Approximately half of adults residing in the United States experience high blood pressure, a condition named the “silent killer” Despite around 80% of adults with high blood pressure receiving treatment recommendations, only about half of them follow through with the recommended treatment.
Individuals with normal blood pressure at age 55 face a 90% likelihood of developing high blood pressure at some stage of their lives. The prevalence of high blood pressure is twice as high among individuals with obesity compared to those without obesity
In this blog, we’ll delve into, causes, and management of high blood pressure symptoms, exploring how lifestyle choices can impact its management despite the challenges they may pose.
What is High Blood Pressure (Hypertension)?
High blood pressure, also known as hypertension, occurs when narrow arteries create more resistance for blood flow. This increased resistance leads to higher blood pressure levels. Over time, this elevated pressure can contribute to health problems like heart disease.
Hypertension is quite common, with nearly half of American adults possibly meeting the criteria for diagnosis since the guidelines changed in 2017. It often develops gradually over years without noticeable high blood pressure symptoms, yet it can still cause damage to vital organs such as the brain, heart, eyes, and kidneys.
Blood Pressure Readings
To measure blood pressure, a cuff is used, and it’s vital that the cuff fits correctly for an accurate reading. Using an ill-fitting cuff can lead to inaccurate results.
Blood pressure readings vary for children and teenagers. If you’re required to monitor your child’s blood pressure, consult their doctor for the appropriate healthy ranges.
Blood pressure readings for adults are categorized into five levels:
- Healthy: This range indicates a blood pressure reading of less than 120/80 mm Hg, which is considered normal.
- Elevated: This category includes systolic readings between 120 and 129 mm Hg and diastolic readings less than 80 mm Hg. Typically, elevated blood pressure doesn’t require medication but may prompt lifestyle changes.
- Stage 1 Hypertension: Here, systolic readings range from 130 to 139 mm Hg, or diastolic readings range from 80 to 89 mm Hg.
- Stage 2 Hypertension: This stage is characterized by systolic readings of 140 mm Hg or higher, or diastolic readings of 90 mm Hg or higher.
- Hypertensive Crisis: Blood pressure in this range, with systolic readings exceeding 180 mm Hg or diastolic readings over 120 mm Hg, requires immediate medical attention, especially if accompanied by symptoms like chest pain, headache, or visual changes.
Risk Factors for High Blood Pressure
Risk factors for high blood pressure encompass a range of lifestyle, genetic, and medical elements. Family history plays a crucial role, as individuals with a family history of hypertension are more likely to develop high blood pressure themselves. Age is another significant factor, with the risk increasing as individuals get older. Lifestyle choices such as a high-sodium diet, lack of physical activity, excessive alcohol consumption, and smoking contribute significantly to elevated blood pressure.
Furthermore, obesity and being overweight are also linked to higher blood pressure levels. Certain medical conditions like diabetes, kidney disease, and sleep apnea can also increase the risk of hypertension. Managing the risk factors can help prevent high blood pressure symptoms.
High Blood Pressure Symptoms
High blood pressure often presents without noticeable symptoms, earning it the moniker “the silent killer.”
It may only become apparent when the condition reaches severe levels, and even then, symptoms can be vague and attributed to other factors. Warning signs of severe hypertension may manifest as,
- Flushing
- Blood spots in the eyes
- Dizziness.
Contrary to popular belief, it typically does not cause nosebleeds or headaches unless in a hypertensive crisis. Regular blood pressure checks are crucial for detecting hypertension early, as symptoms may not be reliable indicators.
Doctors routinely measure blood pressure during appointments, but if you have annual check-ups only, discuss additional tests with your doctor to monitor your high blood pressure symptoms and overall cardiovascular health.
High Blood Pressure Diagnosis
Diagnosing high blood pressure typically involves taking a blood pressure reading, which is routinely done during doctor’s office visits. If your initial reading shows elevated blood pressure, your doctor may recommend additional readings over several days or weeks before confirming a hypertension diagnosis. This approach helps rule out temporary spikes caused by factors like stress or the environment.
Your doctor may also conduct further tests, such as cholesterol screenings, electrocardiograms (EKG or ECG) to assess heart activity, ultrasounds of the heart or kidneys, or 24-hour home blood pressure monitoring. These tests help identify any underlying conditions contributing to high blood pressure and assess potential organ damage.
Treatment & Management options
Treatment for high blood pressure typically involves a combination of lifestyle changes and medication. Lifestyle modifications can significantly reduce blood pressure and include:
Dietary Changes: Adopting a heart-healthy diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and low-fat dairy products while limiting saturated fats, cholesterol, and sodium can help manage high blood pressure.
Regular Exercise: Engaging in regular physical activity, such as brisk walking, cycling, or swimming, for at least 30 minutes most days of the week can lower blood pressure.
Weight Management: Maintaining a healthy weight through a balanced diet and exercise regimen is essential in managing high blood pressure, as excess weight can contribute to hypertension.
Limiting Alcohol and Smoking: Cutting back on alcohol consumption and quitting smoking can significantly reduce blood pressure and lower the risk of heart disease.
Medications
In addition to lifestyle changes, doctors may prescribe medications to control high blood pressure symptoms, including:
- Diuretics: These medications help the kidneys eliminate excess sodium and water from the body, reducing blood volume and thus lowering blood pressure.
- ACE Inhibitors and ARBs: These drugs relax blood vessels, making it easier for blood to flow and reducing blood pressure.
- Calcium Channel Blockers: These medications prevent calcium from entering heart and blood vessel cells, leading to relaxation of blood vessels and lower blood pressure.
- Beta-Blockers: These drugs reduce heart rate and the force of contraction, thereby lowering blood pressure.
It’s important for individuals with high blood pressure symptoms, such as headaches, dizziness, or visual changes, to seek medical attention promptly. Effective treatment can help manage symptoms and prevent complications associated with hypertension.
Conclusion
Managing high blood pressure is crucial as it can significantly impact your health and, in extreme cases, lead to fatal outcomes. Understanding high blood pressure is essential for maintaining good health. Regular monitoring, healthy lifestyle choices, and seeking medical advice are key.
Consult a healthcare professional if you are unable to manage your high blood pressure and join hypertension clinical trial to explore advanced treatment options and contribute to medical research.
