Hypertension : Things you know about High Blood Pressure

High blood pressure is a common condition in most people which usually affects the body’s arteries. High blood pressure is otherwise called hypertension. Usually the heart works to pass the blood throughout the body. If you have high blood pressure, the force of the blood passing through the artery wall is consistently too high.

Generally, blood pressure is usually measured in terms of millimetres of mercury (mm Hg). Generally, hypertension is a condition in which blood pressure reading ranges from 130/80 mm Hg or higher.

Scientists of Heart Association divide the blood pressure categories into four. In general, ideal blood pressure is categorized as normal.

• Normal blood pressure. Blood pressure ranges from 120/80 mm Hg or lower.

• Elevated blood pressure. The higher levels of bp range from 120 to 129 mm Hg and the lower levels of bp range is below, not above, 80 mm Hg.

• Stage 1 hypertension. The higher levels of bp range from 130 to 139 mm Hg or the lower levels of bp range between 80 and 89 mm Hg.

• Stage 2 hypertension. The higher levels of bp range from 140 mm Hg or higher or lower levels of bp range 90 mm Hg or higher.

• If your blood pressure is higher than 180/120 mm Hg is considered as hypertensive emergency or crisis. Always seek medical help from anyone with these blood pressure ranges.

If you do not get the right treatment at the right time, high BP increases the risk of heart attack, stroke and other serious health problems. After the age of 18, you have to check your blood pressure at least every two years. Some people need more checkups.

You should follow some healthy lifestyle habits like not smoking, exercising and eating a healthy diet. It will help you to prevent and treat high blood pressure. Most people need medicines to treat high blood pressure or hypertension.

Signs and symptoms

Usually people often call hypertension the “silent killer.” Most of the people with high BP will not have any symptoms. However, once you reach a blood pressure of 180/120 mm Hg, it will become hypertensive crisis which needs a medical emergency.

At this level, people may have:

• a mild headache

• Sudden nausea

• Frequent vomiting

• Often dizziness

• Having blurred or double vision

• Lots of nosebleeds

• Severe heart palpitations

• breathlessness

Anybody with these symptoms should ask immediate medical help.

Symptoms in females

Risk of high blood pressure might be different in females and males, it is based on hormonal factors.

Below are of some factors that increase the risk of high BP in females include:

• During pregnancy

• Menopause period

• Those who are using birth control pills

• During pregnancy, hypertension or high blood pressure will indicate symptoms of preeclampsia, a more dangerous condition which affects both the person and their fetus.

Symptoms of preeclampsia include:

• Severe headaches

• Sudden vision changes

• High abdominal pain

• More of swelling due to edema

Especially during pregnancy, all people should follow the instructions for screening and you should attend all health checkups.

Causes

Usually high blood pressure will occur when specific changes happen in your body or if a person is born with specific genetic features which causes a health condition.

It can affect people with:

• Obesity or overweight

• Having type 2 diabetes

• Severe kidney disease

• Sudden obstructive sleep apnea

• Lupus disease

• scleroderma

• Disease like underactive or overactive thyroid

• congenital conditions like Cushing’s syndrome, acromegaly, or pheochromocytoma

Sometimes, you can not find the exact cause of it. In this case, your healthcare provider will diagnose primary hypertension.

If you consume a low fat diet, maintain a moderate weight, and reduce alcohol consumption and stop using tobacco. It will help you to lower the risk of high blood pressure.

Risk factors for high blood pressure

The below are some factors which is likely to have high blood pressure if you:

• Some people have family members who have high blood pressure, cardiovascular disease or diabetes.

• Those who are of African descent.

• Age older than 55.

• If they are overweight.

• If they don’t get enough exercise.

• Those who eat foods high in sodium (salt).

• Chain Smoke of tobacco products.

• Those who are heavy drinker 

Diagnosis

To diagnose high BP, there are many devices for measuring blood pressure. Usually doctors use a digital device or manual sphygmomanometer with a stethoscope. This manual sphygmomanometer has a pressure cuff which is put around the person’s arm.

Digital blood pressure devices are suitable for home use and are also available for online purchase.

All people need more than one reading to confirm a diagnosis, many factors can affect the result.

Blood pressure can frequent changes:

• Basically according to the time of day

• Whenever you feel of anxiety or stress

• after finish your eating

If a reading shows very high blood pressure, your doctor will take immediate action. And if you are having signs of organ damage or other complications, your doctor will take necessary actions.

Additional tests

Some other test will help you to confirm a diagnosis, some tests are :

• Urine and blood tests

• Exercise stress test 

• Electrocardiogram (EKG)

• Holter monitoring

Dangers and side effects of hypertension

Normal blood pressure is most important for maintaining your body functions

High bp will have severe effects on

• The cardiovascular system: High blood pressure will cause the arteries to hard will increase the risk of blockage

• The heart:  This blockage will reduce the blood flow to the heart and it also increases the risk of angina, heart failure, or a heart attack.

• The brain: Blockage in the arteries leads to lowering or preventing blood flow to the brain, leading to a stroke.

• The kidneys: High BP will cause severe kidney damage and chronic kidney disease.

Lifestyle changes to reduce blood pressure

Below are some of the lifestyle changes can help to prevent and lower your high blood pressure:

• You should reduce the amount of salt you intake and you should follow a healthy diet

• Try to cut back on alcohol habits

• Try to lose weight if you're overweight or obese

• Do practice regular exercise 

• Try to cut down on caffeine intake

• stop smoking of tobacco products

People with high BP usually need to take i or more medications to stop getting their high blood pressure high.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1. What is the main cause of hypertension?

Ans: What causes high blood pressure? High blood pressure usually develops over time. It can happen because of unhealthy lifestyle choices, such as not getting enough regular physical activity.

Q2. What is the normal BP range?

Ans: Normal blood pressure for most adults is defined as a systolic pressure of less than 120 and a diastolic pressure of less than 80.

Q3. What food can reduce hypertension?

Ans: Kiwi Fruit, Beans, tomatoes, mushrooms, and avocado are other potassium-rich foods that may help lower blood pressure naturally. 

Q4. Can stress cause high blood pressure?

Ans: Stress can cause a steep rise in blood pressure. But when stress goes away, blood pressure returns to what it was before the stress.

Q5. When is the best time to take blood pressure?

Ans: Take it first in the morning before eating or taking any medications. Take it again in the evening.