Overview

hypertension, is a common medical condition where the force of blood against the walls of the arteries consistently elevated. Blood pressure is measured in two numbers: systolic pressure, which measures the force when the heart beats, and diastolic pressure, which measures the force when the heart is relaxed between beats. A normal blood pressure is considered to be less than 120 mm hg systolic and less than 80 mm hg diastolic (120/80 mm hg).
If a person's blood pressure consistently measures above 130/80 mm Hg, they are considered to have High blood pressure, Hypertension is a leading risk factor for cardiovascular disease - the world's biggest killer - and can also lead to other serious health complications such as stroke, kidney disease, and vision Ioss.

Symptoms

• 1. Headaches
• 2. Fatigue
• 3. Dizziness or lightheadedness
• 4. Shortness of breath
• 5. Nausea or vomiting
• 6. Chest pain or tightness
• 7. Blurred vision
• 8. Nosebleeds
• It's important to note that these symptoms are not exclusive to high blood pressure and can be caused other conditions, so it's important to talk to a healthcare provider if you are experiencing any of them aditionally, it's recommended for healthy adults to get their blood pressure checked at least once ever two years as part of a regular check-up

Causes

• Unhealthy lifestyle: Factors like lack of physical activity, being overweight or obese, having a poor die (including excessive salt, alcohol and caffeine), and smoking can lead to an increased risk of high blood pressure
• Age: As we get older, our blood vessels become less flexible and the risk of developing high blood pressure increases
• Genetics: High blood pressure can run in families, and certain inherited traits may contribute to its development.
• Chronic conditions: Certain chronic conditions, such as kidney disease, thyroid disorders, and sleep apnea, can increase the risk of high blood pressure.
• Medications: Certain medications, such as birth control pills, decongestants, and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs
• Stress:; Long-term stress or anxiety can lead to high blood pressure
• It is important to note that while managing some of these risk factors can help prevent hypertension,in some cases medication or other interventions may be necessary to bring blood pressure within a safe range.

Risk factors

• There are several risk factors that can contribute to hypertension,
• 1. Age: The risk of developing high blood pressure increases as you get older.
• 2. Family history: High blood pressure can also run in families
• 3. Lifestyle factors: Factors such as a sedentary lifestyle, a diet high in salt, alcohol intake, smoking, and stress can contribute to high blood pressure.
• 4. Obesity: Being overweight or obese can raise blood pressure
• 5. Pre-existing medical conditions: Chronic kidney disease, diabetes, and sleep apnea can contribute to high blood pressure
• 6. Race: African Americans are more likely to develop high blood pressure than people of other races.
• 7. Gender. Men are more likely to develop high blood pressure than women until age 65, after which the risk becomes more equal between the sexes
• It is always wise to consult a medical professional to understand your unique risk factors and develop a plan to manage complications.

Complications

• hypertension, is a chronic medical condition that can lead to many complications if left untreated or uncontrolled. Some of the potential complications of high blood pressure include
• 1. Heart disease - High blood pressure can lead to thickening of the arteries, which can cause heart disease and increase the risk of heart attack and stroke
• 2. Stroke - High blood pressure can damage the blood vessels in the brain, making it more likely for a person to suffer a stroke.
• 3. Kidney damage - High blood pressure can cause damage to the kidneys, resulting in reduced kidney function and an increased risk of kidney failure
• 4. Eye damage - High blood pressure can damage the blood vessels in the eyes, leading to vision problems and even blindness.
• 5. Peripheral artery disease - High blood pressure can cause the arteries in the legs and feet to become narrow and reduce circulation, leading to pain and other symptoms
• 6. Aneurysm - High blood pressure can cause the walls of the blood vessels to weaken, which can result in the development of an aneurysm

Prevention

• It is important to regularly monitor blood pressure and follow the recommended treatment plan to prevent and manage these complications
• 1. Maintaining a healthy weight: Being overweight or obese can increase the risk of high blood pressure.
• 2. Reducing salt intake: Eating too much salt can cause high blood pressure. Therefore, reducing the amount of salt in your diet can help prevent high blood pressure
• 3. Eating a healthy diet: A diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and low-fat dairy products can help prevent high blood pressure
• 4. Limiting alcohol intake: Drinking too much alcohol can cause high blood pressure. Therefore, limiting alcohol intake can help prevent high blood pressure.
• 5. Being physically active: Regular physical activity can help maintain a healthy weight, reduce stress, and improve overall health.
• 6. Managing stress: Chronic stress can contribute to high blood pressure. Therefore, finding ways to manage stress, such as through meditation or yoga, can help prevent high blood pressure
• 7. Quitting smoking: Smoking can increase blood pressure and lead to other health problems. Therefore quitting smoking can help prevent high blood pressure.

Extra Information

This article is done by Teryaq.info team with the help of
https://www.cdc.gov/bloodpressure/index.html

https://WWW.cmaj.com
https://mayoclinic.com
https://nimh.nih.gov