|  | | | | | Hypertension is defined as high blood pressure with blood pressure generally greater than 140/90 mmHg (millimeters of mercury). Hypertension (HIGH blood pressure), if uncontrolled, causes damage to various organs in the body resulting to other diseases.
The organs usually affected by hypertension are the following.
1. Heart - leads to heart attack and heart failure
2. Brain - leads to stroke and internal bleeding
3. Kidneys - leads to renal failure and the need for dialysis
4. Eyes - leads to blindness
5. Peripheral Blood Vessels - leads to peripheral vascular diseases like limping (claudication) and tissue death (gangrene).
Left untreated, the disease will progress and will eventually lead to death. Thus, it is important to know your blood pressure and how to manage it.
Who are at risk of having hypertension?
Though hypertension can develop anytime in an individual, in most cases, it does not occur solely by chance. Some are more prone to develop high blood pressure than others.
The following are some of the risk factors for hypertension:
Lifestyle:
- Smoking
- you have more than 10% above your ideal bodyweight
- regularly eating salty, fried or greasy food
- regularly taking alcoholic drinks (more than one ounce of alcohol) each day
- stress
- Sedentary lifestyle: you have a "sit-down" life style, without much physical activity at work or at home
Your background:
- you are a man above 35 years
- a close blood relative has high blood pressure or heart disease
Medical history:
- cholesterol level over 200 mg/dL
- diabetes, heart disease or kidney disease
- previous stroke
The more risk factors that you have, the higher your risk of having or developing high blood pressure and its complications. Act now and have your blood pressure taken! Prevention is your best protection from the Silent Killer.
What is blood pressure?
Blood pressure (BP) is the force created as your heart pumps your blood and moves it through the blood vessels. This continuous blood flow provides your body with the oxygen and nutrients it needs. Blood pressure is measured through a device called sphygmomanometer. A BP reading consists of two numbers - the top number (systolic BP) is the measurement of BP while your heart is pumping, while the bottom number (diastolic BP) is the measurement of your BP while your heart is at rest.
Normal BP is a
Systolic Pressure below 140 mmHg
Diastolic Pressure below 90 mmHg
BP normally fluctuates depending on the time of day, body position (sitting or lying down), mental stress and level of physical exertion. Thus, BP determination is standardized - at the left arm, sitting position, after 5 - 10 minutes of rest. Two or three BP levels are taken and the average is considered the final BP value.
How would I know if I am hypertensive?
You are HYPERTENSIVE if your blood pressure taken two or three times in a two-week period is consistently . . .
Systolic 140 mmHg and above
Diastolic 90 mmHg and above
Some people with hypertension rarely have symptoms.That is, they do not feel or see signs or symptoms of the disease. Thus, hypertension is designated as a "Silent Killer".
What dangers await hypertensive patients?
Individuals with high BP rarely have symptoms. Few complain of headache, nape pains or dizziness, which are usually mild and tolerable. Thus, hypertension is treated not only to relieve symptoms, but to prevent the development of target organ damage, which occur in those with chronic untreated, elevated blood pressure.
Dangerous Complications of Uncontrolled Hypertension
1. Stroke results when arteries in the brain burst (bleeding) or become blocked (thrombosis). Part of the brain dies and the patient becomes paralyzed
2. Heart Attack occurs when coronary arteries in the heart are blocked. The heart muscle dies, and may stop beating. Patient dies as a consequence
3. Heart Failure results when the heart pumps too hard for too long, trying to keep blood flowing through the body. Eventually, the heart weakens. The patient now tires easily and is always out-of-breath
4. Kidney Failure happens when tiny vessels in the kidneys are blocked. The kidneys malfunction and are unable to clean the body of wastes. Patient is slowly poisoned, becomes weak and bloated. Unless "dialyzed", the patient will die of poisoning from his own body wastes
5. Blindness or Impaired Vision occurs when tiny blood vessels in the eye rupture or become blocked, damaging the surrounding eye tissues
What do you do once hypertension sets in?
1. Know your blood pressure
Hypertension is a silent killer. You may feel no symptoms yet the body is slowly being destroyed by high blood pressure. Be aware of the risk! Have your BP checked regularly, at least once yearly. If your BP level is borderline or elevated (i.e., 140/90 mmHg and above), see your doctor. So together, you can make a plan to bring your BP under control.
2. Live a healthy lifestyle
A healthy lifestyle keeps you less likely to develop high blood pressure. You will also feel good knowing that you are protected from hypertension.
Through initially it may be hard to change your lifestyle and habits, a resolute determination, help from your friends and loved ones will make will make it easier to overcome the difficulties you may encounter along the way.
Ways for a healthy lifestyle
Exercise regularly
Watch your weight
Keep stress under control
Avoid salty and fatty foods
Avoid too much caffeine
Limit alcohol intake
Stop smoking
3. Take your medication
If you are consistently hypertensive despite undergoing a healthy lifestyle, your doctor will now prescribe a drug to combat your high blood pressure.
Medications can safely and effectively lower high blood pressure. Your doctor can explain the medication and its side effects. He will closely monitor how well it controls your blood pressure. Most people have few side effects after beginning their medication. However, if you feel different or worse after taking them, tell your doctor right away.
Types of medication
Diuretics eliminate excess fluids and salt
Beta-blockers keep your heart from pumping too hard
ACE inhibitors open up constricted arteries by lowering the level of a constricting substance angiothesin II (A II). Low A II results to lower BP as well as other beneficial effects to the heart.
* Calcium Antagonists decrease the level of calcium inside the blood vessels resulting to its relaxation and lowering of blood pressure.
Posted By: D. K. Mangusan Jr., PTRP
Topic Resources: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
National Library of Medicine (NLM)
Page Updated: March 8, 2007
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