High blood pressure, or hypertension, really has earned its reputational moniker of “silent killer.” That’s because it mostly just creeps up on the person and doesn’t make much of a fuss, while doing damage to really critical organs like the heart, brain, kidneys, and in fact even the eyes. Death from heart attack, stroke, and renal failure can result from that slow, steady buildup of damage over time. Global health organisations say that even more than a billion people worldwide are affected by high blood pressure-with many of them not knowing anything of the disease condition.
It gives the definition of hypertension, identifies its most common causes, and describes how to recognize the symptoms of high blood pressure that need immediate medical consultation.
What Is High Blood Pressure?
High blood pressure is in the constant flow of blood through arteries thus keeping blood pumped into different regions of the body by the heart. It consists of two phases, during the contraction of the heart(in systolic pressure) and during the period between heartbeats (diastolic pressure). The common example for normal blood pressure readings would be something like that of 120 over 80 mmHg.
High blood pressure is established when this pressure becomes elevated. Readings of at least 130 over 80 mmHg are usually judged to be elevated. Unless treated, high blood pressure can cause weakening of the arteries, such that the heart is subjected to extreme strain, leading to irreversible damage of the organs. High blood pressure is capable of masquerading itself for years without symptoms, so it is becoming vitally important to know what forces its formation.
Causes of High Blood Pressure.
So, what causes high blood pressure? High blood pressure is seldom attributable to a sole cause; it usually results from a coterie of lifestyle habits, medical problems, and genetic factors. One such reason that stands tall among its peers is an unhealthy way of eating, particularly one laden with salt. Excessive salt causes the body to retain water, which, in turn, increases the blood volume in the vessels; hence the pressure increases. Furthermore, a diet laden with processed foods and saturated fats worsens cardiovascular disorders.
Sedentary lifestyles are another reason; the heart must be kept strong and blood vessels flexible through regular exercise for easier blood flow. Inactivity tends to increase blood pressure.
Being overweight places surrounding strain on the heart. Obesity has an already-known association with hypertension, but even modest weight loss can yield measurable improvements in blood pressure.
Loss of the blood vessels due to smoking and alcohol, the second one that is consumed because of increased blood pressure with age. An individual can get long standing or chronic high blood pressure from chronic stress, even an unnoticed one.
Under temporary high blood pressure, this can be caused by hormones released during stress periods. When one occurs under continuous stress, the resultant phenomenon is continuous high blood pressure.
Genetic factors and aging are also some risk factors beyond control. It can be hereditary if high blood pressure is there in the family or increases real quick after the age of 60. Other diseases, such as the kidney diseases diabetes and sleep apnea, amongst others, are also linked to the many cases of raised blood pressure and additionally pose difficulties in managing the same.
Symptoms of Hypertension
The most dangerous aspect of high blood pressure is that it is often asymptomatic until the point when it becomes very severe. Many people do not even notice any different feeling within themselves and go on for years without detection.
In more advanced or complicated cases, or more especially during a hypertensive crisis, some of the symptoms may appear: they would be the headache worse from dizziness, blurred vision, or double vision; as well as shortness of breath. Others might have chest pain, fatigue, confusion, or an irregular heartbeat. Nausea or vomiting may occur at times.
You should immediately go to the hospital for emergency care if any of these symptoms develop, most importantly. Chest discomfort or difficulty in breathing. These could be the first manifestations of dangerously high blood pressure needing immediate intervention.
Preventive Measures and Healthy Living for Early Diagnosis:
High blood pressure may be an illness in many eyes, but still it can be prevented and treated. Regular physical check-ups for raised blood pressure can determine the patient’s well-being before any damage occurs. Dieting in moderation with respect to sodium and salt intake, keeping active, avoiding stress, quitting smoking, and refraining from too much alcohol use-all these contribute to maintaining healthy blood pressure.
If you have risk factors due to family history or age or have another medical condition with diabetes, it is best to frequently check your blood pressure. In most circumstances, maintaining good habits and taking certain prescribed medications may help control blood pressure.
High blood pressure should not, however, remain a silent threat. Knowing what entails high blood pressure and being able to recognize the signs and symptoms will ultimately allow you to take early action in protecting your heart and your health.