Hypertension: Causes, Symptoms, Diagnosis, Treatment, and Prevention
Millions of people around the world suffer from hypertension, also known as high blood pressure. The condition occurs when too much blood pushes against the arteries, causing them to be damaged and increasing the risk of heart disease, stroke, kidney failure, and other serious health problems.
Causes of Hypertension
Primary hypertension develops gradually over many years without a clear cause. Secondary hypertension has no clear cause. An underlying condition or factor can cause secondary hypertension, such as kidney disease, thyroid problems, sleep apnea, medication side effects, or illegal drug use.
Some factors that can increase the risk of developing hypertension include:
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Age: The risk of hypertension increases as people get older.
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Family history: Hypertension tends to run in families.
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Race: Hypertension is more common among people of African descent.
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Obesity: Excess weight puts more strain on the heart and blood vessels.
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Physical inactivity: Lack of exercise can lead to weight gain and poor cardiovascular health.
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Smoking: Smoking damages the lining of the arteries and raises blood pressure.
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Alcohol: Drinking too much alcohol can raise blood pressure and interfere with medication effectiveness.
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Salt: Eating too much salt can cause the body to retain fluid and increase blood pressure.
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Stress: Chronic stress can trigger the release of hormones that raise blood pressure.
Symptoms of Hypertension
It is often referred to as the "silent killer" because it usually does not produce any visible symptoms until it reaches a dangerous level. However, some people may experience some signs and symptoms of hypertension, such as:
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Headache
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Dizziness
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Blurred vision
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Chest pain
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Shortness of breath
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Nosebleed
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Palpitations
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Nausea
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Sweating
If you have any of these symptoms, you should seek medical attention immediately, as they may indicate a hypertensive crisis or a life-threatening complication.
Diagnosis of Hypertension
You can only tell if you have hypertension by regularly measuring your blood pressure. Blood pressure is measured in millimeters of mercury (mmHg) and expressed as two numbers: systolic and diastolic. The heart beats and pumps blood at the systolic pressure, while the heart rests between beats at the diastolic pressure. Normal blood pressure is below 120/80 millimeters of mercury. A person with hypertension has a blood pressure of 140/90 millimeters of mercury or higher on two or more occasions.
The doctor will use a sphygmomanometer to measure your blood pressure using a cuff around your arm and a gauge. In addition, your doctor will ask you about your medical history, family history, lifestyle habits, and medications. In order to determine if there are any underlying causes or complications of hypertension, you may need to undergo some tests.
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Blood tests: To check for levels of cholesterol, glucose, electrolytes, kidney function, and other indicators of health.
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Urine tests: To check for protein, blood, or signs of infection in the urine.
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Electrocardiogram (ECG): To measure the electrical activity of the heart and detect any abnormalities or damage.
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Echocardiogram: To use sound waves to create an image of the heart and assess its structure and function.
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Chest X-ray: To check for enlargement of the heart or signs of lung disease.
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Ultrasound: To use sound waves to create an image of the kidneys and other organs and check for any problems or blockages.
Treatment of Hypertension
The goal of treatment for hypertension is to lower blood pressure and prevent or reduce the risk of complications. Treatment options may include:
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Lifestyle changes: These are the first line of treatment for hypertension and can have a significant impact on lowering blood pressure. Lifestyle changes include:
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Losing weight if you are overweight or obese
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Eating a healthy diet that is low in salt, fat, and cholesterol and high in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean protein
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Limiting alcohol intake to no more than one drink per day for women and two drinks per day for men
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Quitting smoking or avoiding exposure to secondhand smoke
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Exercising regularly for at least 30 minutes most days of the week
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Managing stress through relaxation techniques, meditation, yoga, or counseling
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Medication: If lifestyle changes are not enough to lower blood pressure, your doctor may prescribe one or more medications to help. There are many types of medications that can lower blood pressure, such as:
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Diuretics: These help the body get rid of excess fluid and salt through urine
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Beta blockers: These reduce the heart rate and the force of contraction
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Calcium channel blockers: These relax the muscles of the blood vessels and reduce the resistance to blood flow
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Angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors: These block the production of a hormone that narrows the blood vessels
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Angiotensin II receptor blockers (ARBs): These prevent the action of a hormone that narrows the blood vessels
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Renin inhibitors: These inhibit an enzyme that stimulates the production of hormones that raise blood pressure
Depending on your condition, age, medical history, and possible side effects, your doctor will select the right medication or combination of medications for you. Don't stop taking your medication without consulting your doctor, as this may cause your blood pressure to rise suddenly and dangerously. Follow your doctor's instructions carefully and take your medication as prescribed.
Prevention of Hypertension
The best way to prevent hypertension is to adopt a healthy lifestyle and avoid or control the risk factors that can cause it. Some tips for preventing hypertension include:
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Checking your blood pressure regularly and keeping track of your readings
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Following a healthy diet that is low in salt, fat, and cholesterol and high in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean protein
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Maintaining a healthy weight or losing weight if you are overweight or obese
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Limiting alcohol intake to no more than one drink per day for women and two drinks per day for men
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Quitting smoking or avoiding exposure to secondhand smoke
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Exercising regularly for at least 30 minutes most days of the week
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Managing stress through relaxation techniques, meditation, yoga, or counseling
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Seeking medical attention if you have any symptoms of hypertension or a hypertensive crisis
Leaving hypertension untreated can result in many complications and health problems. You can lower your blood pressure and improve your quality of life with proper diagnosis, treatment, and prevention. Consult your doctor before changing anything about your medication or lifestyle.
