Hypertension is also known as high blood pressure (HBP). When we talk about blood pressure what we mean is the amount of force that pushes the blood through the arteries or veins. There are two forces. One occurs during the heart contraction where the blood is pumped out of the heart and into the arteries. This is known as the systolic pressure. The second force is created when the heart rests which is called the diastolic pressure. The systolic and diastolic pressures are represented by numbers.
For example: 120 <-- systolic pressure / 80 <-- diastolic pressure
120/80 mmHg is the ideal blood pressure for all. Those who have a blood pressure reading between 120/80 and 140/90 have what is known as Pre-hypertension while those who have readings at or above 140/90 have hypertension and need treatment.
According to the American Heart Association, there are certain groups that are at risk for high blood pressure such as women, children and those of African-American heritage. Additionally, if an individual’s parents or close relatives have HBP then they are likely to have HBP also. Aging and gender increases the chances of having high blood pressure. For example, men younger than 45 years old tend to have higher blood pressure than women of that age while women who are older than 65 years old tend to have higher blood pressure than men of that age. Lifestyle choices such as having a poor diet which includes consuming too much sodium and lack of exercising leads to hypertension and other issues like stroke and blood vessel disease. Being overweight and drinking too much alcohol also increases the risk for HBP.
There are other factors- stress, smoking and sleep apnea - that may contribute to HBP but so far scientists have not proven that these factors cause HBP.
What are the symptoms of hypertension?
According to the American Heart Association, most people may never experience any symptoms. Some people may think that symptoms such as sweating, facial flushing, dizziness, nosebleeds, and headaches would alert them to HBP but in fact these are not reliable indicators of HBP. This is why it is important to go to a doctor to get readings or regularly check your blood pressure with an at-home blood pressure monitor.
There are many complications that occur when a person has had HBP for a long time. Two common complications are heart attacks and heart failure. When a section of the heart muscle becomes blocked and the heart cannot receive oxygen a heart attack occurs. Heart failure happens when the heart cannot pump enough blood through the entire body. Other complications with HBP are: eye damage, cognitive changes and stroke. Blood vessels in the eye may burst leading to vision changes. Cognitive changes include memory loss, difficulty finding words and losing focus during conversations. Strokes happen when oxygen-rich blood cannot get to a portion of the brain because of blockage.
How can you prevent or reduce your risk of high blood pressure?
There several ways to prevent high blood pressure. Eat a diet that is low in sodium and rich in fruits, vegetables, beans, whole grains, and fish. Be sure to exercise 30 minutes a day on at least 5 days a week to maintain your weight, strengthen your heart and manage your stress levels as controlling all these aspects will help to prevent HBP. Avoid smoking and limit your alcohol intake. Sometimes a healthy lifestyle may not eliminate the need for medication to help with reducing HBP. Be sure to take medications prescribed for HBP correctly.
References:
The American Heart Association http://www.heart.org/HEARTORG/
http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/health-topics/topics/hbp/signs
