What is Hypertension?
Hypertension is referred to as the “silent killer” as it does not exhibit any symptoms until the situation is serious.
Hypertension is not a disease but a symptom that leads to several other diseases.
The symptoms of hypertension are as follows:
- Confusion
- Buzzing of the ear
- Tiredness
- Headache
- Dizziness
- Irregular heartbeat
- Bleeding from the nose
- Nausea and vomiting
- Chest Pain
- Vision changes or blurring of vision
Hypertension might lead to:
- Heart attack
- Heart failure
- Kidney failure
- Damage to eye sight
- Brain Hemorrhage or stroke
- Progressive damage to heart and other organs
- Peripheral arterial disease leading to pain in the leg
Causes of Hypertension
The definite or exact causes of hypertension are unknown but the risk factors or the probable causes of hypertension are as follows:
- African American origin
- Obesity
- Stress or tension
- Excess salt in the diet
- Sedentary lifestyle
- Lack of physical activity
- Diabetes
- Family history of hypertension
- Smoking
- Excessive alcohol intake
- Atherosclerosis
- Diseases of the kidney
- Diseases of the aorta
- Drug abuse
- Thyroid disorder or Cushing’s syndrome
- Deficiency of Vitamin D
- Autoimmune conditions of the body like periarteritis nodosa
- Calcium, potassium, and magnesium deficiency
- Excessive consumption of tea or coffee
- Renal artery stenosis
- Medications like contraceptive pills, corticosteroids, medicine for migraine, steroids etc.
Diagnosis of Hypertension
Normal measuring of the blood pressure will give you an idea of your blood pressure.
Some clinical tests used to diagnose hypertension are:
- Blood tests
- Echocardiogram
- Electrocardiogram
- Urine analysis
- Ultrasound of various organs like kidneys etc.
Treatment/Management of Hypertension
Here are a few ways to treatment options for hypertension:
-
- Medications: Various medicines (beta blockers, ACE inhibitors) are available to keep hypertension under control
- Diet: Avoiding high salt, processed foods, and carbonated beverages can aid a better control of blood pressure levels.
- Exercise: Regular physical activity helps in regulating normal blood pressure levels.
- Lifestyle changes: Smoking and alcohol consumption can be avoided to manage your blood pressure levels
Hypertension is claiming lives of millions around the world and causing difficulty in the lives of many more. Some lifestyle changes and dietary changes not only prevent but also control the disease to a greater extent.
