Hypertension (High Blood Pressure)

Overview

High blood pressure, or called hypertension, is a common but serious condition that affects nearly half of all adults in the United States. At Manhattan Medical Arts, led by Dr. Syra Hanif, we are committed to helping you understand, manage, and prevent high blood pressure to protect your heart, brain, kidneys, and overall health. This guide provides everything you need to know about high blood pressure, from its causes and symptoms to treatment options and prevention strategies.

What is High Blood Pressure?

High blood pressure occurs when the force of blood pressure pushing against your artery walls is consistently too high. This condition forces your heart to work harder to pump blood flow, which can lead to serious health problems over time, including chronic kidney disease, heart disease, stroke, and kidney failure.

At Manhattan Medical Arts, our Primary Care Physician, Dr. Syra Hanif, and renowned Cardiologist, Dennis A. Ehrich, specialize in diagnosing and treating high blood pressure effectively.

Blood Pressure Basics

Blood pressure is measured using two numbers:

• Systolic Pressure (Top Number): The blood pressure in your arteries when your heart beats.
• Diastolic Pressure (Bottom Number): The blood pressure in your arteries when your heart rests between beats.
• Normal Blood Pressure: Less than 120/80 mm Hg.
• Elevated Blood Pressure: 120-129/less than 80 mm Hg.
• High Blood Pressure (Hypertension): 130/80 mm Hg or higher.

Understanding Blood Pressure Readings

Blood pressure readings are categorized into five stages:

1. Normal: Less than 120/80 mm Hg.
2. Elevated Blood Pressure: 120-129/less than 80 mm Hg.
3. Stage 1 High Blood Pressure (Hypertension): 130-139/80-89 mm Hg.
4. Stage 2 High Blood Pressure (Hypertension): 140/90 mm Hg or higher.
5. Hypertensive Crisis: Higher than 180/120 mm Hg (requires immediate medical attention).

Causes

High blood pressure can be classified into two types:

• Primary Hypertension: Develops over time due to factors like genetics, age, obesity, high salt intake, and a sedentary lifestyle.
• Secondary Hypertension: Caused by underlying conditions such as chronic kidney disease, sleep apnea, or certain medications. Chronic kidney disease is one of the leading causes of persistent high blood pressure.

Other risk factors for developing high blood pressure include unhealthy eating habits, excessive salt intake, and too much alcohol.

Symptoms

High blood pressure is often called a “silent killer” because it typically has no symptoms. However, in severe cases, it can cause:

• Headaches
• Nausea
• Blurred vision
• Chest pain
• Shortness of breath
• Symptoms of high blood pressure such as dizziness or confusion

Effects of High Blood Pressure on the Body

Untreated high blood pressure can damage your artery walls, heart, brain, kidneys, and eyes. Complications include:

• Heart Disease: High blood pressure increases the risk of heart attack, heart failure, and arrhythmia.
• Stroke: High blood pressure can cause blood flow in the brain to burst or become blocked.
• Chronic Kidney Disease: High blood pressure can lead to chronic kidney disease or kidney failure.
• Kidney Disease: Prolonged high blood pressure may damage the delicate filtering system in the kidneys.
• Vision Loss: Damage to blood vessels in the eyes can cause hypertensive retinopathy.
• Excessive pressure in your arteries may further damage your organs and reduce enough blood flow to vital organs.

The Link Between High Blood Pressure and Heart Attack

One of the most serious complications of high blood pressure is a heart attack. When blood flow is restricted due to narrowed artery walls, the heart may not receive enough blood, causing chest discomfort and heart failure.

How Does High Blood Pressure Affect Your Kidneys?

Chronic kidney disease is closely linked to high blood pressure. Since the kidneys regulate fluid and electrolyte balance, persistent high blood pressure can impair kidney function, reducing their ability to filter toxins from the body.

Is There a Genetic Link to High Blood Pressure?

A family history of high blood pressure increases your risk of developing high blood pressure yourself. Genetics play a significant role in determining your blood pressure levels.

Diagnosing

Your Primary Care Physician or Cardiologist, like Dennis A. Ehrich, will diagnose high blood pressure by using a blood pressure cuff and measuring your blood pressure during multiple visits. Consistent blood pressure readings above 130/80 mm Hg often indicate high blood pressure diagnosed.

Treatment

Treatment for high blood pressure includes lifestyle changes and medications:

1. Lifestyle Changes:

• Healthy Diet: Focus on fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins. Limit salt, sugar, and saturated fats.
• Exercise: Aim for 150 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise per week.
• Weight Management: Losing even a small amount of weight can lower your blood pressure.
• Healthy Lifestyle Changes: Adopting better eating habits and becoming more physically active can significantly help.
• Stress Reduction: Practice relaxation techniques like meditation, yoga, or deep breathing.

2. Medications:

• Diuretics: Help your body eliminate excess sodium and water.
• Beta-Blockers: Reduce your heart rate and the force of your heart’s contractions.
• ACE Inhibitors: Relax blood vessels by blocking the formation of a natural chemical that narrows them.
• Calcium Channel Blockers: Relax the muscles of your blood vessels.
• Blood Pressure Medicines are essential for managing high blood pressure effectively and preventing complications.

Preventing High Blood Pressure

You can manage and prevent high blood pressure with these tips:

• Reduce Salt Intake: Aim for less than 1,500 mg of sodium per day.
• Limit Alcohol: Stick to one drink per day for women and two for men. Avoid too much alcohol to protect your heart.
• Quit Smoking: Smoking raises blood pressure and damages blood vessels.
• Monitor Blood Pressure Regularly: Use a home blood pressure monitor to track your levels regularly.
• Lower Your Blood Pressure naturally by adopting healthier eating habits and regular exercise.
• Making Healthy Lifestyle choices is crucial to preventing serious complications.

When to See a Doctor

If you experience symptoms like chest pain, severe headaches, or shortness of breath, seek medical attention immediately. Regular check-ups with your Primary Care or Cardiologist, like Dennis A. Ehrich, are essential for monitoring your blood pressure and overall health problems.

Disclaimer

This information is intended for educational purposes only and should not be considered a substitute for professional medical advice. If you have concerns about hypertension or any other medical conditions, please see a cardiologist for an accurate hypertension diagnosis and personalized hypertension treatment suggestions.