High Blood Pressure (Hypertension)
What is High Blood Pressure?
High blood pressure, also called hypertension, is a medical condition in which the force of blood pushing against the walls of the arteries remains consistently too high. Over time, this increased pressure can damage blood vessels and vital organs such as the heart, brain, and kidneys.
Blood pressure naturally rises and falls throughout the day. However, when it stays high for a long period of time, it can lead to serious health complications.
How Blood Pressure is Measured
Blood pressure is measured using two numbers:
- Systolic pressure: The top number that measures pressure when the heart beats.
- Diastolic pressure: The bottom number that measures pressure when the heart rests between beats.
Blood Pressure Categories
- Normal: Less than 120 / 80 mmHg
- Elevated: 120–129 / less than 80 mmHg
- Stage 1 Hypertension: 130–139 / 80–89 mmHg
- Stage 2 Hypertension: 140 / 90 mmHg or higher
Symptoms of High Blood Pressure
Most people with high blood pressure do not notice symptoms. However, in some cases the following symptoms may occur:
- Frequent headaches
- Dizziness
- Shortness of breath
- Nosebleeds
- Chest pain
- Blurred vision
- Fatigue
Causes of High Blood Pressure
Hypertension can develop due to many different factors. In most cases, the exact cause is not clear.
Primary (Essential) Hypertension
This is the most common type of hypertension. It develops gradually over many years without a specific identifiable cause.
Secondary Hypertension
This type is caused by an underlying medical condition such as:
- Kidney disease
- Hormonal disorders
- Thyroid problems
- Sleep apnea
- Certain medications
Diagnosis of Hypertension
Doctors diagnose high blood pressure by measuring blood pressure multiple times over different visits.
Additional tests may include:
- Blood tests
- Urine tests
- Electrocardiogram (ECG)
- Kidney function tests
Treatment and Prevention
Treatment usually includes lifestyle changes and sometimes medication.
- Reduce salt intake
- Exercise regularly
- Maintain a healthy weight
- Stop smoking
- Limit alcohol consumption
- Manage stress
Conclusion
High blood pressure is a serious but manageable health condition. Early detection, healthy lifestyle choices, and proper medical care can significantly reduce the risk of complications and improve overall quality of life.
