Understanding High Blood Pressure (Hypertension)

Introduction

High blood pressure, also known as hypertension, is a chronic medical condition in which the force of the blood against the walls of the arteries is consistently too high. It is a major risk factor for heart disease, stroke, and other serious health conditions.

Common Causes of High Blood Pressure

1. Primary (Essential) Hypertension

• This is the most common type of hypertension and has no identifiable cause.
• It develops gradually over many years due to genetic and environmental factors.
• Risk factors include age, family history, obesity, and a sedentary lifestyle.

2. Secondary Hypertension

When high blood pressure is caused by an underlying health condition, it is called secondary hypertension. Some possible causes include: - Kidney Disease: Poor kidney function can lead to fluid retention and increased blood pressure. - Hormonal Disorders: Conditions like Cushing’s syndrome or thyroid dysfunction can lead to hypertension. - Obstructive Sleep Apnea: This condition can increase blood pressure due to frequent night-time oxygen deprivation. - Medications: Certain drugs, such as birth control pills, decongestants, and certain painkillers, may increase blood pressure. - Substance Abuse: Excessive alcohol intake or illegal drugs (such as cocaine) can lead to hypertension.

Lifestyle-Related Causes

Several lifestyle factors contribute to high blood pressure: - Excessive Salt Intake: Sodium increases water retention, raising blood pressure. - Lack of Physical Activity: A sedentary lifestyle weakens the heart and increases resistance in the arteries. - Obesity: Excess weight increases the heart’s workload. - Smoking: Nicotine temporarily raises blood pressure and damages arteries over time. - Stress: Persistent stress can contribute to high blood pressure.

Conclusion

High blood pressure often has no symptoms, making regular check-ups essential. Lifestyle changes and medications (if necessary) can effectively control it. To prevent hypertension, maintain a healthy diet, exercise regularly, and avoid smoking or excessive alcohol consumption.

Source recommendations

1. American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association Hypertension Guidelines

1. https://www.acc.org/Latest-in-Cardiology/Articles/2024/02/05/11/43/2023-ESH-Hypertension-Guideline-Update
2. https://www.ahajournals.org/doi/10.1161/hyp.0000000000000065
3. https://www.acc.org/Latest-in-Cardiology/ten-points-to-remember/2017/11/09/11/41/2017-Guideline-for-High-Blood-Pressure-in-Adults
4. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29133356/
5. https://www.ahajournals.org/doi/10.1161/CIRCULATIONAHA.121.054602

2. European Society of Hypertension/European Society of Cardiology Guidelines

1. https://www.escardio.org/Guidelines/Clinical-Practice-Guidelines/Elevated-Blood-Pressure-and-Hypertension
2. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37345492/
3. https://www.ejinme.com/article/S0953-6205(24)00238-3/fulltext
4. https://academic.oup.com/eurheartj/article/45/38/3912/7741010
5. https://www.eshonline.org/