Hypertension – What is it, Symptoms and Treatments!
Arterial Hypertension – What it is, Symptoms and Treatments of this complication. Also, High Blood Pressure occurs when there is an increase in blood pressure , which increases to unhealthy levels. Your blood pressure measurement takes into account how fast blood is passing through your veins and how much resistance the blood encounters as it pumps. Narrowed arteries increase resistance. The narrower your arteries, the higher your blood pressure .
In the long term, the increased pressure can cause health problems, including heart disease.
News of the week:
High blood pressure is quite common. In fact, 75 million Americans are living with the condition. High blood pressure can develop over several years. During these years, you may not notice any symptoms. Even without symptoms, high blood pressure can cause damage to arteries and blood vessels.
Causes of High Blood Pressure: There are two types of High Blood Pressure . Each type has a different cause.
Primary Hypertension: Primary hypertension is also called essential arterial hypertension . This type of hypertension develops over time with no identifiable cause.
Researchers are still unclear about which mechanisms cause blood pressure to slowly increase. A combination of factors can play a role. These factors include:
Genes: Some people are genetically predisposed to Hypertension . This could be from genetic mutations or genetic abnormalities inherited from your parents.
Physical changes: If something in your body malfunctions, you may start experiencing problems throughout your body. High blood pressure can be one of those issues.
For example, it is thought that changes in kidney function can disrupt the body’s natural balance of salts and fluids. This change can cause your body’s blood pressure to increase.
Environment: Over time, unhealthy lifestyle choices like lack of physical activity and poor diet can take a toll on your body. Lifestyle choices can lead to weight problems. Being overweight or obese can increase your risk of High Blood Pressure .
Secondary Hypertension: Secondary hypertension often occurs quickly and can become more severe than primary hypertension . Several conditions that can cause secondary hypertension include:
- Kidney disease;
- Obstructive sleep apnea;
- Congenital heart defects;
- Problems with your thyroid;
- medication side effects;
- Use of illegal drugs;
- Alcohol abuse or chronic use;
- Adrenal gland problems;
- Certain endocrine tumors.
Symptoms of High Blood Pressure: High Blood Pressure is usually a silent condition. Many people do not experience any symptoms. It can take years or even decades for the condition to reach levels severe enough for symptoms to become obvious. Even so, these symptoms can be attributed to other problems.
Symptoms of High Blood Pressure Include:
- Headaches
- Shortness of breathe
- nosebleeds
- Blush
- Dizziness
- Chest pain
- visual changes
- blood in urine
These symptoms do not occur in everyone with High Blood Pressure , but waiting for a symptom of this condition to appear could be fatal. The best way to know if you have High Blood Pressure is to get regular blood pressure readings . Most doctors’ offices take a Blood Pressure reading at every appointment.
Diagnosing High Blood Pressure: Diagnosing High Blood Pressure is as simple as taking a blood pressure reading . Most doctors’ offices check blood pressure as part of a routine visit. If you don’t receive a blood pressure reading at your next appointment, request one.
If your blood pressure is high, your doctor may ask you to have more readings over the course of a few days or weeks. A diagnosis of High Blood Pressure is rarely given after just one reading.
Your doctor needs to see evidence of a sustained problem. This is because environmental conditions can contribute to increased blood pressure . Also, blood pressure levels change throughout the day.
If your blood pressure remains high, your doctor will likely perform more tests to rule out underlying conditions. These tests include:
- Urine test;
- Cholesterol screening;
- Test your heart’s electrical activity.
These tests can help your doctor identify any secondary problems causing high blood pressure .
High Blood Pressure Treatments: High blood pressure is a disease that has no cure, but can be controlled to prevent complications, so it is important to measure regularly. Individuals diagnosed with Arterial Hypertension should measure blood pressure at least once a month, with a doctor’s appointment every six months to check the medication.
Treatment involves not only the use of antihypertensive drugs, but also the adoption of a new lifestyle, with physical activities and a balanced diet. Adherence to treatment and the adoption of healthy habits are considered the best remedies for hypertensive patients.
Some of the drugs used in the treatment of Arterial Hypertension are diuretics, angiotensin inhibitors, calcium channel inhibitors, vasodilators and others such as:
Hydrochlorothiazide;
- propranolo;
- Felodipine;
- Methyldopa.
Useful links:
Many of them contain severe side effects and need to be strictly recommended by a specialist doctor.