Understanding Hypertension: Symptoms, Causes and Treatment

Dr.Sukriti Bhalla, 4 mins read

Hypertension is known for silently eating up the overall well-being if proper care is not taken at the right time. The condition happens when the pressure in blood vessels rises up to 140/90 mmHg or higher.

As the blood pressure rises, the force of the blood pushing against the artery walls will also increase. This makes the heart job difficult. If this problem continues for a longer time, it can affect your heart health. 

Blood pressure is divided into 4 categories:

• Normal blood pressure: 120/80 mmHg or lower (ideal blood pressure).
• Elevated blood pressure: When the systolic BP is between 120 to 129 mmHg and the diastolic BP is below 80 mmHg.
• Stage 1 hypertension: When the systolic BP is between 130 to 139 mmHg or the diastolic BP is between 80 and 89 mmHg.
• Stage 2 hypertension: When the systolic BP is 140 mmHg or higher or the diastolic BP is 90 mmHg or higher.
• Hypertension Crisis: When the systolic BP is 180 mmHg or higher or the diastolic BP is 120 mmHg or higher.

Symptoms

As it occurs silently, it usually doesn’t produce noticeable symptoms. However, some can experience:

• Severe Headaches
• Blurring of vision
  
• Vomiting
  
• Chest Discomfort
  
• Dizziness
  
• Nosebleeds
  
• Difficulty breathing
  

However, these symptoms are not specific and may be observed when the condition has reached a severe stage.

Causes

When there is no identifiable cause, it is known as primary or essential hypertension. Obesity, insulin resistance, high salt intake, smoking, excessive alcohol consumption and a sedentary lifestyle are the risk factors for primary hypertension. 

When the cause is known, it is considered secondary hypertension. This usually happens because of an underlying condition or certain medications. Some of these conditions and medicines are:

• Kidney disease
• Pregnancy
  
• Adrenal gland tumour
  
• Obstructive sleep apnea
  
• Thyroid problems
  
• Usage of birth pills and some pain relievers

Treatment

Primarly Adviced Lifestyle modification which includes: 

• Exercise regularly
• Reduce salt intake
  
• Manage body weight
  
• Avoid or limit alcohol consumption
  
• Maintain a balanced and healthy diet
  
• Consider meditation, yoga and warm baths to reduce stress
  

Consult a cardiologist or your doctor and take prescribed medications timely and regularly. In case, primary adviced doesn’t help

Also, Read: Don’t Ignore These Silent Signs of a Cardiac Emergency