bThe arteries in the body are impacted by the prevalent disease of high blood pressure. Additionally known as hypertension. The blood’s constant pressure on the artery walls is too high if you have Hypertension. To pump blood, the heart needs to work harder.
Millimeters of mercury, or mm Hg, are used to measure blood pressure. A heart pressure level of 130/80 millimeters of mercury (mm Hg) or greater is often considered to be hypertension.
The American Heart Association and the American College of Cardiology classify blood pressure into four broad categories. Normal heart pressure is considered to be ideal.)
Healthy blood pressure. At least 120/80 mm Hg for heart pressure.
High blood pressure. The bottom number is below, not over, 80 mm Hg, while the top number is between 120 and 129 mm Hg.
First-stage hypertension. The top number is in the 130–139 mm Hg range, while the lowest number is in the 80–89 mm Hg range.
Hypertension in stage 2. The top number is at least 140 millimeters of mercury, or the bottom number is at least 90.
A hypertensive emergency or crisis is defined to have a heart pressure reading of more than 180/120 mm Hg. If you or someone you know has these heart pressure readings, get immediate medical treatment.
Hypertension raises the risk of heart attack, stroke, and other major health issues if left untreated. Starting at age 18, it’s important to get your blood pressure monitored at least every two years. Some individuals need more regular examinations.
Hypertension may be prevented and treated with healthy lifestyle choices including quitting smoking, exercising, and eating healthily. Some individuals need medication to lower their heart pressure.
Symptoms
Even when heart pressure measurements are at dangerously high levels, the majority of persons with high blood pressure show no symptoms. Years may go by while you have Hypertension with no signs or symptoms.
A few high blood pressure sufferers might have:
- Headaches
- breathing difficulty
- Nosebleeds
These symptoms are widespread, however. They often don’t show up until high blood pressure has gotten to the point where it’s dangerous or life-threatening.
Whenever to see a doctor
Screening for Hypertension is a crucial component of general healthcare. Your age and general health will determine how often you should get your blood pressure tested.
Beginning at the age of 18, get a heart pressure check from your doctor at least every two years. Ask for a yearly heart pressure check if you are 40 years of age or older, or if you are between the ages of 18 and 39 and have a high risk of developing high blood pressure.
If you have Hypertension or other heart disease risk factors, your healthcare professional could advise getting your blood pressure checked more often.
As part of their regular exams, children three years old and older may have their heart pressure checked.
If you don’t visit a doctor on a regular basis, you may be able to receive a free blood pressure check at a health resource fair or another place in your neighborhood. Additionally, several shops and pharmacies provide free heart pressure equipment. The optimal cuff size and appropriate machine use are only two factors that affect how accurate these devices are. Obtain instructions about using public blood pressure monitors from your healthcare physician.
Causes
The volume of blood the heart pumps and the difficulty of the blood’s passage through the arteries both affect heart pressure. Blood pressure rises as the heart pumps more blood and as the arteries become more constricted.
The two basic kinds of Hypertension are as follows.
Essential hypertension is another name for primary hypertension.
For the majority of individuals, high blood pressure has no known cause. Primary hypertension or essential hypertension are the terms used to describe this form of excessive heart pressure. It often takes several years to grow gradually. Atherosclerosis, a buildup of plaque in the arteries, raises the risk of Hypertension.
Subsequent hypertension
Such high blood pressure is brought on by an underlying illness. It often manifests abruptly and raises heart pressure more than primary hypertension does. The following conditions and medications might cause secondary hypertension:
- tumors of the adrenal gland
- birth-related blood vessel issues, commonly known as congenital heart defects
- prescription medications such as birth control pills, painkillers, and cough and cold remedies
- illicit substances like cocaine and amphetamines
- kidney illness
- Obstructive snoring
- thyroid issues
Sometimes blood pressure rises just from receiving a physical. We refer to this as white coat hypertension.
Risk elements
There are various risk factors for Hypertension, including:
Age. As people age, their chance of having high blood pressure rises. Hypertension is more prevalent in males up to age 64. After the age of 65, women are more prone to have high blood pressure.
Race. Black folks are more likely than other races to have hypertension. Compared to white individuals, black folks experience it sooner in life.
Family background. If one of your parents or a sibling has hypertension, you are more likely to have it yourself.
Being overweight or obese. The blood arteries, kidneys, and other organs of the body alter as a result of excess weight. Frequently, these modifications raise blood pressure. Additionally increasing the risk of heart disease and its risk factors, such as high cholesterol, is being overweight or obese.
Absence of exercise. Lack of exercise may lead to weight gain. Hypertension risk increases with weight gain. Inactive people often have greater heart rates.
Either smoking or vaping. The sudden and temporary increase in heart pressure caused by smoking, chewing tobacco, or vaping. Smoking tobacco damages the blood vessel walls and Hastens the artery hardening process. Ask your healthcare professional for advice on how to stop smoking if you currently do.
Excessive salt. The body may retain fluid if there is too much salt, commonly known as sodium, in it. Blood pressure is raised as a result.
Low amounts of potassium. Salt homeostasis in the body’s cells is aided by potassium. For healthy hearts, potassium levels must be balanced properly. Low potassium levels may result from a diet low in the mineral or from other medical disorders, such as dehydration.
Overindulging in booze. Blood pressure has been related to drinking alcohol, especially in males.
Stress. High stress levels might cause a brief rise in heart pressure. Stress-related behaviors like eating more, smoking, or drinking alcohol may cause blood pressure to rise even higher.
A few enduring conditions. High blood pressure is a complication of several medical disorders, including kidney disease, diabetes, and sleep apnea.
Pregnancy. Sometimes, elevated heart pressure during pregnancy occurs.
Adults are most often affected by Hypertension. But hypertension may also occur in children. Kidney or cardiac issues might result in high blood pressure in children. However, an increasing number of children are developing Hypertension as a result of improper food and activity habits.
Complications
Hypertension damages vessels and internal organs by placing an excessive amount of pressure on the artery walls. The harm increases when blood pressure rises and remains uncontrolled for a longer period of time.
Uncontrolled hypertension may result in issues like:
Angina or a stroke. A heart attack, stroke, or other difficulties might result from the hardening and thickening of the arteries brought on by excessive heart pressure or other conditions.
Aneurysm. An aneurysm is a weakening and ballooning vessel that develops as a result of high blood pressure. A ruptured aneurysm may pose a risk to life.
A heart attack. Hypertension makes it more difficult for the heart to pump blood. The walls of the pumping chamber of the heart get thicker due to the strain. The term “left ventricular hypertrophy” refers to this ailment. Heart failure occurs when the heart can no longer adequately pump blood to satisfy the body’s demands.
Kidney issues. The arteries in the kidneys may constrict or weaken as a result of Hypertension. This could harm your kidneys.
Eye issues. Blood vessels in the eyes may become thicker, narrower, or torn as a result of high blood pressure. Loss of eyesight may come from this.
Syndrome metabolic. This syndrome is a collection of metabolic abnormalities. It entails glucose, a sugar, breaking down irregularly. The syndrome is characterized by a larger waist circumference, elevated triglyceride levels, lower HDL cholesterol (the “good”), elevated heart pressure, and elevated sugar levels. Diabetes, heart disease, and stroke are all illnesses that increase your risk of developing them.
Changes in memory or comprehension. Uncontrolled Hypertension may interfere with one’s capacity for thought, memory, and learning.
Dementia. Blood flow to the brain may be restricted by narrowed or obstructed arteries. Vascular dementia, a specific kind of dementia, may result from this. Vascular dementia may also be brought on by a stroke that cuts off the blood supply to the brain.