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Understanding Hypertension
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Types of Hypertension
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Symptoms of Hypertension
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Stress-Induced High Blood Pressure Symptoms
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Causes of Hypertension
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Hypertension Treatment and Management
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Treatment Goals
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What Helps Lower Blood Pressure?
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Precautions for Hypertension Patients
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Medications for Hypertension
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Frequently Asked Questions
Hypertension, commonly known as high blood pressure, is a chronic health condition characterized by elevated blood pressure levels compared to normal values. Although it may not significantly affect daily life in many individuals, it is a serious health issue that requires attention. The high prevalence of hypertension is often associated with factors such as population growth, aging, unhealthy diet, excessive alcohol consumption, physical inactivity, obesity, and chronic stress.
Understanding Hypertension
Hypertension refers to the increase in pressure exerted by the blood against the walls of the arteries. When measuring blood pressure, two values are considered: systolic (upper value) and diastolic (lower value).
- Systolic blood pressure reflects the force of the blood when the heart pumps it into the aorta.
- Diastolic blood pressure indicates the lowest pressure in the arteries when the heart is at rest between beats.
It is normal for systolic pressure to rise temporarily during physical activity, stress, or excitement. However, persistently elevated diastolic pressure may indicate an underlying health problem.
Types of Hypertension
Primary (Essential) Hypertension
In about 90% of hypertension cases, no specific underlying cause is identified. This condition is called primary or essential hypertension, often associated with genetic predisposition. Individuals with a family history of hypertension are at higher risk. Many patients with essential hypertension also exhibit salt sensitivity, meaning their blood pressure may rise more easily with salt intake.
Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension (PAH)
Pulmonary arterial hypertension is a rare, progressive disorder characterized by high blood pressure in the arteries of the lungs. It primarily affects young women and can lead to early mortality if left untreated. PAH often remains asymptomatic until advanced stages, with shortness of breath during physical exertion being one of the first noticeable signs.
To confirm a PAH diagnosis, the following assessments are recommended:
- Oxygen saturation tests
- Pulmonary function tests
- High-resolution computed tomography (HRCT)
- Ventilation-perfusion scan
- Cardiac catheterization
- Doppler echocardiography
Treatment approaches may include medication, lifestyle modifications, and in severe cases, lung transplantation.
Symptoms of Hypertension
Hypertension may develop silently over the years without noticeable symptoms. Therefore, regular health check-ups are crucial for early detection. Common symptoms include:
- Headache, particularly in the morning, often throbbing from the back of the head (nape area)
- Dizziness
- Nosebleeds
- Nausea and vomiting
- Blurred vision
- Ringing in the ears
- Shortness of breath
- Palpitations
Stress-Induced High Blood Pressure Symptoms
Chronic stress can significantly contribute to elevated blood pressure. Signs of stress-related hypertension may include:
- Headaches or dizziness
- Difficulty breathing
- Rapid heartbeat or palpitations
- Irritability or nervousness
- Sleep disturbances or insomnia
Causes of Hypertension
Several factors may contribute to the development of hypertension, including:
- Use of certain medications such as birth control pills, nasal sprays, or corticosteroids
- Chronic conditions like cardiovascular disease and diabetes
- Genetic predisposition and unhealthy lifestyle habits
- Obesity, high salt intake, and consumption of spicy foods
- Smoking, excessive alcohol, and high caffeine consumption
- Chronic stress and sedentary lifestyle
- Age-related changes, particularly isolated systolic hypertension in older adults
Hypertension Treatment and Management
Hypertension is diagnosed when blood pressure readings consistently measure 140/90 mm Hg or higher. Diagnosis involves:
- Medical history evaluation
- Physical examination
- Laboratory and instrumental tests
In certain cases, secondary hypertension may be present, accounting for about 5% of patients, and should be investigated carefully.
Treatment Goals
The primary aim of hypertension treatment is to reduce the long-term risks of cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. Target blood pressure levels are:
- Below 140/90 mm Hg for individuals under 80 years of age
- Below 150/90 mm Hg for those over 80 years
- For diabetic patients, more intensive control is recommended, targeting below 130/80 mm Hg
What Helps Lower Blood Pressure?
Effective blood pressure management requires a combination of lifestyle changes and, when necessary, medication prescribed by a healthcare professional. Beneficial lifestyle modifications include:
- Adopting a healthy, balanced diet (rich in vegetables, fruits, whole grains, low salt)
- Maintaining a healthy weight
- Engaging in regular physical activity (such as walking or swimming)
- Limiting alcohol and caffeine consumption
- Quitting smoking
- Practicing stress management techniques like yoga or meditation
- Ensuring sufficient sleep
Potassium-rich foods (such as bananas, spinach, and avocados) may also support blood pressure control.
Precautions for Hypertension Patients
Individuals with hypertension should pay attention to the following:
- Avoid a sedentary lifestyle; regular exercise is essential.
- Prefer seafood and olive oil-based meals over red meat, as seafood can help lower diastolic blood pressure.
- Follow the Mediterranean diet, which supports heart health.
- Limit consumption of smoked or grilled meats, which may contain harmful substances like polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs).
Medications for Hypertension
If lifestyle adjustments alone are not sufficient to control blood pressure, medication may be necessary. However, these treatments must always be supervised by a specialist.
Types of medications may include:
- Diuretics
- Beta-blockers
- ACE inhibitors
- Calcium channel blockers
- Angiotensin II receptor blockers (ARBs)
Frequently Asked Questions
What Should Someone with Hypertension Do During a Hypertensive Episode?
In the event of a sudden spike in blood pressure:
- Wash hands, feet, and arms with cool water.
- Taking a cool shower may also help reduce blood pressure.
- Drinking diluted lemon juice may assist in lowering blood pressure temporarily.
How Can Blood Pressure Be Lowered Naturally?
- Maintain a healthy diet with reduced salt intake.
- Engage in regular physical activity.
- Manage stress effectively.
- Ensure proper hydration and sleep.
- Quit smoking and limit alcohol consumption.
Which Organs Are Affected by Hypertension?
If left uncontrolled, hypertension may lead to serious complications such as:
- Heart attack
- Stroke
- Heart failure (due to thickening of the heart muscle)
- Kidney damage
- Vision loss
Regular monitoring and proper management are essential to prevent these risks.
* Contents of this page is for informational purposes only. Please consult your doctor for diagnosis and treatment. The content of this page does not include information on medicinal health care at Liv Hospital .
