Hypertension, commonly known as high blood pressure, is a medical condition characterized by elevated blood pressure in the arteries. Blood pressure is a measure of the force exerted by the blood against the walls of the arteries as the heart pumps it around the body.
Blood pressure readings are usually given as two numbers:
1. Systolic pressure: This is the higher number and represents the pressure in the arteries when the heart beats and pumps out blood.
2. Diastolic pressure: This is the lower number and represents the pressure in the arteries when the heart is at rest between beats.
Normal blood pressure is typically considered to be around 120/80 mmHg (millimeters of mercury) or lower. Hypertension is often diagnosed when blood pressure consistently reads 130/80 mmHg or higher.
Types of Hypertension
1. **Primary (essential) hypertension:** This is the most common type of hypertension, and its exact cause is often unknown. It develops over time and is influenced by a combination of factors, including genetics, lifestyle, and age.
2. **Secondary hypertension:** This type of hypertension is caused by an underlying condition or medication. Conditions that can lead to secondary hypertension include kidney disease, adrenal gland tumors, thyroid problems, and certain congenital heart defects, among others.
Risk Factors
Several factors can increase the risk of developing hypertension, including:
- Age: Risk increases with age.
- Family history: Having family members with hypertension can increase the risk.
- Obesity: Being overweight or obese puts extra strain on the heart.
- Lack of physical activity: Not getting enough exercise can contribute to hypertension.
- Unhealthy diet: Consuming too much salt, saturated fats, and cholesterol can raise blood pressure.
- Smoking and alcohol consumption: Both can elevate blood pressure.
- Chronic stress: Prolonged stress can contribute to hypertension.
Complications
If left untreated or poorly managed, hypertension can lead to various complications, including:
- Heart disease and heart failure
- Stroke
- Kidney disease or failure
- Vision loss
- Peripheral artery disease
- Cognitive decline and dementia
Diagnosis and Treatment
Hypertension is often diagnosed through regular blood pressure screenings conducted by healthcare professionals. Treatment typically involves lifestyle modifications and medications.
1. **Lifestyle modifications:** These can include adopting a healthy diet (such as the DASH diet), regular exercise, limiting alcohol consumption, quitting smoking, and managing stress.
2. **Medications:** Various antihypertensive medications are available, including diuretics, ACE inhibitors, angiotensin II receptor blockers (ARBs), beta-blockers, calcium channel blockers, and others. The choice of medication(s) depends on the individual's blood pressure readings and any underlying health conditions.
Regular monitoring and management of hypertension are essential to prevent complications and maintain overall health. It's important to work closely with healthcare professionals to develop a personalized treatment plan that addresses individual needs and concerns.
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