Blood Pressure

High blood pressure is defined as the presence of elevated blood pressure

High blood pressure is a prevalent condition, with a prevalence rate exceeding 30%. It is technically defined as a systolic blood pressure of 140mmHg or higher and a diastolic blood pressure of 90mmHg or higher. However, it is more accurately described as a progressive cardiovascular syndrome that is defined by the presence of elevated blood pressure to a level that increases the likelihood of target organ injury in multiple vascular beds.

Factors Contributing to High Blood Pressure:

If the rise in blood pressure occurs initially without any discernible cause, it is referred to as primary or essential hypertension. Secondary hypertension is the term used to describe the condition in which blood pressure is elevated due to the presence of other systemic causes. As follows, each of them has distinct causes.

Primary or essential hypertension (95%)

• Genetics
• Aging
• Obesity
• Sedentary Lifestyle
• Stress
• Type A Personality
• Drinking Alcohol in Excess
• Insulin Resistance
• Salt Sensitivity

Secondary hypertension (5%)

It is a consequence of a variety of diseases, including obstructive sleep apnoea, endocrinopathies, renovascular or renal parenchymal disorders, and tumors such as paraganglioma and pheochromocytoma.

Clinical characteristics of hypertension include:

Signs and symptoms

Until end-organ injury occurs, patients are typically asymptomatic. Consequently, hypertension is detected through routine blood pressure assessments. Coronary Artery Disease (Chest pain), Heart Failure (Difficulty in Breathing or pedal edema), Prior Stroke or Transient Ischemic Attacks (Dementia or focal deficits), Peripheral Artery Disease (Claudication), and Renal Disease are all symptoms of end organ injury.

High blood pressure diagnosis:

During periods of tension, fright, and flight, high blood pressure can also be a physiological phenomenon. It can also be exacerbated by the anxiety that is associated with consulting a doctor. Consequently, a diagnostic criterion is established to determine a pathological increase in blood pressure. The diagnosis of hypertension is confirmed by the documentation of an SBP of 140mmHg or a DBP of 90mmHg or higher, as determined by the average of two or more readings obtained during two or more visits.

Hypertension Management

Hypertension is not curable; however, it is highly treatable. The objective of treatment is to preserve the blood pressure at its optimal level in order to prevent any harm to the end organs.

Antihypertensive therapy is designed to decrease the morbidity and mortality associated with cardiovascular diseases that are caused by hypertension.

The management of hypertension necessitates significant lifestyle modifications. Reducing weight, ceasing smoking, reducing alcohol consumption, and engaging in regular exercise are all part of this program.

Medication is generally regarded as suitable for

• Patients under the age of 60 who have a systolic blood pressure (SBP) of 140mmHg or higher and a diastolic blood pressure of 90mm
• Patients aged 60 years or older with a systolic blood pressure (SBP) of 150 mmHg or higher and a diastolic blood pressure of 90 mmHg or higher

Prasosin, Enalapril, Labetalol, Sodium Nitroprusside, Telmisartan, Amlodipine, and diuretics are among the numerous medications that are employed to treat hypertension.

Hypertension-related complications include:

Therefore, what is the significance of recognizing and managing hypertension? It is crucial due to the life-threatening complications that are linked to prolonged hypertension. Some of them are as follows:

1. Coronary Artery Disease:

In layman’s terms, it is referred to as a heart attack. If the pressure in the blood vessels that supply blood to your heart is increased, it can lead to a reduction in the blood supply to your heart muscles, which can result in pain (angina), ischemia, or even the mortality of your heart muscle tissues (infarction).

2. Cerebrovascular Accident:

Stroke or cerebrovascular incidents are the direct consequence of extremely high blood pressure, which leads to the occlusion or rupture of the blood vessels in the brain, resulting in severe life-threatening situations.

3. Hypertensive encephalopathy:

An additional condition that impacts the brain.

4. Hypertensive Retinopathy:

Serious injury, including the potential loss of vision, can occur when the blood pressure in the vessels of the eyes increases.

5. Nasal Bleeding:

The blood vessels of the nostrils burst due to the increase in pressure, resulting in bleeding through the nose.

Preventive Actions:

1. Engage in consistent physical activity

By releasing the essential endorphins, approximately 30 minutes of vigorous walking three times a week can have a transformative effect on your body. Brisk walking is the act of walking at a cadence that is slightly slower than your maximum threshold. During a vigorous walk, it is essential that you are capable of maintaining a conversation without experiencing breathlessness.

2. Decrease Salt Consumption

The most effective method of maintaining optimal blood pressure is to limit salt intake in your diet.

3. Consume nutritious foods.

Refrain from consuming junk food and packaged food items, as the preservatives contain a high sodium content that could elevate your blood pressure.

4. Reduce Alcohol Consumption and Smoking

By altering your personal practices and reducing your consumption of alcohol and tobacco, you can decrease your risk of developing hypertensive complications.

5. Schedule routine blood pressure checks with your physician. Particularly if you are over the age of 40 or have a family history of hypertension.

Hypertension is associated with the development of heart diseases:

1. Heart ischemic changes 2. Left ventricular hypertrophy
2. Coronary artery disease
3. Angina pectoris
4. Myocardial infarction (heart attack)
5. Stroke (cerebrovascular) incidents

Myths and Reality

• Myth: High blood pressure is a common occurrence that does not require treatment.
• Fact: High blood pressure is a lifestyle disease that necessitates appropriate management to prevent systemic complications that may be as lethal as mortality.