Hypertension-Blood Pressure- types, management and treatment 

Introduction:

Hypertension, commonly known as high blood pressure, is a condition in which the force of blood against the walls of the arteries is consistently elevated, leading to serious health problems. According to the World Health Organization, hypertension is the leading cause of cardiovascular disease, which accounts for about 17.9 million deaths each year. We will discuss the causes, risk factors, symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment of hypertension. We will also explore lifestyle modifications that can help manage hypertension and prevent complications.

Hypertension is a chronic medical condition in which the blood pressure in the arteries is elevated i.e. 140/90 mmHg systolic/Diastolic. 

Systolic Blood Pressure( Pumping): 

● Maximum pressure during ventricles systoles. 

Diastolic Blood Pressure(Filling): 

● Maximum pressure during ventricles diastole.

  Pulse Pressure: 

● Difference systole and diastole blood pressure.

● High blood pressure has damaging effect on the heart, kidney, and eyes

Blood Pressure	Systolic Pressure	Diastolic Pressure
Normal	Under 120	Under(80)
Prehypertension	120- 139	80-89
Hypertension Stage 1	140-159	90-99
Hypertension Stage 2	Above160	100
Hypertension Crises	Above180	Above110

Types of Hypertension:

 Mainly two types of Hypertension.

❖     Primary Hypertension

❖     Secondary Hypertension

Primary or Essential Hypertension:

This is the most common type of hypertension, accounting for about 90-95% of all cases. The exact cause of primary hypertension is unknown, but it is believed to be the result of a combination of genetic and environmental factors. Lifestyle factors such as diet, exercise, and stress also play a role in the development of primary hypertension.

Secondary Hypertension:

This type of hypertension is caused by an underlying medical condition or medication. Some of the medical conditions that can cause secondary hypertension include kidney disease, sleep apnea, thyroid problems, and certain hormonal imbalances. Medications such as birth control pills, decongestants, and some antidepressants can also cause secondary hypertension.

Causes and Risk Factors

Causes of Hypertension:            

Hypertension can be caused by a variety of factors, including                                                                   1.Genetics: Hypertension can be inherited from parents or other family members 

2. Lifestyle: Unhealthy lifestyle choices such as a high-salt diet, physical inactivity, smoking, and excessive alcohol consumption can lead to hypertension. 

3. Medical conditions: Certain medical conditions such as sleep apnea, kidney disease, and thyroid disorders can contribute to hypertension.

4. Medications: Certain medications such as birth control pills, cold and flu medications, and some prescription drugs can cause hypertension.

 Risk Factors for Hypertension:

Several risk factors have been identified that increase the likelihood of developing hypertension. These include:

• ❖     Age: The risk of hypertension increases with age, particularly in those over 65 years old.
• ❖    Gender: Men are more likely to develop hypertension than women, although the risk for women increases after menopause.
• ❖    Family history: Hypertension tends to run in families, and people with a family history of hypertension are more likely to develop the condition.
• ❖    Obesity: Being overweight or obese increases the risk of hypertension.
• ❖     Race: African Americans are more likely to develop hypertension than people of other races.
• ❖     Chronic stress: Chronic stress can lead to hypertension.

 Symptoms and Diagnosis

Symptoms of Hypertension:

Hypertension is often referred to as the "silent killer" because it can be present for years without any symptoms. When symptoms do occur, they are often related to the complications of hypertension, such as heart attack, stroke, or kidney failure. Some of the symptoms that may indicate complications of hypertension include:

●       Chest pain

●      Shortness of breath

●       Headaches

●       Dizziness

●      Fatigue

●      Blurred vision

●       Nausea or vomiting

●      Diagnosis of Hypertension:

Hypertension is diagnosed through a blood pressure measurement. A blood pressure reading of 130/80 mmHg or higher is considered high. A healthcare professional will typically take two or more readings on different occasions to confirm a diagnosis of hypertension.

Treatment of Hypertension:

 Medications for Hypertension:

Several medications are available to treat hypertension, including:

➢    Diuretics: Diuretics help the body get rid of excess salt and water, which can help lower blood pressure Ex- Hydrochlorothiazide, chlorthalidone.

➢    Beta-blockers: Beta-blockers help reduce the workload on the heart by slowing the heart rate and reducing the force of contractions Ex- Atenolol, Propranolol, Metoprolol.

➢    ACE inhibitors: ACE inhibitors relax blood vessels, allowing blood to flow more easily, and lower blood pressure Ex- Captopril, Enalapril, Ramipril.

➢     Calcium channel blockers: Calcium channel blockers prevent calcium from entering the cells. EX- Verapamil, Diltiazem.