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Hypertension is common disorder whereby the blood pressure is abnormally high. Blood pressure is the combination of systolic (when the heart beats) and diastolic (when the heart is at rest) pressure. It's measured in millimeters of mercury (mm Hg). High blood pressure (or hypertension) is defined in an adult as a blood pressure greater than or equal to 140 mm Hg systolic pressure or greater than or equal to 90 mm Hg diastolic pressure.
High blood pressure directly increases the risk of coronary heart disease (which leads to heart attack) and stroke, especially when it's present with other risk factors. High blood pressure can occur in children or adults, but it's more common among people over age 35. It's particularly prevalent in African Americans, middle-aged and elderly people, obese people, heavy drinkers and women who are taking birth control pills. It may run in families, but many people with a strong family history of high blood pressure never have it. People with diabetes mellitus, gout or kidney disease are more likely to have high blood pressure, too.
What causes Hypertension?
The factors that can trigger hypertension are excess alcohol, obesity & stress. Other possible triggers are air pollution, perfume, tobacco smoke, food allergens (like coffee, chocolate, milk, sugar, salt, wheat & nuts). People with body mass index (BMI)) greater than 25 are more likely to develop high blood pressure..
In 90 to 95 percent of high blood pressure cases, the cause is unknown. In fact, you can have high blood pressure for years without knowing it. That's why it's the silent killer -- it creeps up on you. When the cause is unknown, you have what's called essential or primary hypertension. Factors that may lead to high blood pressure in the remaining 5-10 percent of cases, which are known as secondary hypertension, include:
Kidney abnormality
A structural abnormality of the aorta (large blood vessel leaving the heart) existing since birth
Narrowing of certain arteries
What are the likely symptoms of Hypertension?
Hypertension is often called a silent disease as it does not exhibit any distinctive symptoms. The only way to find out if you have blood pressure is to test for it, which is rather simple since many inexpensive home testing units are available nowadays.
If symptoms do occur they may include :
- Headaches
- Heart palpitations
- A tough time catching your breath after exertion
- Fatigue
- A flushed face
- Blurry vision
- Nosebleeds
- A strong need to urinate often (especially during the night)
- Tinnitus (a ringing or buzzing in the ears)
- Vertigo (feelings that you or the world is spinning dizzily)
If you have any of the above symptoms or combination of them, check your blood pressure immediately.
How to prevent Hypertension?
The risk of developing hypertension can be reduced by making the same changes recommended for treating hypertension:
- Reducing salt intake
- Reducing fat intake
- Losing weight
- Getting regular exercise
- Quitting smoking
- Reducing alcohol consumption, and
- Managing stress
What medications are used to treat Hypertension ?
Blood pressure level varies from person to person. Your doctor may prescribe medication based on your pressure level. Some medicines used to treat blood pressure include
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