Hypertension: A Comprehensive Guide
1. Definition
Hypertension, commonly known as high blood pressure, is a condition where the force of blood against the walls of the arteries is consistently too high.
2. Types
There are two main types of hypertension:
- Primary (essential) hypertension: This type develops over many years and the exact cause is often unknown.
- Secondary hypertension: This type is caused by an underlying condition, such as kidney disease, adrenal gland tumors, or certain medications.
3. Causes & Risk Factors
Causes and risk factors for hypertension include:
- Family history of hypertension
- Age (risk increases with age)
- Obesity or overweight
- Physical inactivity
- High salt (sodium) intake
- Low potassium intake
- Excessive alcohol consumption
- Smoking and tobacco use
- Stress
- Chronic kidney disease
- Adrenal and thyroid disorders
- Sleep apnea
4. Pathophysiology
The pathophysiology of hypertension involves:
- Increased peripheral resistance (blood vessel constriction)
- Increased blood volume
- Abnormalities in the hormones regulating blood pressure (renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system)
5. Symptoms
Most people with hypertension have no symptoms, but extremely high blood pressure can cause:
- Severe headache
- Shortness of breath
- Nosebleeds
- Dizziness
- Chest pain
6. Diagnosis
Diagnosing hypertension involves:
- Measurement of blood pressure using a sphygmomanometer
- Confirmation with multiple readings over time
- Assessment for target organ damage with blood and urine tests
7. Management & Treatment
Treatment for hypertension includes:
- Lifestyle modifications: Including dietary changes (DASH diet), weight loss, regular exercise, reduced sodium intake, moderation of alcohol consumption, and smoking cessation.
- Medications: Such as diuretics, ACE inhibitors, angiotensin II receptor blockers (ARBs), beta-blockers, calcium channel blockers, and others.
8. Transmission
Hypertension is not contagious and cannot be transmitted from person to person.
9. Complications
Complications of uncontrolled hypertension may include:
- Heart attack and heart failure
- Stroke
- Kidney disease
- Peripheral arterial disease
- Vision loss
- Dementia
10. Prevention
Preventing hypertension involves:
- Adopting a healthy lifestyle
- Maintaining a healthy weight
- Reducing sodium intake
- Exercising regularly
- Moderating alcohol consumption
- Not smoking
- Managing stress
11. FAQs
What is considered high blood pressure?
High blood pressure is typically defined as a systolic blood pressure (top number) of 130 mm Hg or higher and/or a diastolic blood pressure (bottom number) of 80 mm Hg or higher.
Can hypertension be cured?
While hypertension cannot usually be cured, it can be managed effectively with lifestyle changes and medications.
What is the difference between primary and secondary hypertension?
Primary hypertension develops gradually over many years and the cause is often unclear. Secondary hypertension is caused by an underlying condition.