Hypertension, also known as high blood pressure, is a condition that affects the arteries in the body. If you have hypertension, the force of the blood pushing back the artery walls is very high, forcing the heart to pump blood and work harder.
High blood pressure is prevalent; it affects 47% of adults in the United States. Furthermore, the World Health Organization states that globally, over 1.2 billion people ages 30 to 79 have hypertension.
Usually, you can read blood pressure and measure it in millimeters of mercury (mm Hg). With hypertension, the blood pressure reading is 120./80 millimeters of mercury above (mm Hg).
According to the American College of Cardiology and the American Heart Association, blood pressure can be classified into four (4) categories:
- Normal blood pressure – Lower than 120/80 mm Hg
- Elevated blood pressure – The top number ranges from 120-129. Meanwhile, the lower number is below 80 mm Hg.
- Stage 1 Hypertension – The number on top is 130-139 mm Hg. The bottom number ranges from 80-89 mm Hg.
- Stage 2 Hypertension – 140mm Hg above is the top number. The bottom number is 90mm Hg higher.
If unmanaged, there is a high risk that hypertension puts you at a higher risk for heart attack, stroke and other serious health problems. It’s essential to check your blood pressure at least every two years.
- Reasons For Hypertension
Healthcare providers often call hypertension a silent killer, due to it having no exact signs and symptoms; you can live with high blood pressure for years and not notice it at all.
However, possible causes include:
- High-sodium diet
- Lack of exercise
- Ingestion of alcoholic beverages
Secondary hypertension causes are:
- Medications (immunosuppressants)
- Kidney disease
- Tobacco usage
- Drug usage
- Renal vascular diseases
- Primary aldosteronism (Conn’s syndrome).
- Hypertension Symptoms and Risk Factors
However, if your blood pressure reaches 180/120, the likelihood of your experiencing symptoms is greater.
- Symptoms
Most people who suffer from hypertension do not experience signs and symptoms.
However, those who have very high blood pressure have the ff:
- Chest pain
- Nausea
- Anxiety
- Confusion
- Severe headache
- Vomiting
- Vision changes
- Headaches
- Shortness of breath
- Nosebleeds
If you are experiencing the last three symptoms, you may need to see your doctor immediately.
- Risk Factors
Modifiable Risk Factors:
- Unhealthy diet
- Sedentary lifestyle
- Overweight/Obesity
Non-Modifiable Risk Factors:
- Family history
- Age
- Coexisting diseases
- FAQs
How to reduce hypertension?
You can manage your condition by pursuing a healthy lifestyle: stress management, a healthy diet, regular exercise, and 7-8 hours of sleep.
What are the main causes of hypertension?
There is no primary cause for hypertension. However, there are risk factors for it, such as age, diet, and family history of hypertension.
How does hypertension impact a person?
Very high blood pressure levels can make a person experience symptoms such as headaches, blurred vision, and chest pain.
- Wrapping Up
Hypertension’s reputation as a silent killer is well-earned. Many risk factors come with hypertension, with some that are not adjustable but with some that you can control. If you ever experience symptoms of hypertension, you can book and consult with different doctors. You can even avail of an executive check-up, pre-employment medical exam, and other laboratory tests and other procedures.
