High blood pressure, also known as hypertension, is a common condition in which the force of blood against the artery walls is too high. It occurs when the force of the blood flowing through the arteries is consistently too high, which puts extra strain on the heart. If left untreated, however, it can lead to serious health problems such as heart attack, stroke, kidney failure, and vision loss.
Symptoms
High blood pressure often has no symptoms, which is why it is sometimes referred to as the “silent killer.” However, some people may experience symptoms such as:
- Headaches
- Dizziness
- Nosebleeds
- Chest pain
- Difficulty breathing
- Blurred vision
It is important to note that these symptoms may also be caused by other conditions, so it is important to see a healthcare professional for a proper diagnosis.
What causes high blood pressure (hypertension)?
There are several factors that can contribute to the development of high blood pressure, including:
- Age: The risk of developing high blood pressure increases as you get older.
- Family history: If you have a family history of high blood pressure, you may be more likely to develop it yourself.
- Gender: Men are more likely to develop high blood pressure than women.
- Race: African Americans are more likely to develop high blood pressure than people of other races.
- Lifestyle factors: Certain lifestyle factors can increase your risk of developing high blood pressure, such as:
- Poor diet, particularly one high in salt
- Lack of physical activity
- Smoking
- Heavy alcohol consumption
- Stress
Who’s affected?
High blood pressure can affect anyone, but some people are more at risk than others. Risk factors for developing high blood pressure include:
- Age: The risk of developing high blood pressure increases with age.
- Family history: If you have a family history of high blood pressure, you may be more likely to develop it yourself.
- Gender: Men are more likely to develop high blood pressure than women.
- Race: African Americans are more likely to develop high blood pressure than people of other races.
Diagnosing high blood pressure (hypertension)
High blood pressure is usually diagnosed through a series of blood pressure readings. Blood pressure is measured using a device called a sphygmomanometer, which consists of an inflatable cuff that is placed around the upper arm and a gauge that measures the pressure of the cuff.
A healthcare professional will take several readings at different times to determine your blood pressure. Blood pressure readings are given as two numbers: systolic pressure (the top number) and diastolic pressure (the bottom number). Normal blood pressure is usually considered to be 120/80 mm Hg or lower.
Treating high blood pressure (hypertension)
There are several treatment options for high blood pressure, including:
- Lifestyle changes: Making changes to your diet, exercise routine, and stress management can help lower your blood pressure. This may include:
- Eating a healthy diet that is low in salt and high in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains
- Getting regular physical activity, such as walking or cycling
- Managing stress through techniques such as meditation or yoga
- Quitting smoking and avoiding exposure to secondhand smoke
- Limiting alcohol intake
- Medications: There are several medications that can be used to treat high blood pressure, also known as hypertension. These include:
- Diuretics: These medications help the body get rid of excess salt and water, which can lower blood pressure. Examples include thiazide diuretics, loop diuretics, and potassium-sparing diuretics.
- Beta blockers: These medications block the effects of certain hormones, such as adrenaline, which can help relax blood vessels and lower blood pressure. Examples include metoprolol, propranolol, and atenolol.
- ACE inhibitors: These medications work by blocking the production of a hormone called angiotensin II, which can help relax blood vessels and lower blood pressure. Examples include lisinopril, enalapril, and captopril.
- Angiotensin receptor blockers: These medications also work by blocking the effects of angiotensin II, but they do so by blocking the receptors for the hormone rather than inhibiting its production. Examples include losartan, valsartan, and irbesartan.
- Calcium channel blockers: These medications relax blood vessels by blocking the flow of calcium into the cells of the artery walls. Examples include amlodipine, diltiazem, and verapamil.
- Vasodilators: These medications relax blood vessels by increasing the amount of a chemical called nitric oxide in the body, which can help lower blood pressure. Examples include hydralazine and minoxidil.
It is important to follow the instructions of your healthcare professional when taking any medication for high blood pressure, and to report any side effects you may experience.
- Procedure-based therapies: In some cases, procedure-based therapies may be recommended to treat high blood pressure. These may include:
- Angioplasty: A procedure in which a small balloon is inflated in the narrowed area of an artery to widen it
- Stenting: A procedure in which a small metal mesh tube is inserted into an artery to keep it open
- Atherectomy: A procedure in which a small device is used to remove plaque from the walls of an artery
Complications of high blood pressure (hypertension)
If left untreated, high blood pressure can lead to serious health problems such as:
- Heart attack: High blood pressure can damage the arteries and increase the risk of a heart attack.
- Stroke: High blood pressure can increase the risk of a stroke, which is a brain attack that occurs when the blood supply to the brain is cut off.
- Kidney failure: High blood pressure can damage the kidneys and lead to kidney failure.
- Vision loss: High blood pressure can cause blood vessels in the eyes to burst or bleed, leading to vision loss.
Preventing high blood pressure (hypertension)
There are several steps you can take to reduce your risk of developing high blood pressure, including:
- Maintaining a healthy weight: Being overweight or obese increases the risk of developing high blood pressure.
- Eating a healthy diet: A diet that is low in salt and high in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains can help prevent high blood pressure.
- Getting regular physical activity: Engaging in regular physical activity can help lower blood pressure and maintain a healthy weight.
- Limiting alcohol intake: Heavy alcohol consumption can increase blood pressure. It is recommended to limit alcohol intake to no more than one drink per day for women and two drinks per day for men.
- Managing stress: Finding healthy ways to manage stress, such as through meditation or yoga, can help prevent high blood pressure.
- Not smoking: Smoking increases the risk of high blood pressure and many other serious health problems. Quitting smoking can help reduce this risk.