How do you explain hypertension

It is a condition in which an individual’s blood pressure is unusually high. Such a person may be under a lot of psychological strain. If this situation persists, it may lead to a variety of additional serious health problems, such as heart disease, stroke, and so on.

Before diving into this subject, you should first learn a few basic but important phrases so that you can grasp the subject quickly.

Arteries – These are the blood veins that allow blood to flow to various sections of our bodies.

Blood Pressure – This is the force exerted on arteries as blood circulates through the body. Blood pressure is measured using a two-digit number. The first number (systolic) indicates the pressure in blood vessels when the heart contracts or beats.

Types of Hypertension

Primary or Essential Hypertension – This type of hypertension is usually encountered in adults, and there is no known or established reason for it. This symptom may appear as one gets older.

Secondary Hypertension – The blood pressure is higher in this scenario than in primary or essential hypertension. This type, on the other hand, is caused by a medical condition or drugs. Hypertension can be caused by kidney problems, thyroid problems, adrenal gland tumours, and drugs such as cold treatments, birth control pills, and painkiller overdose, among other things.

What are Hypertension Symptoms? 

There are times when a person’s blood pressure is elevated despite the fact that they have no symptoms. Few people, however, experience headaches, nosebleeds, or shortness of breath as symptoms. These symptoms, however, are not always present in such patients and may only appear when the disease is life-threatening or serious.

Reasons for Hypertension

Environmental factors and stress can both contribute to hypertension, resulting in symptoms in otherwise healthy people. However, an unhealthy lifestyle, including the eating of fatty foods, the use of alcohol, tobacco, and other substances, might cause this.

Symptoms of Hypertension

High blood pressure is asymptomatic, which means there are no obvious signs or symptoms. This is why high blood pressure is known as “the silent killer” since it can harm the cardiovascular system.

High blood pressure might also cause issues in the organs. A long-term sickness might develop to consequences like arteriosclerosis, a condition in which plaques form and constrict the blood arteries.

Blood pressure readings of 180 mmHg or more on the systolic side and 110 mmHg or more on the diastolic side could indicate hypertensive crisis, which necessitates emergency medical intervention.

Hypertension Diagnosis 

Using a medical tool known as a sphygmomanometer, it is simple to diagnose an individual’s blood pressure. To comprehend and identify the extent and causes of hypertension, three different readings are usually performed. Medical practitioners also employ blood testing, urine tests, ECG or electrocardiogram tests, renal ultrasound imaging, and other methods in this regard.

Treatment of Hypertension

• Because hypertension is frequently linked to obesity, it is critical to stick to weight-loss and exercise programmes.
• Foods high in LDL cholesterol, or low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, should be avoided.
• Vitamin D and calcium levels in your diet must be boosted.
• A well-balanced meal should include vegetables, fruits, low-fat dairy products, and entire grains.

What to teach a patient with hypertension

Hypertension is incurable. The ‘Silent’ nature of hypertension emphasises the importance of individuals monitoring their blood pressure or having their blood pressure monitored on a regular basis by a caregiver.

Even if we’re on blood pressure medication, lifestyle adjustments can help us control and avoid high blood pressure. Here are some options:

• Eat healthy foods
• Decrease the salt in your diet
• Maintain a healthy weight
• Increase physical activity
• Limit alcohol
• Don’t smoke
• Manage stress
• Monitor your blood pressure at home
• Practice relaxation or slow, deep breathing
• Control blood pressure during pregnancy

Conclusion

It’s never too early to start making healthy lifestyle choices like stopping smoking, eating healthier foods, and exercising more. These are the primary methods for preventing high blood pressure and associated consequences, such as heart attack and stroke. Hypertension awareness and treatment are inadequate over the world, resulting in an increase in mortality and morbidity due to uncontrolled hypertension.