Hypertension, also known as high blood pressure, is a medical condition where the blood pressure in the arteries is persistently elevated. This can lead to damage to the heart, blood vessels, kidneys, and other organs. Blood pressure is measured in millimeters of mercury (mmHg) and is expressed as two numbers: systolic pressure (the top number) and diastolic pressure (the bottom number).
◾️Risk Factors:
- Older age (65 years or older)
- Genetics (family history)
- Being overweight or obese
- Not being physically active
- High-salt diet
- Drinking too much alcohol
- High-sodium intake
- Living with diabetes and/or metabolic syndrome
- Certain medications (e.g., birth control pills, decongestants)
- Sleep apnea
- Kidney disease
- Adrenal gland disorders
- Thyroid disorders
- Obesity-related conditions (e.g., insulin resistance)
- Lack of potassium
- Lack of calcium
- Vitamin D deficiency
- Chronic stress
◾️Symptoms:
- Severe headaches
- Chest pain
- Dizziness
- Difficulty breathing
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Blurred vision or other vision changes
- Anxiety
- Confusion
- Buzzing in the ears
- Nosebleeds
- Abnormal heart rhythm
- Fatigue
- Palpitations
- Shortness of breath
- Swelling in legs and feet
- Blood in urine
- Vision loss
◾️Treatment:
- Lifestyle changes:
- Eating a healthier diet (e.g., DASH diet)
- Quitting tobacco
- Being more active (e.g., walking, swimming)
- Reducing stress (e.g., meditation, yoga)
- Losing weight (if overweight or obese)
- Limiting alcohol intake
- Getting enough potassium
- Getting enough calcium
- Getting enough vitamin D
- Medications:
- ACE inhibitors (e.g., lisinopril)
- Angiotensin-2 receptor blockers (ARBs) (e.g., losartan)
- Calcium channel blockers (e.g., amlodipine)
- Diuretics (e.g., hydrochlorothiazide)
- Beta blockers (e.g., metoprolol)
- Aldosterone antagonists (e.g., spironolactone)
- Direct renin inhibitors (e.g., aliskiren)
- Monitoring:
- Regular blood pressure checks
- Home blood pressure monitoring
- Ambulatory blood pressure monitoring
◾️Complications:
- Heart disease
- Heart failure
- Stroke
- Kidney disease
- Vision loss
- Sexual dysfunction
- Peripheral artery disease
- Kidney failure
- Heart attack
- Aneurysm
- Cerebrovascular disease
- Retinopathy
- Nephropathy
- Neuropathy
It is important to note that hypertension is often asymptomatic, and regular blood pressure checks are crucial for early detection and treatment. If left untreated, hypertension can lead to severe complications. Consult a healthcare professional for personalized guidance and management.
Additionally, it is important to:
- Get regular blood pressure checks
- Monitor blood pressure at home
- Take medication as prescribed
- Make lifestyle changes
- Get enough potassium
- Get enough calcium
- Get enough vitamin D
- Limit alcohol intake
- Quit tobacco
- Be physically active
- Eat a healthy diet
By taking these steps, you can help manage your blood pressure and reduce your risk of complications.