Hypertension or what is most commonly referred to as high blood pressure is a condition characterized by elevated blood pressure. It is classified into two types: essential (primary) or secondary hypertension.
Essential or primary hypertension is not caused by any medical condition. Secondary hypertension, on the other hand, shows elevated levels of blood pressure that happened as a result of another condition or disease. About 95% of patients have essential hypertension.
The blood pressure is measured by using a blood pressure cuff (sphygmomanometer). It is placed around the upper arm and inflated with an air pump. The instrument measures the blood pressure in mm Hg.
Constant attacks of hypertension can lead to major conditions such as stroke, heart attacks, and heart failures, to name a few. The normal blood pressure should be 120/80 mm Hg or below. If your blood pressure ranges from 121/81 mm Hg to 139/89 mm Hg, it is considered pre-hypertension and there is a big chance that you are at risk for developing hypertension. 140/90 mm Hg or above is already considered high.
There is no known cause for primary hypertension. However, different factors have been linked to its development. The number one factor is weight. Obese people have a higher risk of hypertension compared to those who have a balanced weight. Other factors include sodium intake/tolerance, rennin, insulin resistance, genes, and can also be age-related.
Since secondary hypertension is only a result of an underlying disease, there is also no identifiable cause for it. But these diseases, such as sleep apnea, licorice consumption, tumors, renal hypertension, adrenal hypertension, polycystic kidney disease, to name a few, can be factored in.
Although hypertension sometimes does not show any symptom, confusion, chest pain, severe headache, ear noise, irregular heartbeat, nosebleed, tiredness, shortness of breath, and blurred vision, can manifest. Because of this, hypertension is considered to be a silent killer.
Hypertension is diagnosed by measuring your blood pressure. If it is high, your doctor will give other tests to look for any signs of complications. Tests may include chem-20, ECG (echocardiogram), urinalysis or x-ray of the kidneys.
Treatment is done to lower the blood pressure. You may be given medicines to treat high blood pressure, among which includes, alpha blockers, beta-blockers, and diuretics. For very high blood pressure, you may be administered clonidine, diazoxide, and furosemide. Aside from medications, hypertension can also be controlled with certain lifestyle changes, like having a healthy and balanced diet.