What is hypertension

Overview

One frequent ailment that affects the body’s arteries is high blood pressure. Another name for it is hypertension. The blood’s constant excessive force on the arterial walls is a sign of high blood pressure. To pump blood, the heart has to work harder.

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Millimeters of mercury, or mm Hg, are used to measure blood pressure. A blood pressure measurement of 130/80 millimeters of mercury (mm Hg) or greater is generally considered hypertension.

Blood pressure is categorized into four broad groups by the American Heart Association and the American College of Cardiology. Normal blood pressure falls under this category.

blood pressure that is normal. There is less than 120/80 mm Hg of blood pressure.

increased BP. The bottom number is below, not over, 80 mm Hg, while the top number varies from 120 to 129 mm Hg.

Hypertension in Stage 1. The lower value is between 80 and 89 mm Hg, while the upper number is between 130 and 139 mm Hg.

Hypertension in Stage 2. 90 mm Hg or more is the bottom number, while 140 mm Hg or more is the top number.

Any blood pressure reading more than 180/120 mm Hg is regarded as a hypertensive crisis or emergency. In the event that someone has these blood pressure values, get emergency medical attention.

High blood pressure raises the risk of heart attack, stroke, and other major health issues if left untreated. Beginning at age 18, it’s critical to have your blood pressure monitored at least every two years. Some folks require checkups more often.

Good diet, exercise, and quitting smoking are examples of healthy lifestyle choices that can both prevent and cure high blood pressure. Some people’s high blood pressure need medication.

Significance

Even when blood pressure measurements get to dangerously high levels, the majority of persons with high blood pressure do not exhibit any symptoms. Years might pass while you have high blood pressure and no symptoms.

A small percentage of hypertensive individuals may have:

Headaches

Breathlessness

nosebleeds

These symptoms aren’t particular, though. Usually, they don’t show up until high blood pressure gets to the point where it’s dangerous or life-threatening.

When to visit a physician

Screening for blood pressure is a crucial component of general healthcare. Your age and general health will determine how frequently you should have your blood pressure tested.

Beginning at age 18, get a blood pressure check from your physician at least every two years. Get your blood pressure checked annually if you are 40 years of age or older, or if you are 18 to 39 years old and at high risk of high blood pressure.

If you have high blood pressure or other heart disease risk factors, your care provider may advise more regular measurements.

As part of their regular physicals, children three years of age and up may have their blood pressure monitored.

You could be eligible for a free blood pressure check at a health resource fair or other community events if you don’t see a doctor on a regular basis. Certain pharmacies and retail establishments also provide free blood pressure monitors. A right cuff size and appropriate machine operation are two factors that affect these machines’ accuracy. Consult your physician for guidance on using blood pressure monitors in public places.

Reasons

The quantity of blood the heart pumps and the resistance of the blood’s passage through the arteries are the two factors that influence blood pressure. The blood pressure rises with the amount of blood the heart pumps and the narrower the arteries.

There are primarily two kinds of hypertension.

Essential hypertension, another name for primary hypertension

The majority of persons have high blood pressure for unknown reasons. Primary or essential hypertension are the terms used to describe this kind of elevated blood pressure. It usually takes several years to grow gradually. Atherosclerosis, or the formation of plaque in the arteries, raises the risk of hypertension.

Subclinical hypertension

An underlying ailment is the cause of this kind of hypertension. Compared to primary hypertension, it usually manifests abruptly and results in elevated blood pressure. The following diseases and medications have the potential to cause secondary hypertension:

tumors of the adrenal glands

Known also as congenital heart abnormalities, blood vessel issues that exist from birth

prescription medications, birth control tablets, certain painkillers, and cough and cold remedies

Illegal substances, such amphetamines and cocaine

renal illness

apnea obstructive sleeper

thyroid issues