High Blood Pressure (Hypertension)
The pressure of the blood pushing against the artery walls is called blood pressure, also referred to as arterial blood pressure. This is the main measure of the health and function of the heart. It is measured in millimeters of mercury (mmHg). Hypertension is a condition that arises when the blood pressure is abnormally high.
Important Indicators When Measuring Blood Pressure
- HR (heart rate).
- Systolic (upper) pressure measures the pressure on the blood vessel walls when the heart beats or contracts.
- Diastolic (lower) pressure shows the amount of pressure in blood vessels during the period of relaxation of the heart muscle. It is usually high due to decreased tone and elasticity of the vessels.
Ideally, blood pressure should be 120/80 (mmHg). However, in medical terms, there is such a thing as working pressure. Each person has unique blood pressure reading, which does not affect the body and overall health, even if it is above the healthy range.
Symptoms of High Blood Pressure (Hypertension)
- headaches, mostly upon awakening in the morning
- nosebleeds
- subconjunctival hemorrhage
- cardiac arrhythmia
- blurry vision, eye floaters
- tinnitus
In most cases, an increase in blood pressure does not cause serious deterioration in health and may go unnoticed for years. For this reason, it is essential to regularly measure blood pressure, especially if you are 40 years or older.
An abrupt increase in blood pressure accompanied by a pronounced decline in well-being is called a hypertensive crisis. It often occurs when systolic pressure rises above 180 mmHg and/or diastolic above 120 mmHg. Other symptoms include weakness, nausea, vomiting, impaired consciousness, anxiety, fear, muscle tremors, and chest pain.
Causes of Hypertension (High Blood Pressure)
Chronic high blood pressure can develop gradually over time without an obvious cause. Alternatively, it can be triggered by other chronic diseases (such as type 2 diabetes).
Risk Factors for the Development of Hypertension (High Blood Pressure)
- diabetes
- smoking, alcohol abuse
- chronic stress
- vascular disease
- kidney disease
- thyroid dysfunction
- use of certain medications (including hormonal contraceptives)
- age over 40
Unfortunately, hypertension is a potentially dangerous condition. The disease affects target organs, such as the heart, brain, eyes, kidneys. The most serious complications of hypertension are heart attack and stroke.
High Blood Pressure Diagnosis at Lake Conway Primary Care
To diagnose hypertension, healthcare professionals use an inflatable cuff and an electronic manometer to measure blood pressure. Accurate diagnosis may require additional laboratory tests. Depending on symptoms and medical history, the doctor may also ask patients to monitor blood pressure levels at home.
How is High Blood Pressure Treated?
If the patient has mild hypertension, the treatment will be mostly aimed at lifestyle modifications.
- at least 7 hours of sleep each night
- body weight control
- limited salt intake
- dietary changes - avoiding foods high in carbohydrates and fats
- smoking cessation, reducing alcohol consumption
- physical activity
- stress control
- for women — rejection of oral contraceptives
But if your blood pressure remains high, you may need prescription drugs. The best defense against any disease, including hypertension, is early detection. Use this online booking form to request an appointment at Lake Conway Clinic.