The heart pumps oxygen-rich blood to various parts of the body via major blood vessels known as arteries. Blood pressure (BP) is the force applied by the blood on the walls of the arteries. BP is composed of two numbers: systolic BP and diastolic BP. The first number, systolic BP, is the BP while your heart is beating. The second number, called the diastolic BP, is the BP while your heart rests between the two beats. The normal reading of systolic and diastolic BP is 120/80 mmHg; hypertension is diagnosed when the systolic and diastolic reading is greater than or equal to 140 mmHg and 90 mmHg, respectively.
Globally, one in four people has hypertension. Around 3.5 billion people have BP levels greater than 110–115 mmHg, and 874 million people have systolic BP greater than 140 mmHg. There are >200 million hypertension patients in India. In India, hypertension is present in 25%–30% of the urban population and 10%–20% of the rural population.
Normal BP is lower than or equal to 120/80 mmHg. People with BP readings between 120/80 and 129/89 mmHg are considered as pre-hypertensives; these people do not have BP as low as it should be but are not considered to have hypertension.
There are two stages of hypertension:
Hypertension is known as a “silent killer,” and BP must be regularly measured because hypertension does not have any warning symptoms or signs, and many people do not realize they have high BP. Certain patients may develop heart or kidney problems without even knowing they have hypertension.
Few symptoms associated with hypertension include:
Causes
Secondary hypertension can be caused by an existing medical condition such as
Most people can prevent hypertension by making simple lifestyle changes such as
Usually, primary hypertension is symptomless; hence, it is advised to verify BP at regular intervals. For diagnosing hypertension, the doctor checks BP using a sphygmomanometer and a stethoscope. Nowadays, electrical sensors are available to verify BP. Moreover, the doctor verifies the family history, eating pattern, and physical activity of the patient. Patients are diagnosed with hypertension if they have consistent high BP in two or more readings at separate appointments. In addition to BP, patients with hypertension are verified for other factors. Blood tests are performed to verify whether kidney damage, high cholesterol, diabetes and thyroid problems may have caused raised BP.
A correct diagnosis of hypertension leads to a cure or considerable improvement in BP and reduces risks associated with hypertension.
Hypertension treatment aims to reduce BP that will ultimately decrease the risk of associated health problems. Before recommending any treatment, the doctor will consider various factors such as age, existing disease conditions, existing medications, and possible side effects.
Simple lifestyle changes may prevent and improve hypertension and decrease the requirement for antihypertensive medicines.
The treatment of hypertension includes lifestyle modifications through a healthy diet and regular exercise and medications to tame your blood pressure levels. If an underlying health condition is the cause behind hypertension, your prescription will also need to include medicines for it alongside blood pressure drugs. Common medications for hypertension include:
Beta-blockers
They work by bringing down the speed and force of your heart beats and impairing the functions of certain hormones that can increase your blood pressure levels.
Diuretics
High volume of sodium and excessive fluid in the body escalates the blood pressure level. Diuretics help in eliminating both.
ACE inhibitors
Chemicals known as angiotensin narrow down and tighten your arterial walls. ACE inhibitors prevents the synthesis of this chemical in the body.
Calcium channel blockers
These drugs prevent calcium from sneaking into your cardiac muscles, which, in turn, reduces the force of your heartbeat. This process brings down blood pressure levels.
Prognosis
Patients can easily control BP by making certain lifestyle changes and taking proper medications. The prognosis for hypertension depends on the duration and severity of hypertension and other existing conditions such as diabetes. Failure to control BP can increase patients’ risk for:
A popular option among patients is the use of complementary and alternative medicines for treating hypertension. However, it is always better to consult a medicinal practitioner before starting any treatment for hypertension.
Few alternative treatments for hypertension are as follows:
Dark chocolate
Dark chocolate derived from cacao bean is rich in flavonoids and polyphenols. The consumption of small quantities of dark chocolate can cause a reduction in BP and improve blood function.
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