Hypertension (High Blood Pressure)

What is Hypertension?

Hypertension, commonly known as high blood pressure, is a condition where the force of blood against artery walls is consistently too high. Blood pressure is measured in millimeters of mercury (mmHg) and recorded as two numbers:

• Systolic Pressure (top number): Pressure when heart beats
• Diastolic Pressure (bottom number): Pressure when heart rests between beats

Blood Pressure Categories

• Normal: Less than 120/80 mmHg
• Elevated: 120-129 systolic and less than 80 diastolic
• Stage 1 Hypertension: 130-139/80-89 mmHg
• Stage 2 Hypertension: 140/90 mmHg or higher
• Hypertensive Crisis: Higher than 180/120 mmHg

Common Symptoms

Hypertension is often called the "silent killer" because it usually has no symptoms, but watch for:

• Severe headaches
• Chest pain
• Dizziness
• Difficulty breathing
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Blurred vision
• Anxiety
• Confusion
• Buzzing in ears
• Nosebleeds
• Abnormal heart rhythm

General Management Approaches

Lifestyle Modifications

• Diet Changes: Reduce sodium intake, follow DASH diet
• Regular Exercise: At least 150 minutes of moderate activity weekly
• Weight Management: Maintain healthy BMI
• Limit Alcohol: No more than 1-2 drinks per day
• Quit Smoking: Smoking damages blood vessels
• Stress Management: Practice relaxation techniques
• Sleep Quality: Aim for 7-9 hours of quality sleep

DASH Diet Principles

• Plenty of fruits and vegetables
• Whole grains
• Lean proteins (fish, poultry, beans)
• Low-fat dairy products
• Limited saturated fats and cholesterol
• Reduced sodium intake (less than 2,300mg daily)

Medical Management

• Regular Monitoring: Home blood pressure checks
• Medications: May include ACE inhibitors, diuretics, beta-blockers
• Regular Check-ups: Monitor effectiveness and adjust treatment

When to Seek Medical Attention

Emergency Care Needed:

• Blood pressure reading higher than 180/120 mmHg with symptoms
• Severe chest pain
• Severe headache
• Difficulty breathing
• Visual changes
• Signs of stroke (weakness, difficulty speaking)

Schedule an Appointment:

• Blood pressure consistently above 130/80 mmHg
• Family history of hypertension
• Side effects from blood pressure medications
• Difficulty controlling blood pressure with current treatment

Risk Factors

Non-Modifiable Risk Factors

• Age (risk increases with age)
• Family history
• Race (higher risk in African Americans)
• Gender (men before 55, women after menopause)

Modifiable Risk Factors

• Obesity
• Sedentary lifestyle
• High sodium diet
• Excessive alcohol consumption
• Smoking
• Stress
• Sleep apnea
• Chronic kidney disease
• Diabetes

Potential Complications

• Heart Disease: Increased risk of heart attack and heart failure
• Stroke: Higher risk of both ischemic and hemorrhagic stroke
• Kidney Disease: Can lead to kidney failure
• Vision Problems: Damage to blood vessels in eyes
• Peripheral Artery Disease: Reduced blood flow to limbs
• Aneurysms: Weakened blood vessel walls

Prevention and Monitoring

• Get regular blood pressure screenings
• Maintain a healthy lifestyle
• Monitor blood pressure at home if recommended
• Take medications as prescribed
• Keep follow-up appointments with healthcare providers