Hypertension, otherwise known as high blood pressure, is a condition in which the pressure in the arteries is elevated. In other words, high blood pressure shows a reading of 40/90 mmHg or even higher. Hypertension is regarded as a silent killer, as it once develops it remains for a long period and that too without displaying any symptom, thereby sometimes leading to conditions such as heart failure, peripheral vascular diseases, coronary heart diseases, and stroke. However, good news is that this condition is curable if diagnosed and treated at its early stage.
Causes of Hypertension
Depending upon its severity as well as causes, hypertension is classified into two such as primary hypertension and secondary hypertension. Primary hypertension, also known as essential hypertension, usually occurs without any specific reason and gradually develops over a number of years. In the case of secondary hypertension, it develops suddenly and is more severe when compared to primary hypertension. This type of hypertension is usually associated with conditions such as kidney dysfunction, tumors in adrenal gland, congenital heart problems, and the increased usage of drugs like cocaine. The causative factors of hypertension also include age, lifestyle, heredity, and obesity.
Symptoms of Hypertension
The symptoms of hypertension differ based on the severity and type of hypertension. Some of its common symptoms are:
Chronic headaches Vertigo Blurred vision Nausea and drowsiness Heart palpitations Shortness of breath Tinnitus Nosebleeds Frequent urination, especially during the sleep time
Hypertension Treatment
A number of drugs are now available to treat hypertension and lower blood pressure such as Angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors, Angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs), Diuretics, Beta-blockers, and Calcium channel blockers. The doctor prescribes these drugs after carefully diagnosing the type of hypertension as well as its causative factors. Once you start to take medication, it is recommended to visit your physician at least once in a month until your blood pressure level shows normal reading. Along with taking proper medications, it is also important to make some alteration in your lifestyle, like eating healthy diet, quitting smoking, and performing aerobic exercise on regular basis.
