High blood pressure is one prevalent condition that affects the arteries in the body. Another name for it is hypertension. High blood pressure is indicated by the blood’s continuous, excessive force against the artery walls. The heart has to work harder to pump blood.
Blood pressure is measured in millimeters of mercury, or mm Hg. A blood pressure measurement of 130/80 millimeters of mercury (mm Hg) or greater is generally considered hypertension.
Blood pressure is categorized into four broad groups by the American Heart Association and the American College of Cardiology. Normal blood pressure falls under this category.
Blood pressure that is normal. There is less than 120/80 mm Hg of blood pressure.
Increased BP. The bottom number is below, not over, 80 mm Hg, and the top number varies from 120 to 129 mm Hg.
Hypertension in Stage 1. The lower value is between 80 and 89 mm Hg, and the upper number is between 130 and 139 mm Hg.
Hypertension in Stage 2. 90 mm Hg or more is the bottom number, while 140 mm Hg or more is the top number.
Any blood pressure reading more than 180/120 mm Hg is regarded as a hypertensive crisis or emergency. In the event that someone has these blood pressure values, get emergency medical attention.
If untreated, high blood pressure increases the risk of heart attack, stroke, and other serious health problems. Beginning at age 18, it’s critical to have your blood pressure monitored at least every two years. Some folks require checks more frequently.
Good diet, exercise, and quitting smoking are examples of healthy lifestyle choices that can both prevent and treat high blood pressure. Some people’s high blood pressure need medication.
Symptoms
Even when blood pressure measurements rise to dangerously high levels, the majority of persons with high blood pressure do not exhibit any symptoms. Years can pass while you have high blood pressure and no symptoms.
A small percentage of hypertensive individuals may have:
Headaches
Breathlessness
Nosebleeds
These symptoms aren’t particular, though. Usually, they don’t show up until high blood pressure gets to the point where it’s dangerous or life-threatening.
When To See A Doctor
Screening for blood pressure is a crucial component of general healthcare. The frequency of blood pressure tests will depend on your age and overall health.
Beginning at age 18, get a blood pressure check from your physician at least every two years. Get your blood pressure checked annually if you are 40 years of age or older, or if you are 18 to 39 years old and at high risk of high blood pressure.
If you have high blood pressure or other heart disease risk factors, your care provider may advise more regular readings.
As part of their yearly physicals, children three years of age and up may have their blood pressure monitored.
You might be eligible for a free blood pressure check at a health resource fair or other community events if you don’t see a doctor on a regular basis. Certain pharmacies and retail establishments also provide free blood pressure monitors. A correct cuff size and proper machine use are two factors that affect these machines’ accuracy. Consult your physician for guidance on using blood pressure monitors in public places.
Causes
The quantity of blood the heart pumps and the resistance of the blood’s passage through the arteries are the two factors that influence blood pressure. The blood pressure rises with the amount of blood the heart pumps and the narrower the arteries.
There are primarily two kinds of hypertension.
Known also as essential hypertension, primary hypertension
The majority of persons have high blood pressure for unknown reasons. Primary or essential hypertension are the terms used to describe this kind of elevated blood pressure. It usually takes many years to develop gradually. Atherosclerosis, or the formation of plaque in the arteries, raises the risk of hypertension.
Supplementary Hypertension
An underlying ailment is the cause of this kind of hypertension. Compared to primary hypertension, it usually manifests abruptly and results in elevated blood pressure. The following diseases and medications have the potential to cause secondary hypertension:
Tumors of the adrenal glands
Known also as congenital heart abnormalities, blood vessel issues that exist from birth
Prescription medications, birth control tablets, certain painkillers, and cough and cold remedies
Illegal substances, such amphetamines and cocaine
Renal illness
Apnea obstructive sleeper
thyroid issues
Occasionally, merely undergoing a medical examination raises blood pressure. We refer to this as white coat hypertension.
Risk factors
There are numerous risk factors for high blood pressure, such as:
Years old. As people age, their risk of high blood pressure rises. High blood pressure is more common in men up to the age of 64.
Race.
Black persons are disproportionately likely to have high blood pressure. Compared to white people, Black people experience it sooner in life.
Background in the family
. If you have a parent or sibling who has high blood pressure, your chances of developing high blood pressure are increased.
Being overweight or obese. Being overweight causes changes to the kidneys, blood vessels, and other body organs. These changes generally result in elevated blood pressure. Obesity and being overweight increase the risk of heart disease and its associated risk factors, including high cholesterol.
Insufficient exercise
Gaining weight might result from not exercising. Elevated body weight increases the chance of hypertension. Additionally, inactive individuals typically have greater heart rates.
Usage of tobacco or vaping.
For a brief period, vaping, smoking, and chewing tobacco all cause blood pressure to rise quickly. Smoking tobacco damages the lining of blood vessels and hastens the artery-hardening process. Ask your healthcare professional for tips on how to stop smoking if you currently smoke.
An excessive amount of salt
Fluid retention may result from the body accumulating sodium, or salt. Blood pressure rises as a result of this.
low potassium concentrations.
Potassium aids in regulating the body’s cell salt content. Maintaining a healthy potassium balance is essential for heart health. Low potassium levels can result from specific medical problems, such as dehydration, or from a diet low in potassium.
Excessive alcohol consumption
Drinking alcohol has been linked to elevated blood pressure, particularly in men.
Tension
Elevated stress levels might cause a brief rise in blood pressure. Stress-related behaviors like binge eating, smoking, or drinking alcohol can raise blood pressure even more.
Several long-term ailments
A number of illnesses, including diabetes, sleep apnea, and kidney disease, can cause elevated blood pressure.
maternity. Pregnancy can occasionally raise blood pressure.
Most cases of high blood pressure occur in adulthood. However, high blood pressure can also occur in kids. Children’s high blood pressure might be brought on by heart or kidney problems. However, an increasing proportion of children’s high blood pressure cases are brought on by lifestyle choices like poor eating and inactivity.
Complications
Blood vessels and internal organs may sustain harm as a result of high blood pressure’s excessive pressure on the arterial walls. The more damage is done, the higher the blood pressure and the longer it remains uncontrolled.
Complications from uncontrolled high blood pressure can include:
Stroke or heart attack
A heart attack, stroke, or other issues may result from the arteries being harder and thicker as a result of high blood pressure or other circumstances.
Aneurysm
When a blood vessel weakens and enlarges as a result of excessive blood pressure, aneurysms may form. The risk to one’s life from an aneurysm rupture is substantial.
Heart breakdown
The heart must pump blood more forcefully when blood pressure is high. The heart’s pumping chamber walls thicken as a result of the strain.. We refer to this disease process as left ventricular hypertrophy. Heart failure results when the heart can no longer adequately pump blood to meet the body’s demands.
kidney-related issues. Renal blood arteries may weaken or narrow as a result of high blood pressure. This may cause harm to the kidneys.
Vision issues
High blood pressure can cause the blood vessels in the eyes to thicken, narrow, or tear. Loss of vision may come from this.
Syndrome of metabolism
This syndrome is a collection of metabolic problems in the body. It has to do with glucose, or sugar, breaking down erratically. Increased waist circumference, elevated triglycerides, lowered HDL (high-density lipoprotein, or “good”) cholesterol, elevated blood pressure, and elevated blood sugar levels are all associated with the syndrome. You are more susceptible to diabetes, heart disease, and stroke if you have these illnesses.
alterations in understanding or memory. Uncontrolled hypertension can impair one’s capacity for thought, memory, and learning.
Dementia
Narrowed or blocked arteries can limit blood flow to the brain. Vascular dementia is one kind of dementia that may result from this. Vascular dementia can also result from a stroke that stops the blood supply to the brain.