Blood pressure is the force with which blood pushes against your artery walls. High blood pressure (HBP), also called hypertension, means that the pressure in your blood vessels is higher than it should be. Hypertension can develop over many years without showing any signs or symptoms; However, during this time, damage is done to your overall health. This condition thus gives the nickname 'silent killer'. Hypertension can be identified as primary (with no known cause) or secondary (with an underlying condition as the cause).
Hypertension increases the burden on your heart and blood vessels. Over time, this workload leads to damage to your artery walls. In turn, LDL (bad) cholesterol forms plaque along these damaged walls. Plaque formation is a condition known asatherosclerosis. As plaque builds up, the inside of the arteries narrows, which not only leads to higher blood pressure but also marks the beginning of a cycle that will further damage your heart and the rest of your body.
Are you worried that you have high blood pressure? We can help you book an appointment with a cardiovascular specialist in New Jersey.
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Causes of high blood pressure
Although the exact cause is unknown, certain conditions, traits, or habits may increase your risk for the condition. These are called risk factors. They include non-modifiable and modifiable risk factors.
Non-modifiable risk factors:These factors are irreversible and cannot be changed. The more of these risk factors you have, the greater your chance of developing HBP.
- From the age of 18, ask your doctor for a blood pressure measurement at least every two years. If you are 40 years or older, or if you are between 18 and 39 years old and are at high risk for high blood pressure, ask your doctor for a blood pressure test every year.
- Family history/genetics may play a role in whether you are at higher risk.
- African Americans and non-white Hispanic Americans are at a higher risk of developing high blood pressure than any other group in the United States.
Modifiable risk factors:These factors can be adjusted, treated or controlled through medication or lifestyle changes.
- Excessive alcohol consumption over many years.
- Little or no physical activity.
- Excessive amounts of salt in the diet, with the recommended amount being 1,500 to 2,300 mg of sodium per day.
- Long history of smoking and/or drug abuse.
- Extreme emotional stress.
Other conditions that contribute to the development of high blood pressure:
- Aldosteronisme:A condition involving excessive secretion of aldosterone, which disrupts the balance of sodium, potassium and water in the blood, leading to high blood pressure.
- End stage renal disease:A condition in which your kidneys no longer work properly and your body retains fluid.
- Thyroid disorder:A condition caused by over- or under-functioning of the thyroid gland; The thyroid gland is an essential organ for the production of thyroid hormones, which maintain the body's metabolism.
- Obstructive sleep apnea:A condition in which your breathing suddenly stops and starts while you sleep.
- Medicine:Certain medicines such as medicines for coughs, colds, inflammation and migraine/headache.
Symptoms of high blood pressure
Most people with high blood pressure have no signs or symptoms. But when blood pressure reaches a certain level, symptoms begin to appear:
- Blurred or double vision
- Stiffness/fainting
- Fatigue
- Headache
- Palpitations
- Bloody nose
- Shortness of breath
- Nausea and/or vomiting
Anyone experiencing these symptoms shouldmake a dealto see their doctor immediately.
Diagnosis of high blood pressure
The best way to diagnose HBP is to have it measured. A blood pressure reading, expressed in millimeters of mercury (mm Hg), has two numbers.
- Systolic blood pressure(the top number) indicates how much pressure your blood exerts on the artery walls during your heartbeat.
- Diastolic blood pressure(the bottom number) indicates how much pressure your blood exerts against your artery walls while the heart rests between beats.
Blood pressure measurements fall into four general categories. The American Heart Association guidelines are as follows:
- Normal blood pressure:A value of less than 120 (systolic)In80 (diastolic).
- Hypertension:A value from 120 to 129 (systolic)Inbelow 80 (diastolic).
- Trin 1 hypertension:A reading of 130 to 139 (systolic)of80 to 89 (diastolic).
- Trin 2-hypertensia:A value of 140 or higher (systolic)of90 (diastolic).
- Hypertensive crisis (consult your doctor immediately):A value higher than 180 (systolic)one of120 (diastolic).
If you have an electronic blood pressure monitor and want to measure your blood pressure at home, follow the American Heart Association guidelines:
- Don't smoke, drink caffeinated drinks, or exercise within 30 minutes before taking your blood pressure.
- Empty your bladder and ensure at least 5 minutes of quiet rest before the measurements.
- Sit with your back straight and supported (on a dining table chair instead of a couch). Your feet should be flat on the floor and your legs should not be crossed. Your arm should be supported on a flat surface (such as a table) with the upper arm at heart level. Make sure the bottom of the cuff is directly above the bend of the elbow. See the instructions on your screen for an illustration, or have your doctor show you how to do this.
- It is important to take the measurements at the same time every day, for example in the morning and in the evening.
- Take multiple measurements and record the results. Each time you measure, take two or three measurements one minute apart and record the results.
- Do not take the measurement over clothing.
Treatment of high blood pressure
The treatment of BPH depends on its severity and the associated risks of developing other diseases. Treatment options include lifestyle changes and medications.
Lifestyle changes
- Preventsmoking.
- Eat oneheart healthy diet, especially one that is low in salt.
- Exerciseaccording to your doctor's instructions.
- If you are overweight, discuss this with your doctorweight loss options.
- Limitingalcohol useup to 1 drink per day for women and 2 drinks per day for men.
- Controlspanning.
- Making and keeping agreementsto consult your doctor for routine checkups and follow-up examinations.
Medicine
- ACE inhibitors help blood vessels relax and open, leading to lower blood pressure.
- Angiotensin II receptor blockers help open blood vessels, leading to lower blood pressure.
- Beta blockers help lower your blood pressure.
- Alpha blockers help reduce the resistance of the arteries and relax the muscle tone in the vessel walls.
- Alpha-2 receptor agonists help lower blood pressure by reducing the activity of the sympathetic part of the involuntary nervous system.
- Calcium channel blockers help relax and open constricted blood vessels, lower heart rate and lower blood pressure.
- Combined alpha and beta blockers are used as an infusion for patients experiencing a hypertensive crisis.
- Central agonists help reduce the ability of blood vessels to constrict or constrict.
- Diuretic 'water pills' help reduce the amount of fluid retention in your body.
- Peripheral adrenergic inhibitors help lower blood pressure by blocking neurotransmitters in the brain.
- Vasodilators help relax the muscles in the blood vessel walls, allowing the blood vessel to dilate.
Are you in danger?
High blood pressure is a health condition that can have serious consequences. If you know you have high blood pressure or think you are at risk, don't wait and make an appointment with a cardiovascular specialist.
Request an appointment
