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Written By: Editorial Team | Published : May 17, 2016 1:25 PM IST
May 17this World Hypertension Day
Hypertension affects 1 billion people worldwide. It is the most common, easily detected and reversible risk factor for stroke, heart failure, atrial fibrillation, and coronary artery disease. About 90% of the hypertension cases have no known cause and are triggered by a host of factor including a genetic predisposition, high-stress levels, a sedentary lifestyle, poor dietary habits and obesity. The remaining 10% of the cases are often termed as secondary hypertension given that they are caused byanother pre-existing condition or disease.Though uncommon, if left untreated, secondary hypertension can cause complications and even death. Given the lack of awareness that exists about the medical condition, secondary hypertension often goes undiagnosed. It is important to remember that most conditions that cause secondary hypertension involve the overproduction of one of the body's hormones. (Read: 6 signs of severe hypertension you should NEVER ignore!)
Speaking about the same,Dr Manoj Kumar, Associate Director & Head - Cardiac Cath Lab, Max Super Specialty Hospital, Patparganjsaid, There are various diseases like diabetes, thyroid, polycystic kidney disease, glomerular disease, aortic narrowing, sleep apnea and obesity that cause secondary hypertension. High blood pressure may also be a side effect of medication, such as hormonal contraceptives and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory agents. Women are also found to develop secondary hypertension during pregnancy posing a risk to the life of both the mother and the child. Given its long-term impact on a person's overall health and well-being, it is important to educate the masses about secondary hypertension, its symptoms and treatment options. Timely intervention can control both the underlying cause and the high blood pressure caused due to secondary hypertension, thereby reducing the risk of serious complications including heart disease, kidney failure and stroke . (Read: Side effects of high blood pressure medication that everyone suffering from hypertension should know)
Adding to this, Dr. SK Agarwal, Senior Interventional Cardiologist, Kailash Hospital and Heart Institute, Noida said, Routine screening for secondary hypertension is not required unless one of the following symptoms are present: blood pressure greater than 180/110 mm Hg with its onset below the age of 25 or after 50, a family history of polycystic renal disease and/or enlarged palpable kidneys, suspected renal disorder, high blood pressure that does not respond to medication and a combination of headaches, palpitation, pallor and perspiration. An elevation of plasma creatinine with the use of ACE inhibitors is also indicative of secondary hypertension. Women on birth control pills who are over the age of 35, obese and/or smoke must also be educated about their heightened risk of secondary hypertension. On World Hypertension Day, it is important to raise awareness about both primary and secondary hypertension so that timely detection is encouraged and lives are saved. (Read: World Hypertension Day Youngsters, cut down junk food and exercise regularly to prevent hypertension)
If suspected of secondary hypertension, a doctor will ask you to take a blood test, ultrasound of your kidneys, urinalysis and an ECG. When confirmed, treatment for the underlying medical condition will be essential with medications or surgery. Once the underlying condition is effectively treated, secondary hypertension may decrease or even return to normal. Sometimes blood pressure control may be possible by making simple lifestyle changes such as eating healthy foods, increasing physical activity and maintaining a healthy weight. You may also be asked to take blood pressure medication in addition to the medicines required to treat the condition that caused hypertension in the first place. (Read: World Hypertension Day How your stress is killing you silently!)
Press release
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