tends to occur suddenly and causes higher blood pressure than primary hypertension.
Various conditions can cause secondary hypertension, including:
Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA).
Kidney problems.
Adrenal gland tumor.
Thyroid problems.
Congenital defects in blood vessels.
Medications, such as birth control pills, cold medicines, decongestants, over-the-counter painkillers.
Illegal drugs.
Hypertension Risk Factors
Indeed, the risk factors for experiencing hypertension are directly proportional to age. Someone who is older has a greater chance of experiencing hypertension. Several other risk factors that can increase the occurrence of hypertension are:
Have over 65 years of age.
Often consume excessively high-salt foods.
Are overweight or obese.
There is a family history of the same medical condition.
Less consumption of fruits and vegetables.
Not physically active or rarely exercise.
Consuming too many foods or drinks that contain caffeine.
Have a smoking habit.
Many consume alcoholic beverages.
stress. High stress levels can temporarily increase blood pressure.
Have certain chronic conditions, such as kidney disease, diabetes, or sleep apnea.
It should also be understood that sometimes pregnancy can also cause high blood pressure. In addition, this disorder can also occur in children which is usually caused by problems with the kidneys or heart. The influence of a bad lifestyle also exacerbates this problem.
However, you can reduce or even prevent the risk of hypertension by changing your lifestyle to be healthier and adjusting your diet regularly. Make sure to meet your body’s nutritional intake to stay healthy, consume water every day, and exercise regularly.
Complete with taking supplements or vitamins to keep the body healthy. Don’t forget to check information about health at https://harrisandbaker.com/. Come on, check it now!
Hypertension Symptoms
A person with hypertension will experience several symptoms, including:
Headache;
Nosebleed;
vision problems;
Chest pain;
Ears buzzing;
Hard to breathe; And
Arrhythmia
For severe hypertension, symptoms can include:
Fatigue;
Nausea and/or vomiting;
Confusion;
feeling anxious;
Pain in the chest;
muscle tremors; And
Presence of blood in the urine.
Hypertension Diagnosis
The doctor will ask questions about your medical history and perform a physical examination. After that, the doctor or professional will usually put an inflatable arm cuff around the arm and measure the blood pressure using a pressure gauge.
The results of blood pressure measurements are divided into four general categories:
Normal blood pressure is blood pressure below 120/80 mmHg.
Prehypertension is systolic blood pressure which ranges from 120–139 mmHg, or diastolic blood pressure which ranges from 80–89 mmHg. Prehypertension tends to get worse over time.
Stage 1 hypertension is a systolic pressure ranging from 140–159 mmHg, or a diastolic pressure ranging from 90–99 mm Hg.
Stage 2 hypertension is classified as more severe. Stage 2 hypertension is a systolic pressure of 160 mmHg or higher, or a diastolic pressure of 100 mmHg or higher.
Hypertensive crisis. The blood pressure measurement result is higher than 180/120 mmHg. This condition includes an emergency situation that requires immediate medical treatment. If you get this result when taking your blood pressure at home, wait five minutes and retest. If you experience symptoms of hypertension, it’s a good idea to get an examination at the hospital immediately.
Hypertension Treatment
Some people with hypertension must take medication for life to regulate blood pressure. However, if blood pressure is under control through lifestyle changes, reducing drug dosage or consumption can be stopped. Always pay attention to the dosage of the drug given and the side effects that may occur.
Drugs that are generally given to people with hypertension, include:
Medication to get rid of excess salt and fluid in the body through urine. The reason is, hypertension makes sufferers susceptible to high salt levels in the
body.
Medicines to dilate blood vessels so that blood pressure can decrease. It should be noted that hypertension makes sufferers prone to blockages in blood
vessels.
Medicines that work to slow the heart rate and dilate blood vessels.
Blood pressure-lowering drugs that function to make the walls of blood vessels more relaxed.
Renin inhibitor drugs to inhibit the work of enzymes that function to increase blood pressure. If renin works excessively, blood pressure will rise uncontrollably.
In addition to drug consumption, hypertension treatment can also be done through relaxation therapy, for example meditation therapy or exercise such as yoga. However, hypertension treatment will not run smoothly if it is not accompanied by lifestyle changes. Examples include following a healthy diet and life, as well as regular exercise.
For more details about the effect of adopting a healthy diet in people with hypertension, you can read it here: Recognize the Right Type of Diet for People with Hypertension.
Hypertension Prevention
There are several steps that can be taken to prevent hypertension, namely:
Eat healthy foods, such as fruit and vegetables.
Limit salt intake (to less than 5g daily).
Reduce excessive consumption of caffeine.
Quit smoking.
Exercise regularly.
Maintain weight.
Reducing consumption of alcoholic beverages.
Limit your intake of foods high in saturated fat.
Eliminating/reducing trans fats in the diet.
When to See a Doctor?
Every adult is advised to have a blood pressure check every year. Doctors are also likely to recommend blood pressure measurements if they have been diagnosed with hypertension or have risk factors for this disease. Children can also have their blood pressure measured as part of their annual check-up.