Hypertension, or high blood pressure, is a long-term health condition affecting 1.4 billion lives worldwide. It develops quietly over time and may affect the body without noticeable signs in the early stages. Hypertension may lead to health challenges involving the heart, brain, eyes, or kidneys.
This article explains what hypertension is, blood pressure levels, common symptoms, causes, diagnosis, and more.
What is Hypertension?
Blood pressure is the pressure created when the heart pumps blood through the arteries. When this pressure stays consistently high over time, it can slowly harm the arteries and strain vital organs. This physiological condition is known as high blood pressure or hypertension.
Blood pressure is measured using two values, i.e., systolic (upper number) and diastolic (lower number). The systolic pressure represents the force during heartbeats, while the diastolic pressure reflects the force when the heart rests between beats. In other terms, systolic pressure represents the arterial flow, while the diastolic pressure represents the venous flow.
Blood Pressure Levels Explained
- Normal: Systolic below 120 mm Hg and diastolic below 80 mm Hg is considered a healthy range for most adults.
- Elevated: Systolic between 120 and 129 mm Hg, along with diastolic remaining below 80 mm Hg, may signal a potential future risk.
- Stage 1 Hypertension: Systolic between 130 and 139 mm Hg or diastolic between 80 and 89 mm Hg indicates the early stages of high blood pressure.
- Stage 2 Hypertension: Systolic at or above 140 mm Hg or diastolic at or above 90 mm Hg indicates more advanced hypertension.
Persistently high readings usually require medical assessment.
Types of Hypertension
Hypertension is categorised as either primary or secondary.
- Primary hypertension is more common and develops gradually with time, primarily due to genetics, lifestyle choices, diet preferences, or ageing. Making subtle yet effective lifestyle and dietary changes may help overcome primary hypertension.
- Secondary hypertension is caused as a side effect of various medical conditions or the use of specific medicines, such as birth control pills, antidepressants, and stimulants. It is generally experienced by younger individuals aged 18 to 40 and is characterised by sudden progression. It may also stem from adrenal gland disease, hormone abnormalities, and thyroid abnormalities.
Hypertension Symptoms
High blood pressure is often called a silent condition because many people notice no symptoms at first. Many people discover it only during routine health checks or after significant complications appear. That is why early monitoring is crucial for timely diagnosis. Some of the most common symptoms of hypertension to watch out for are:
- Headache (especially in the morning): Persistent or throbbing head pain during the day may be an early sign of elevated blood pressure.
- Dizziness or blurred vision: Sudden spells of light-headedness or blurred vision may occur when high pressure affects the arteries over time.
- Nosebleeds: Unexplained or frequent nosebleeds may indicate sudden spikes in blood pressure and require medical attention. It is often considered to be a severe symptom of hypertension.
- Chest pain: A tight or heavy sensation in the chest area may be related to increased pressure on the heart. It is often accompanied by related circulatory issues, such as atherosclerosis, manifesting as a severe symptom of hypertension.
- Shortness of breath: Difficulty breathing or feeling breathless during routine activities may indicate circulatory strain.
- Fatigue or confusion: Excess tiredness may occur when blood flow to the brain is affected.
Causes and Risk Factors of Hypertension
Several factors can raise blood pressure over time. Common reasons for high blood pressure include:
- High salt intake: Consuming salty or highly processed foods regularly may increase fluid retention, placing extra pressure on arterial walls and eventually leading to hypertension.
- Obesity or physical inactivity: Being overweight or being physically inactive increases the number of fat cells in the body. This forces the heart to work harder to pump blood under additional stress and increases the chances of hypertension.
- Smoking and alcohol consumption: Tobacco consumption, along with excess alcohol intake, may damage blood vessels and negatively impact blood pressure.
- Chronic stress: Prolonged mental strain may release hormones that constrict arteries and raise blood pressure levels.
- Kidney disease or hormonal disorders: Medical conditions, such as Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD), Glomerulonephritis, Polycystic Kidney Disease (PKD), and Renal Artery Stenosis, affect the kidneys and disrupt hormone balance. This may cause secondary hypertension.
- Family history of hypertension: A family member with high blood pressure may increase one’s likelihood of developing the condition.
- Ageing: Blood vessels naturally stiffen with age.
How to Diagnose Hypertension
Early diagnosis is fundamental in controlling high blood pressure and limiting complications. At the initial stage, individuals need regular blood pressure readings to diagnose high blood pressure. Since symptoms may not always be apparent, routine screening becomes instrumental. The diagnosis methods commonly employed are:
- Blood pressure monitoring: Frequent checks at home or in clinics help track patterns and confirm consistent elevation in blood pressure.
- Blood and urine tests: These are often conducted to detect signs of kidney issues, cholesterol imbalance, or other underlying causes that could contribute to high blood pressure.
- 24-hour ambulatory monitoring: A wearable device may be used to measure pressure throughout the day for more accurate results.
- ECG/Echo tests: These heart tests help assess if prolonged high pressure has affected the heart’s structure and/or circulatory function.
Complications of Uncontrolled Hypertension
If left untreated, high blood pressure may affect vital organs and systems. Long-term strain on the arteries may lead to gradual, subtle damage. Untreated high blood pressure can lead to serious health issues, such as:
- Heart attack and stroke: Persistent pressure may lead to blocked and narrowed arteries, which may reduce oxygen supply to the heart or brain.
- Aneurysm: Arteries may weaken and bulge due to prolonged strain, which may pose risks if a rupture occurs.
- Kidney failure: The filtering units in the kidneys may sustain damage, reducing their ability to remove waste and filter fluid effectively.
- Vision problems (retinopathy): High blood pressure may affect the tiny vessels in the eyes, possibly leading to blurry vision or sight loss.
- Memory or cognitive decline: Reduced blood supply to the brain over time may affect memory, focus, or problem-solving skills.
Treatment and Management of Hypertension
Managing high blood pressure usually involves lifestyle changes and, when necessary, medical interventions. Consistency and monitoring are central to long-term management.
Lifestyle Modifications
- Reduce salt and processed foods
- Maintain a healthy weight
- Stay physically active
- Manage stress through relaxation techniques
- Quit smoking and limit alcohol intake
Medications
Doctors may prescribe medications based on a thorough diagnosis, and the medications vary from case to case. Some common medications for hypertension include:
- Diuretics: They help remove excess salt and fluid from the body, which may reduce blood pressure by decreasing the overall volume of blood in circulation.
- ACE Inhibitors: These medicines relax blood vessels by blocking a hormone that constricts arteries, which may help lower pressure and protect kidney function over time.
- Beta-blockers: These work by slowing the heart rate and reducing the strain on the heart, which may lead to a drop in arterial pressure.
Prevention of Hypertension
Preventing high blood pressure starts with adopting a heart-healthy routine. These habits benefit not only those at risk but also individuals already managing their levels. Apply these measures to prevent high blood pressure:
- Follow a DASH diet: Eating more fruits, vegetables, and whole grains with less salt and saturated fat supports blood pressure control.
- Get regular physical activity (25 minutes/day): Daily movement helps reduce artery stiffness and supports heart function.
- Monitor blood pressure regularly: Tracking numbers at home may help detect early changes and encourage timely action.
- Maintain a healthy sleep routine: A consistent sleep cycle supports hormonal balance and stress recovery.
- Seek early medical advice for family history or risk factors: Regular consultations may help manage emerging signs early.
When to See a Cardiologist
It is important to seek expert advice when signs suggest possible hypertension or when existing symptoms begin to affect daily life. You should seek medical advice if you experience:
- Repeated headaches or dizziness
- Blood pressure above 130/80 mm Hg
- Chest discomfort or unexplained fatigue
Book an appointment with a senior cardiologist in Dubai for a dedicated approach to managing blood pressure.
Conclusion
Hypertension is a long-term condition that can be mitigated with early intervention. Making ideal lifestyle choices, routine monitoring, and timely medical support may reduce the risks that come with elevated blood pressure.
Staying informed and proactive about vascular health is the best way to preserve heart, brain, and kidney health for the future. Taking control of your blood pressure today can protect your heart, brain, and kidneys and ensure a consistent quality of life.
FAQs
1. How to know if you have hypertension?
Regular blood pressure checks are the most reliable way to identify hypertension, especially since early stages may have no symptoms.
2. What does a hypertension headache feel like?
It often feels like a dull or throbbing pressure, usually noticed in the morning.
3. What is the main cause of hypertension?
The most common cause of hypertension is unhealthy lifestyle choices, excessive stress, or genetic history.
4. What are the warning signs of hypertension?
Blurred vision, headaches, chest pain, nosebleeds, and fatigue are the foremost warning signs of hypertension.
5. Can high blood pressure be cured completely?
In most cases, high blood pressure may not be permanently cured. However, it can be effectively controlled with early diagnosis, lifestyle change, and regular monitoring.
6. What happens when blood pressure is high?
When blood pressure remains high, it may damage blood vessels over time, increasing the risk of complications involving the heart, brain, or kidneys.
7. Can lack of sleep raise blood pressure?
Yes, irregular or insufficient sleep may disturb hormonal balance and heart rhythm, leading to elevated blood pressure over time.
8. Does caffeine affect blood pressure?
Caffeine may cause a short-term blood pressure spike in some people, especially when consumed in large amounts or without regular physical activity.
References:
https://www.idosr.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/IDOSR-JES-51-19-28-2020.-P4.pdf
https://www.pakistanbmj.com/journal/index.php/pbmj/article/view/858/681
https://world-heart-federation.org/what-we-do/hypertension/
https://medlineplus.gov/genetics/condition/hypertension/#references