Hypertension or high blood pressure is a major issue in both men and women. Blood pressure often rises as you age. Despite the fact that it can happen to younger people, the risk of high blood pressure starts to increase around the age of 45. A family history of high blood pressure or obesity also raises the risk.

It is considered dangerous as high blood pressure can go undiagnosed for years. In fact, those who have the condition are usually unaware of it.

Causes of Hypertension

Although the exact causes of Hypertension are unknown, a number of factors play a role in it. These are:

• Smoking
• Being overweight or obese
• Lack of physical activity
• Consuming too much salt
• Consuming too much alcohol (more than 1 - 2 drinks everyday)
• Stress
• Old age
• Genetics
• Family history
• Chronic kidney disease
• Adrenal and thyroid disorders
• Sleep Apnea

Types of Hypertension

There are two types of hypertension. The origin of hypertension is unknown in 95 percent of patients with high blood pressure; this is referred to be essential or primary hypertension. Secondary hypertension is a condition that occurs when a cause cannot be identified.

Essential Hypertension

Essential hypertension is the term used to describe a situation where Hypertension has no known cause. Despite the fact that it is still largely unknown, certain risk factors have been associated with Essential Hypertension. Men are more prone to develop high blood pressure than women, and the condition frequently runs in families. Race and age are further factors in this.

Diet and lifestyle choices have a significant impact on Essential Hypertension. It is particularly known that salt and high blood pressure are related. The highest frequency of Essential Hypertension is seen among residents of the northern islands of Japan, where people consume the most salt per capita.

Secondary Hypertension

Secondary Hypertension is the term used to describe the disease when a direct cause of high blood pressure can be determined. Kidney disease has become the most common cause of Secondary Hypertension. Moreover, tumors and other abnormalities that cause the adrenal glands (the small glands that sit on top of your kidneys) to secrete excessive amounts of the hormones that raise blood pressure can result in Hypertension. Pregnancy, the use of blood pressure-raising medicines, and birth control pills, particularly those that include estrogen, can all raise your blood pressure.

Symptoms of Hypertension

Even when blood pressure readings are at dangerously high levels, the majority of persons with high blood pressure show no symptoms. Years may go by while you have high blood pressure with no signs or symptoms. A few high blood pressure sufferers could have:

• Headaches
• Shortness of Breath
• Nosebleeds

But none of these symptoms are particular. The majority of the time, they don't show up until high blood pressure has become serious or life-threatening.

How to Manage Hypertension

Hypertension management involves both medication as well as lifestyle changes. Healthcare specialists will recommend a course of action plan to manage your Hypertension based on the reasons why you have high blood pressure, and any underlying illnesses you may have, etc.

Lifestyle Changes

You might be wondering if there are any natural ways to lower your blood pressure. Yes, it is possible to lower your blood pressure naturally in some circumstances. If you have increased blood pressure or stage 1 Hypertension, for instance, your doctor could advise starting with lifestyle changes.

Here are some tried-and-true methods for naturally lowering your blood pressure:

• Maintain a Healthy Weight- You can receive a target range from your healthcare professional.
• Adopt a Balanced Diet- The DASH diet is one example. This diet has lots of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and low-fat dairy products also.
• Cut Back on Salt- You should aim to consume no more than 1,500 mg of sodium per day. If at first you find this too challenging, start by lowering your daily intake by at least 1,000 milligrammes.
• Adequate Potassium- Incorporate 3,500 to 5,000 milligrammes into your diet each day, ideally through food rather than supplements. Bananas, avocados, and potatoes (with the skin) are a few examples of foods high in potassium.
• Exercise- To get started, ask your healthcare professional for advice. Start off slowly and increase your weekly aerobic exercise time to 150 minutes. Resistance training, such as using light weights is also beneficial.
• Drink in Moderation- Limit your alcohol consumption.

Medicines

When beginning treatment, four classes of blood pressure medications are considered "first-line" (the most efficient and frequently prescribed).

• Angiotensi- Converting Enzyme (ACE) Inhibitors- ACE Inhibitors prevent the body from making the hormone angiotensin II, which it used to regulate blood pressure. Your blood arteries don't narrow when the medication inhibits angiotensin II.
• Angiotensin II receptor blockers (ARBs)- ARBs prevent the same hormone from attaching to receptors in the blood vessels. ARBs function similarly to ACE inhibitors in preventing blood vessel constriction.
• Calcium- Calcium is prevented from accessing the muscle cells in your heart and blood vessels by calcium channel blockers, allowing these vessels to relax.
• Diuretics- Water or Fluid Pills reduce the quantity of fluid in your blood by flushing out excess sodium from your body. Diuretics are frequently taken in combination with other medications for high blood pressure, sometimes in a single pill.

To best control your blood pressure, your doctor may combine these first-line medications with other medications.

Some medications ought to be avoided while pregnant. So make sure to inform your healthcare provider if you are or think you might be pregnant.

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FAQs

What is the main cause of hypertension?

Usually, high blood pressure comes on gradually. Unhealthy lifestyle decisions, like not engaging in adequate physical activity, can contribute to this. One may be more likely to have high blood pressure if they are obese and have certain medical conditions, such as diabetes.

What are the 4 stages of hypertension?

The four phases of hypertension are normal (less than 120/80 mm Hg), high (over 130/80 mm Hg), and stage 1 (above 140/90 mm Hg). When you have a hypertensive crisis, your blood pressure dramatically rises. Your blood pressure is above 180/120 mm Hg at this point.

What is the treatment of hypertension?

Thiazide is the primary diuretic used to treat high blood pressure. Diuretics are frequently coupled with other medications for high blood pressure, sometimes in a single dose. Beta blockers assist in reducing the speed and force of your heartbeat. Your heart pumps less blood via your blood vessels as a result.

What is normal BP?

In Situations where the systolic and diastolic values are below 120 and 80, respectively, most people are deemed to have normal blood pressure.

Can a BP of 140 90 cause stroke?

Blood pressure readings between 120/80 and 140/90 mmHg on a regular basis are a sign that you may develop persistent hypertension and raise your risk of stroke.

What is the difference between BP and hypertension?

Blood pressure is a measurement of the pressure your heart exerts on your artery walls as it pumps blood throughout your body. High blood pressure is also referred to as hypertension. Numerous medical issues can result from untreated high blood pressure.