As a family doctor, I often see patients with high blood pressure, also known as hypertension. This is a common condition that affects the body's arteries and can lead to serious health problems if left untreated. In this blog post, I will provide information on the causes, prevention, screening, management, and complications of hypertension.
Causes
Blood pressure is determined by two things: the amount of blood the heart pumps and how hard it is for the blood to move through the arteries. The more blood the heart pumps and the narrower the arteries, the higher the blood pressure. There are two main types of high blood pressure. Primary hypertension, also called essential hypertension, develops over time with no identifiable cause. Secondary hypertension is caused by an underlying condition, such as kidney disease or sleep apnea(1).
Prevention
There are several lifestyle changes you can make to prevent or manage hypertension. These include:
Maintaining a healthy weight
Eating a healthy diet that is low in salt and high in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains
Exercising regularly
Limiting alcohol consumption
Quitting smoking(2)
It's important to note that the line between normal and raised blood pressure is not fixed and depends on individual circumstances. While most doctors agree that the ideal blood pressure for a physically healthy person is around 120/80mmHg, the definition of high blood pressure has changed in recent years. According to new guidelines, normal blood pressure is under 120/80, whereas up until recently, normal was under 140/90. Elevated blood pressure (without a diagnosis of hypertension) is systolic blood pressure (the top number) between 120 and 129, which used to be a vague category called "prehypertension."(3, 4)
Symptoms
Hypertension often doesn’t show any symptoms, so regular check-ups are important. However, in some cases, people with hypertension may experience symptoms such as:
Screening
The only way to know if you have high blood pressure is to get your blood pressure checked regularly. Most doctors agree that the ideal blood pressure for a physically healthy person is around 120/80mmHg. If your blood pressure is consistently 140/90mmHg or above, you may have hypertension. (1, 3)
Management
If you are diagnosed with hypertension, your doctor may recommend lifestyle changes recommended above and/or medication to manage your blood pressure.(1)
If you are diagnosed with hypertension, it's important to follow up with your doctor regularly to monitor your blood pressure and adjust your treatment plan as needed. Your doctor may recommend that you check your blood pressure at home and keep a record of your readings. (1, 5)
Complications
If left untreated, hypertension can lead to serious health problems, including:
Heart attack or stroke
Aneurysm
Kidney failure
Vision loss
Sexual dysfunction(1)
In conclusion, hypertension is a common condition that can lead to serious health problems if left untreated. However, with lifestyle changes and/or medication, it can be managed effectively. If you are concerned about your blood pressure, please speak to your doctor about getting it checked.
References:
Mayo Clinic. (2022). High blood pressure (hypertension) - Symptoms and causes. Retrieved from https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/high-blood-pressure/symptoms-causes/syc-20373410
World Health Organization. (2023). Hypertension. Retrieved from https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/hypertension
MedlinePlus. (2022). High blood pressure in adults - hypertension. Retrieved from https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/000468.htm
Medical News Today. (2023). High blood pressure (hypertension): Symptoms and more. Retrieved from https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/150109
NHS Inform. (2023). High blood pressure (hypertension). Retrieved from https://www.nhsinform.scot/illnesses-and-conditions/heart-and-blood-vessels/conditions/high-blood-pressure-hypertension