Hypertension (High Blood Pressure)

Overview

What is Hypertension? 

High blood pressure, also called hypertension, is a long-term medical condition where the pressure of blood in the arteries is higher than normal. This condition increases the risk of serious health issues like heart disease, stroke, and kidney problems. Blood pressure measures the force of blood against artery walls when the heart pumps blood through the body.

Stages of Hypertension

Stage 1 Hypertension: 130-139/80-89 mm Hg.

Stage 2 Hypertension: 140/90 mm Hg or higher.

• What is diastolic blood pressure?

Diastolic blood pressure is the lower number in a blood pressure reading and represents the pressure in your arteries when your heart is at rest between beats. This measurement reflects the minimum pressure in your arteries during the relaxation phase of the cardiac cycle. A normal diastolic blood pressure range is typically below 80 mmHg, but higher values can indicate hypertension (high blood pressure). If you have elevated blood pressure or stage 1 hypertension, keep your weight healthy to lower your blood pressure naturally.

Causes

There are various hypertension causes, such as: 

• Unhealthy Eating: Eating too much salt and not enough fruits and vegetables.

• Lack of Exercise: Not being active or not exercising enough.

• Too Much Alcohol: Drinking too much alcohol can raise blood pressure.

• Smoking: Using tobacco and nicotine products can increase blood pressure.

• Being Overweight: Carrying extra weight strains the heart and blood vessels.

• Diabetes: High blood sugar levels can harm blood vessels.

• Kidney Problems: Issues with the kidneys can affect fluid balance.

• Sleep Troubles: Breathing issues during sleep can cause hypertension.

• Hormonal Imbalances: Problems with hormones like adrenal or thyroid issues can impact blood pressure.

• Family History: Hypertension can run in families due to genetics.

• Age: Blood pressure often rises as we get older.

• Gender: Men are more likely to have hypertension at younger ages, while women are more affected after menopause.

• Stress: Long-term stress can contribute to high blood pressure.

• Income and Education: Lower income or less education can increase hypertension risk.

• Environmental Factors: Noise or air pollution can play a role.

• Certain Medications: Some drugs like pain relievers, decongestants, or birth control pills can raise blood pressure.

• Illegal Drugs: Substances like cocaine or amphetamines can cause hypertension.

High blood pressure often comes from a mix of lifestyle choices, health problems, genetics, and surroundings. 

Symptoms

High blood pressure, or hypertension, often doesn’t show symptoms early on, earning it the nickname silent killer. Many people only find out they have it during routine check-ups. However, if blood pressure becomes very high or uncontrolled, it can cause certain hypertension symptoms and problems. Here are the signs of severe hypertension:

Signs of Severe Hypertension (Hypertensive Crisis)

Strong Headaches: Intense pounding hypertension headaches.

Vision Issues: Blurry vision or seeing spots.

Chest Pain: Discomfort or pain in the chest.

Trouble Breathing: Feeling breathless, especially during activity.

Dizziness: Feeling lightheaded or dizzy.

Nausea or Vomiting: Upset stomach or throwing up.

Seizures or Passing Out: In extreme cases, seizures or losing consciousness.

Long-Term Hypertension Symptoms (Often Linked to Hypertension)

Feeling Tired: Being worn out or lacking energy.

Sleep Problems: Trouble falling or staying asleep.

Red Face: Face turning red or flushed.

Nosebleeds: Sometimes having nosebleeds, especially with very high blood pressure.

Signs of Hypertension Complications

Heart Issues: High blood pressure can cause heart disease or heart attacks.

Stroke: Increased risk of stroke due to blood vessel damage.

Kidney Problems: Long-term hypertension can harm the kidneys.

Eye Damage: Blood vessel issues in the eyes, leading to vision problems.

Most people with high blood pressure don’t feel hypertension symptoms until it’s serious or causes problems. Regular blood pressure checks are key to catching and managing hypertension early. 

Risk Factors for Hypertension

The risk factors for high blood pressure (hypertension) include getting older, having family members with high blood pressure, being overweight or not active, eating too much salt and too little potassium, drinking too much alcohol, smoking, dealing with ongoing stress, and having conditions like diabetes or kidney disease. People of African descent, and those with sleep apnea, and high cholesterol levels also have a higher risk.

Side Effects of High Blood Pressure 

The side effects of high blood pressure (hypertension) can include:

Cardiovascular Disease (Strain on Blood Vessels)

• Increased risk of heart attack, stroke, and heart failure due to the strain on blood vessels and the heart.

Chronic Kidney Disease

Hypertension can lead to kidney disease and eventually kidney failure.

Eye Damage

Increased risk of vision problems or even blindness due to damage to blood vessels in the eyes.

Aneurysms

Weakened blood vessels can develop bulges (aneurysms) that may burst and cause serious complications.

Peripheral Artery Disease

Reduced blood flow to the limbs, leading to pain, numbness, or difficulty walking.

Cognitive Impairment

Chronic hypertension can contribute to cognitive decline and increase the risk of dementia.

Sexual Dysfunction

Erectile dysfunction in men and decreased libido in both men and women.

Why is my blood pressure high?

High blood pressure can happen due to family history, unhealthy habits like a bad diet, lack of exercise, smoking, being overweight, stress, or having diabetes or kidney problems. However, there are things you can do to reduce your risk of developing high blood pressure, such as following a healthy diet plan.

Diagnosis

Hypertension diagnosis involves several steps to check blood pressure accurately and identify possible causes or risks. Here’s how primary care physicians diagnose high blood pressure:

Checking Blood Pressure

• Systolic Pressure: The top number in a blood pressure reading when the heart beats.
• Diastolic Pressure: The bottom number when the heart rests between beats.
• Normal Blood Pressure: Usually less than 120/80 mm Hg.

Multiple Readings

Blood pressure is checked on different days to confirm high readings.

Health History and Exam

• Risk Factors: Looking at lifestyle (like diet, exercise, smoking, alcohol), family history, and other conditions (like diabetes, kidney issues).
• Physical Exam: Checking weight, height, waist size, and signs of damage in organs like the heart or kidneys.

Lab Tests

• Blood Tests: Checking cholesterol, sugar levels, and kidney function.
• Urine Test: Looking for signs of kidney damage.

More Tests

• Electrocardiogram (ECG or EKG): Records heart’s electrical activity.
• Echocardiogram: Ultrasound of the heart’s structure and function.
• Ambulatory Blood Pressure Monitoring: 24-hour blood pressure checks.
• Home Blood Pressure Monitoring: Regular checks at home.

High blood pressure, also called hypertension is diagnosed if readings are consistently high.

The severity (like Stage 1 or Stage 2) is based on readings and other risks.

Hypertension diagnosis involves a thorough check of blood pressure, health history, exams, and tests to find out risks and rule out other problems. It’s important to visit a health care professional and start the right hypertension treatment and lifestyle changes to manage blood pressure and prevent hypertension complications. 

How to tell if you have high blood pressure? 

You can find out if you have high blood pressure by checking it using a blood pressure monitor. High blood pressure usually doesn’t cause symptoms, so it’s important to get checked regularly, especially if you have family members with high blood pressure, are overweight, or live an unhealthy lifestyle.

Treatment

Treating high blood pressure, or hypertension, focuses on lowering blood pressure to reduce the risk of heart problems and improve overall health. Treatment involves making lifestyle changes and taking medications as needed. Here are common hypertension treatments:

• Follow the DASH Diet: Eat lots of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and low-fat dairy. Avoid too much salt, saturated fats, and cholesterol.

• Limit Sodium: Keep daily salt intake under 2,300 milligrams (ideally closer to 1,500 milligrams).

• Regular Exercise: Aim for 150 minutes of moderate exercise each week (like brisk walking, swimming, or cycling). Do muscle-strengthening activities at least two days a week.

• Maintain a Healthy Weight: Eat well and exercise to reach and keep a healthy weight. Losing even a small amount of weight can lower blood pressure.

• Cut Back on Alcohol: No more than two drinks per day and no more than one drink per day.

• Quit Smoking: Smoking raises blood pressure and harms blood vessels. Get help to quit.

• Diuretics: Help kidneys remove extra sodium and water (like hydrochlorothiazide).

• ACE Inhibitors: Relax blood vessels by blocking a hormone that narrows them (like lisinopril).

• ARBs: Block another hormone that narrows blood vessels (like losartan).

• Calcium Channel Blockers: Relax blood vessels (like amlodipine).

• Beta-Blockers: Lower heart rate and blood pressure (like metoprolol).

• Other Meds: Your physician might prescribe different meds based on your needs.

• Monitor Blood Pressure: Keep track of blood pressure at home or during physician visits.

• Get Lifestyle Advice: Learn how to keep up healthy habits and manage hypertension.

• Stress Reduction: Try relaxation techniques like deep breathing or meditation to lower stress and blood pressure.

• Supplements: Ask your Cardiologist about supplements like potassium or magnesium that might help.

Hypertension can be managed by reducing and managing mental stress, regularly checking blood pressure, and consulting with a health care professional. Stay involved in your treatment plan, stick to healthy habits, and keep up with doctor visits to control blood pressure and lower the risk of heart issues. 

When To See A Doctor

If your blood pressure is consistently high, or if you have symptoms like severe headaches, chest pain, or trouble breathing, visit a Cardiologist. This is especially true if you’re overweight, have diabetes, or have a family history of high blood pressure or heart disease. Getting help early can prevent problems and improve your health overall.

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.