What is the definition of (Hypertension)?
High blood pressure, or hypertension, is when your blood puts too much force on your blood vessels. Over time, the high pressure can cause other health problems.
Blood flowing through the circulatory system is under pressure, similar to water in a home's plumbing. Just as excessive water pressure can harm pipes and faucets, high blood pressure can cause problems for your body.
How prevalent is high blood pressure?
High blood pressure is a significant issue for both men and women. Approximately 1 out of every 2 adult Americans suffers from high blood pressure. Many others are at risk of developing it. High blood pressure is particularly hazardous because it can go unnoticed for years. In fact, 1 in 3 Americans with this condition are unaware they have it.
Reasons and Risk Elements for Hypertension
High blood pressure risk factors
Many factors can lead to high blood pressure. Your diet plays a role. Too much salt, too little potassium, and too much alcohol have all been found to raise the risk of high blood pressure. Too much stress and too little physical activity both raise the danger of developing high blood pressure, as does being overweight or obese. And as with many chronic illnesses, high blood pressure tends to run in families, suggesting that genetics plays a role.
Consuming foods rich in salt, or taking medications such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (like ibuprofen and aspirin) or decongestants, can increase your risk of high blood pressure. Additionally, illegal drugs like cocaine can elevate blood pressure.
It is more prevalent if you are:
Black
Above 55 years old
Overweight
Inactive
Heavy alcohol drinkers
Smokers
High blood pressure and different health conditions
In certain individuals, high blood pressure is linked to other medical issues or can result from the side effects of specific medications. This type of condition is known as secondary hypertension because it occurs due to other health problems.
Various conditions can increase the likelihood of elevated blood pressure, including:
Heart issues affecting blood vessels
Adrenal gland disorders
Kidney disorders
Sleep apnea
Thyroid conditions
Use of illegal substances like cocaine or amphetamines
High blood pressure and medications
Certain medications that may elevate blood pressure include:
Birth control pills
Cold or allergy medications
Over-the-counter pain relievers containing caffeine
Some prescription medications also increase the risk of high blood pressure. Consult your doctor to determine if any medications you are taking might pose a higher risk of hypertension.
High Blood Pressure Diagnosis
High blood pressure is typically identified through the well-known blood pressure test, which uses a cuff placed around the upper arm. The cuff is inflated, and sensors then gauge the pressure of blood pulsating against your arteries.
Understanding your blood pressure readings:
Systolic blood pressure. This first number measures the pressure of your blood against your arteries when it beats.
Diastolic blood pressure. This second figure indicates the pressure when your heart is at rest between beats.
Understanding your blood pressure readings:
Normal. Your blood pressure is considered normal when it is below 120 over less than 80.
Elevated. Your blood pressure is considered elevated if the first number is between 120-129 and the second number is less than 80.
Stage 1 hypertension. You are classified as having stage 1 hypertension if the first number of your blood pressure is between 130-139 and the second number is 80-89.
Stage 2 hypertension. You have stage 2 hypertension if the first number is 140 or higher and the second number is 90 or higher.
Hypertensive crisis. Your
blood pressure measurement is a figure exceeding 180 over a figure exceeding 120.
Common variations in blood pressure
Normal blood pressure increases from around 64/40 at birth to approximately 120/80 in a healthy adult. If someone measured your blood pressure immediately after delivering a speech or running five miles, it would likely be slightly elevated. This isn't necessarily a cause for concern: It's normal for blood pressure to fluctuate with changes in physical activity or emotional state.
Indicators of High Blood Pressure
High blood pressure typically doesn't present any symptoms. The only way to confirm if your blood pressure is elevated is to have it measured. If you suspect you have high blood pressure or are at risk, it's wise to monitor it regularly.
If your blood pressure is extremely high, you might experience symptoms such as:
Severe headaches
Chest pain
Dizziness
Difficulty breathing
Nausea or vomiting
Changes in vision or blurred vision
Anxiety
Confusion
A ringing in your ears
Nosebleeds
Irregular heartbeat
Complications of High Blood Pressure
Many individuals with high blood pressure are unaware of their condition. It's often referred to as "the silent killer" because it seldom produces symptoms, even as it inflicts significant harm on the body.
Over time, increased pressure can lead to numerous issues. Small bulges, known as aneurysms, may develop in blood vessels. The heart might enlarge, heightening the risk of heart attack and heart failure. Damage to blood vessels in the kidneys can result in their failure. Since tiny blood vessels in the eyes are particularly susceptible to damage, hypertension can cause vision issues and even blindness.
If not addressed, hypertension can lead to severe complications, such as:
Vision issues
Heart attack
Stroke
Kidney failure
Heart failure
Consult your doctor to assess whether any of these symptoms could be harmful to your system.
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