Understanding Hypertension and Its Management

Introduction

Hypertension, or high blood pressure, is a chronic medical condition where the force of blood against the artery walls is too high. If left uncontrolled, it can lead to serious complications, including heart disease, stroke, and kidney failure.

Causes and Risk Factors

• Genetics : A family history of hypertension increases risk.
• Unhealthy Diet : High salt intake, excessive alcohol, and poor nutrition contribute to hypertension.
• Obesity : Excess weight puts more strain on the heart.
• Lack of Exercise : Regular physical activity helps maintain normal blood pressure.
• Stress : Chronic stress can lead to persistent blood pressure elevation.

Symptoms

Hypertension is often called a “silent killer” because it may not cause noticeable symptoms. However, in severe cases, symptoms may include: - Headaches - Dizziness - Blurred vision - Chest pain

Diagnosis

Hypertension is diagnosed using blood pressure measurements. A reading above 130/80 mmHg is generally considered high according to the American Heart Association (AHA) guidelines .

Treatment and Management

1. Lifestyle Changes

• Healthy Diet : Follow the DASH diet (Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension), rich in fruits, vegetables, and low in salt.
• Regular Exercise : Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise per week.
• Reduce Salt and Alcohol : Limit sodium intake to less than 2,300 mg per day.
• Weight Management : Maintaining a healthy weight can reduce hypertension.

2. Medications

Common classes of antihypertensive drugs include: - Diuretics : Help the body get rid of excess sodium and water. - Beta-blockers : Reduce heart rate and workload. - ACE inhibitors : Help relax blood vessels. - Calcium channel blockers : Prevent calcium from entering heart muscle cells, lowering blood pressure.

Importance of Follow-Up

Regular doctor visits and home blood pressure monitoring help ensure effective hypertension management.

Conclusion

Hypertension is a serious but manageable condition. By adopting a healthy lifestyle and working with healthcare professionals, individuals can reduce their risk of complications and lead a healthier life.

Source recommendations

1. American Heart Association Hypertension Guidelines

1. https://www.heart.org/en/health-topics/high-blood-pressure
2. https://www.ahajournals.org/doi/10.1161/hyp.0000000000000065
3. https://www.heart.org/
4. https://professional.heart.org/en/science-news/2017-hypertension-clinical-guidelines
5. https://www.heart.org/en/health-topics/high-blood-pressure/understanding-blood-pressure-readings

2. European Society of Cardiology Hypertension Guidelines

1. https://www.escardio.org/Guidelines/Clinical-Practice-Guidelines/Elevated-Blood-Pressure-and-Hypertension
2. https://www.ejinme.com/article/S0953-6205(24)00238-3/fulltext
3. https://academic.oup.com/eurheartj/article/45/38/3912/7741010
4. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37345492/
5. https://www.acc.org/Latest-in-Cardiology/Articles/2024/02/05/11/43/2023-ESH-Hypertension-Guideline-Update