Table of Contents
High Blood Pressure: Signs and Origins
When your blood vessel pressure is very high (140/90 mmHg or above), you have hypertension, or high blood pressure. Although frequent, if left untreated, it can become dangerous.
High blood pressure patients can not exhibit any symptoms. You can only find out by having your blood pressure measured.
The following are some factors that raise the risk of high blood pressure:
advanced age genetics
being obese or overweight not exercising excessively eating a high-salt diet using alcohol
Blood pressure can be lowered with lifestyle modifications such eating a healthier diet, giving up smoking, and increasing physical activity. It’s possible that some people still require medication.
Two numbers are used to represent blood pressure. The blood vessel pressure during a heartbeat or contraction is represented by the first (systolic) number. The pressure in the arteries during the heart’s resting heartbeat is indicated by the second (diastolic) number.
When blood pressure is checked twice and the systolic and diastolic values are ≥140 mmHg and ≥90 mmHg, respectively, on both occasions, hypertension is diagnosed.
Factors at risk
Unhealthy diets (heavy in trans and saturated fats, deficient in fruits and vegetables, excessive salt intake), physical inactivity, alcohol and tobacco use, and being overweight or obese are among the modifiable risk factors.
Age over 65, a family history of hypertension, and co-existing conditions like diabetes or kidney disease are examples of non-modifiable risk factors.
Signs and symptoms
The majority of hypertensive individuals experience no symptoms. In addition to other symptoms, extremely high blood pressure can induce headaches, impaired vision, and chest pain.
The easiest way to determine whether you have high blood pressure is to take your blood pressure. Untreated hypertension raises the risk of developing heart disease, stroke, and kidney damage, among other illnesses.
Symptoms of extremely high blood pressure, which is often 180/120 or greater, can include:
- Excruciating headaches
- Chest discomfort
- Lightheadedness
- Breathing difficulties
- Nausea vomiting blurry eyesight or other abnormalities in vision
- Unease
- Bewilderment
- Ear ringing nose bleeding
- Irregular heartbeat
Seek medical attention right away if you have high blood pressure along with any of these symptoms.
Having your blood pressure measured by a medical practitioner is the only way to identify hypertension. Measuring blood pressure is a simple and painless procedure. Even though anyone can use automated devices to check their own blood pressure, a medical professional’s assessment is crucial for determining risk and related problems.
Handling
Modifying one’s lifestyle can help reduce high blood pressure. Among them are:
following a nutritious, low-sodium diet, cutting weight, exercising, and giving up smoke.
Your physician might prescribe one or more medications if you have high blood pressure. Depending on the other medical issues you have, your suggested blood pressure target may change.
Less than 130/80 is the target blood pressure if you have:
Cardiovascular illness (stroke or heart disease)
Diabetes, or elevated blood sugar
Cardiovascular disease risk is elevated in chronic renal disease.
Less than 140/90 is the target blood pressure for most people.Â
There are numerous widely used blood pressure medications:
Enalapril and lisinopril are examples of ACE inhibitors that relax blood arteries and guard against kidney injury.
ARBs (angiotensin-2 receptor blockers), such as telmisartan and losartan, dilate blood arteries and shield the kidneys from harm.
Amlodipine and felodipine are examples of calcium channel blockers that relax blood arteries.
Diuretics, such as chlorthalidone and hydrochlorothiazide, remove excess water from the body, hence reducing blood pressure.
These modifications to lifestyle can help both prevent and treat high blood pressure.
Consume more fruits and vegetables.
Reduce your sitting.
Increase your level of physical activity by going for walks, runs, swims, dances, or strength-training exercises like lifting weights.
Engage in moderate-intense aerobic activity for at least 150 minutes per week, or 75 minutes per week for robust aerobic activity.
Engage in strength-training activities two or more times a week.
If you’re obese or overweight, lose weight.
As directed by your healthcare provider, take your medications.
Remember to keep your doctor’s visits.