Hypertension, or elevated blood pressure

Hypertension, or elevated blood pressure

A other name for it is hypertension. Blood pressing against artery walls with too much power is a sign of high blood pressure.

Millimeters of mercury (mm Hg) are the units used to express blood pressure. In general, blood pressure of 130/80 millimeters of mercury (mm Hg) or greater is considered to be hypertension.

Four broad categories of blood pressure are used by the American College of Cardiology and the American Heart Association. (Normal blood pressure is defined as being within the range.)

regular blood pressure. A 120/80 mm Hg or lower blood pressure reading.

heightened blood pressure. The bottom number is below 80 mm Hg, not over it, while the top number is between 120 and 129 mm Hg.

a stage 1 hypertension. The lowest value is between 80 and 89 mm Hg, while the maximum number is between 130 and 139 mm Hg.

hypertension stage two. Both the top and bottom numbers must be at least 90 mm Hg. or 140 mm Hg.

A hypertensive crisis or emergency is defined as blood pressure more than 180/120 mm Hg. Anyone with these blood pressure readings needs to get immediate medical attention.

Heart attack, stroke, and other major health issues become more likely when high blood pressure is left untreated. Starting at the age of 18, it's crucial to get your blood pressure monitored at least every two years. Some individuals need checks more often.

Healthy lifestyle choices, such as quitting smoking, exercising regularly, and eating healthily, may help both prevent and cure high blood pressure. To lower their blood pressure, some individuals require medication.

Symptoms

Even though blood pressure measurements might be quite high, the majority of persons with high blood pressure have no symptoms. 

There are a few high blood pressure sufferers who might:

Headaches

Hirway constriction

Nosebleeds

These signs are not particular, however. They often don't manifest themselves until high blood pressure has progressed to a serious or life-threatening level.

When to consult a doctor

The universal healthcare system should include blood pressure checks. Your age and general health will determine how often your blood pressure should be taken.

When you become 18 years old, high risk of developing high blood pressure.

If you have heart disease risk factors like high blood pressure, your doctor may advise getting your blood pressure checked more often.

At their annual checkups, children three years of age and older may have their blood pressure taken.

If you don't routinely visit a healthcare professional, you may be able to receive a free blood pressure check at a health resource fair or other places in your neighborhood. In certain businesses and pharmacies, you may also get a free blood pressure machine. A number of factors, like the right cuff size and machine use, affect how accurate these devices are. Inquire about utilizing public blood pressure monitors with your healthcare physician.

Causes

The quantity of blood the heart pumps and the difficulty of the blood's passage through the arteries are the two factors that influence blood pressure. Blood pressure rises in direct proportion to the amount of blood the heart pumps and artery narrowness.

High blood pressure often comes in two forms.

commonly known as critical hypertension, is a primary hypertension

High blood pressure doesn't often have a known cause in adults. Primary hypertension or essential hypertension are two names for this kind of excessive blood pressure. Over several years, it often develops gradually. The risk of high blood pressure rises with atherosclerosis, a buildup of plaque in the arteries.

Adverse hypertension

An underlying illness is the reason for this kind of elevated blood pressure. It often manifests quickly and raises blood pressure more so than basic hypertension does. Secondary hypertension may be brought on by the following conditions and medications:

tumors in the adrenal gland

Cocaine and amphetamines are prohibited substances.

a kidney condition

Sleep apnea that is obstructed

Thyroid issues

hazard elements

Numerous variables, such as the following, may cause high blood pressure:

Age. With aging comes an increased risk of high blood pressure. High blood pressure affects more males than women up to age 64. High blood pressure is more common in women beyond the age of 65.

Race. Black individuals are more prone to high blood pressure than other races. In contrast to white people, it starts to manifest in Black people early.

history of the family. If one of your parents or a sibling has high blood pressure, your chances of getting it are increased.

weight gain or obesity. The blood arteries, the kidneys, and other bodily organs alter as a result of excess weight. The blood pressure is typically raised by these changes. The risk of heart disease and associated risk factors, such as excessive cholesterol, is also increased by being obese or overweight.

a lack of activity. Weight gain may result from inactivity. The likelihood of having high blood pressure increases with weight gain. A higher heart rate is another characteristic of sedentary people.

Smoking or vaping tobacco. Blood pressure is quickly raised for a brief period of time by smoking, chewing tobacco, or vaping. The hardening of the arteries is accelerated and blood vessel walls are damaged by smoking tobacco. If you smoke, get advice from your healthcare professional on how to stop.

a surplus of salt. The body may retain fluids if there is a lot of salt, also known as sodium, in the body. Blood pressure is raised by this.

decreased potassium levels. Salt levels in the body's cells are balanced with the aid of potassium. Good heart health depends on having a balanced potassium intake. Low potassium levels might be the result of a diet lacking in the mineral or other medical problems, such as dehydration.

alcoholism in excess. Specifically among males, drinking alcohol has been associated with elevated blood pressure.

Stress. Temporary blood pressure increases may be caused by high amounts of stress. Blood pressure might continue to rise as a result of stress-related activities like eating more, smoking, or drinking alcohol.

certain long-term ailments. Some of the illnesses that might cause high blood pressure include kidney disease, diabetes, and sleep apnea.

Pregnancy. High blood pressure may occur during pregnancy sometimes.

Most often, people have high blood pressure. However, high blood pressure may also exist in children. Children's high blood pressure may result from renal or cardiac issues. But an increasing proportion of children are developing high blood pressure as a result of improper eating and inactivity.

Complications

High blood pressure damages blood vessels and internal organs by exerting too much pressure on artery walls. The harm increases with blood pressure and length of time without control.

Among the consequences that might result from uncontrolled high blood pressure are:

a heart attack or stroke. Heart attacks, strokes, and other difficulties may result from the hardening and thickening of the arteries brought on by high blood pressure or other conditions.

Aneurysm. A blood artery may weaken and swell, creating an aneurysm, as a result of elevated blood pressure. Life-threatening situations may arise if an aneurysm ruptures.

failing heart. The heart has to work more difficult to pump blood when blood pressure is high. The heart's pumping chamber's walls thicken as a result of the stress. Left ventricular hypertrophy is the medical term for this situation. Heart failure occurs when the heart's ability to supply the body with blood falls short over time.

a kidney condition. The kidneys' blood arteries may constrict or weaken as a result of high blood pressure. Kidney injury might result from this.

eyesight issues. A thickening, narrowing, or tearing of the blood vessels in the eyes might be a result of high blood pressure. Loss of eyesight might be the outcome.

metabolism syndrome. A variety of metabolic diseases together make up this syndrome. Sugar, commonly known as glucose, is broken down erratically in this process. Increased waist circumference, high triglyceride levels, low HDL cholesterol (the "good"), high blood pressure, and high blood sugar are all symptoms of the syndrome. Your risk of diabetes, heart disease, and stroke are increased by these disorders.

alters with understanding or memory. The capacity to think, remember, and learn may be hampered by uncontrolled high blood pressure.

Dementia. Blood flow to the brain may be constrained by clogged or narrowed arteries. An illness known as vascular dementia may result from this. Vascular dementia may result from a stroke that disrupts blood flow to the brain.