Overview

High blood pressure, also known as hypertension, is a medical condition characterised by abnormally excessive pressure within the blood vessels, generally at or above 140/90 mmHg. It is a prevalent condition that could cause critical health complications if left untreated.

Understanding the causes and risk factors, signs, and symptoms of high blood pressure can help you take steps to prevent or treat this health issue. This can include regular exercise, a healthy diet, and lifestyle changes such as reducing salt intake, avoiding tobacco, and drinking too much alcohol. In some cases, medications may be needed to treat high blood pressure.

Learning about hypertension can also help people become more informed patients and work with their healthcare providers to develop personalised treatment plans that meet their unique needs; if you are looking for the same, take advantage of this article.

Symptoms of Hypertension

High blood pressure or hypertension is frequently referred to as a "silent killer" because it could go unnoticed for a long term without any apparent signs. In rare and severe cases, few signs are noticed, such as:

- Sleeping problem
- Sweating
- Blushing
- Anxiety
- Vision changes
- Confusion
- Chest pain
- Nose bleeds
- Muscle tremors

Headaches and nose bleeds are common symptoms of a hypertensive crisis, a severe condition that can occur when high blood pressure reaches dangerously high levels.

Causes of Hypertension

Hypertension is often of unknown origin and is called essential or primary hypertension. But in some cases, it could result from an underlying medical condition known as secondary hypertension.

Primary Hypertension

Primary Hypertension can result from factors such as:

- Having a sedentary lifestyle
- Insulin resistance
- Excessive alcohol intake
- High salt intake
- Having obesity

Secondary Hypertension

Secondary Hypertension can result from factors such as:

- Kidney disease
- Sleep apnea
- Illegal drugs
- Thyroid problems
- Dietary supplements or herbal remedies
- Medications

Hypertension Treatment options

High blood pressure can often be controlled with lifestyle modifications. Making healthful alternatives can help lower blood stress and reduce the threat of severe health complications. A few lifestyle modifications that may help include:

- Well-balanced Diet- Consuming a well-balanced, nutrient-dense diet, excessive in fruits, low in salt and veggies, and whole grains.
- Maintaining a Healthy Diet- Keeping a healthy weight through regular exercising and a balanced weight-reduction plan.
- Regular Exercises- Getting normal physical activity, such as taking walks, biking, swimming etc.
- Say No to Tobacco - Reducing or getting rid of tobacco use, including smoking and chewing tobacco.

For people with certain health situations or at high risk for cardiovascular disease, it's essential to control blood stress. An objective for blood pressure control of less than 130/80 is usually recommended. Here are the conditions for which this aim is recommended:

- Cardiovascular disease (heart disease or stroke)
- Diabetes (high blood sugar)
- Chronic kidney disease
- Excessive risk for cardiovascular disease.

Risk Factors of Hypertension

Some risk factors of hypertension are:

- Age: The likelihood of developing hypertension rises, especially after age 65.
- Family history: Individuals with a family history of hypertension are at higher risk of developing this condition.
- Obesity: The risk of hypertension is great in individuals who are overweight or obese.
- Physical inactivity: Lack of physical activity or a sedentary lifestyle increases the risk of hypertension.
- Unhealthy diet: A diet high in sodium and low in potassium, as well as a diet high in saturated and trans fats, can become the reason for hypertension.
- Smoking: Smoking tobacco increases the risk of hypertension and other cardiovascular diseases.
- Alcohol consumption: Heavy drinking can increase blood pressure and contribute to hypertension.

Link Between Hypertension and Kidney Disease

Healthy kidneys play a vital function in controlling blood pressure. Blood pressure is the measure of blood pressure flowing through blood vessels. When blood pressure is elevated, the blood pressure against the blood vessels increases. Hypertension, or high blood pressure, can constrict and narrow blood vessels in the kidneys. This could lead the kidneys to lose their ability to function correctly. In addition, if the kidneys cannot remove excess fluid from the blood, blood pressure will continue to rise, leading to a potentially concerning cycle.

There is a strong link between hypertension and kidney disease. High blood pressure can lead to kidney damage, resulting in higher blood pressure and a dangerous cycle. Hypertension is the second leading reason for kidney failure, second only to diabetes.

Renal hypertension, or renovascular hypertension, is high blood pressure caused by kidney disease or problems with the blood vessels that supply blood to the kidneys. This type of high blood pressure can be caused by narrowing or blockage of the renal arteries due to atherosclerosis, fibromuscular dysplasia, or renal artery stenosis.

With time, it can lead to CKD or chronic kidney disease, where the kidneys gradually lose function and can no longer perform their crucial functions. In some instances, hypertension can cause direct damage to the kidneys, leading to CKD. Similarly, chronic kidney disease may further exacerbate hypertension by disrupting the body’s natural regulatory mechanisms and causing blood pressure to rise even further. CKD and hypertension can also create a vicious cycle, as hypertension can worsen kidney disease, further increasing blood pressure. It can lead to a gradual decline in kidney function, potentially leading to an end-stage renal disease requiring dialysis or a kidney transplant.

When to consult a Doctor

You can also get in touch with the expert Nephrology doctors at Narayana Healthcare based in your city to get immediate attention and medical support during injuries, health disorders or any other health concern.

FAQs

Q. What is hypertension? A. Hypertension, also called high blood pressure, is a chronic condition in which blood pressure is consistently higher than normal. Blood pressure is determined by the blood pressure on the arteries' walls as the heart pumps blood around the body

Q. What are the symptoms of hypertension? A. People with very high blood pressure may additionally extend symptoms such as headaches, dizziness, shortness of breath, or nosebleeds. But these symptoms are not specific to hypertension and can be because of other situations.

Q. What causes hypertension? A. Sometimes the cause of hypertension is unknown, referred to as primary hypertension. Other common factors are:

- Family history: Hypertension tends to be hereditary, so if you have a family history of high blood pressure, you may be at a higher risk of developing it yourself.
- Age: Blood pressure increases as people age, so older individuals are more likely to have hypertension.
- Certain medical conditions: Conditions such as chronic kidney disease, diabetes, sleep apnea, and hormonal disorders such as Cushing's syndrome or hyperthyroidism can contribute to the development of hypertension.
- Medications: Some medications, including nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), birth control pills, and steroids, can cause hypertension as a side effect

Q. How is hypertension treated? A. Hypertension can be managed via lifestyle adjustments, medication, or a combination of each. The treatment technique depends on the severity of the hypertension, overall health status, and other individual factors.

Q. Can lifestyle changes help with hypertension? A. Yes, lifestyle changes can be very effective in dealing with high blood pressure (excessive blood pressure). Lifestyle modifications are often recommended as the first line of treatment for human beings with mild to moderate hypertension. Right here are a few ways of life modifications that can help with hypertension:

- Weight loss program
- Exercising
- Weight management
- stress management
- Quitting smoking
- restricting alcohol consumption