Hypertension - The silent killer

Hypertension - The silent killer

Hypertension is another name for high blood pressure, which means blood pressure is higher than normal or in an elevated state. Hypertension tends to affect the working-age age group, which is often associated with workplace stress. If high blood pressure is left uncontrolled, sufferers can pose a huge burden on the healthcare system due to serious health problems. Hypertension is divided into two types, primary and secondary. Primary hypertension is high blood pressure that has no specific cause. However, certain diet medications may be suspect. Hypertension is not caused by tension or stress, although some believe it is. Secondary hypertension can be the result of an underlying or dormant disorder. It is estimated to affect more than 50 million Americans and is a leading cause of cardiovascular and kidney disease. It is also a leading cause of stroke, heart disease and kidney failure.

Hypertension can come in different forms and symptoms only appear when it is very high. It is common in the elderly and is often associated with cardiovascular vascular dysfunction. When excessive pressure is exerted against the blood vessel walls and persists for several weeks to months, high blood pressure is diagnosed. The pressure in the eye causes both retinopathy and eye complications. Hypertension can be a serious condition because it can damage many body organs, including the kidneys, eyes, and heart, among others.

Hypertension is the most autonomous and important risk of cardiovascular disease, as well as heart failure and even kidney failure. Other factors attributed to high blood pressure include high salt intake, obesity and genetic vulnerability. It can last for years and go undetected due to a lack of symptoms unless damage has occurred. It is a disease that can be a symptom of a dormant disease. The worst effects of high blood pressure are on the heart, kidneys, eyes and brain. Hypertension is a leading cause of death in adults, represents a major health problem and is the largest contributor to stroke, one of the major killers known to man.

Shortness of breath on exertion is the most common symptom of pulmonary hypertension, and virtually everyone who suffers from the disease develops it. Symptoms include mild fatigue, dizziness, fainting, fast heartbeat, swelling of the ankle or leg, bloating, tremors, hunched posture, slowness of movement, and muscle stiffness. Primary pulmonary hypertension occurs two times more often in women than in men over 35 years old. During pregnancy, primary hypertension may be most responsive to dietary calcium.

Diagnosis is made by physical examination and renal imaging or by measuring blood pressure. Almost every physical exam includes checking the patient's blood pressure. A doctor may suspect pulmonary hypertension in people with underlying lung disease. Portal hypertension is implied by the presence of known chronic liver disease such as an enlarged spleen.

Treatment varies depending on the stage of the disease. High blood pressure can be controlled with treatment, which may require regular adjustment. Treatment often involves weight loss and increased physical activity, but a doctor should also be consulted in cases of prehypertension. Hypertension is a very serious condition and should be taken seriously by both the patient and the doctor. It is commonly treated with medications that lower cardiac output and is controlled with medications, diet and lifestyle changes such as quitting smoking, lowering cholesterol and salt intake, and regular exercise. Treatment of patients with primary hypertension is usually directed at the underlying disease. Treating high blood pressure significantly reduces the risk of heart problems and stroke. Opening the blocked renal artery with or without a stent usually relieves high blood pressure.

Some patients may experience excessive daytime sleepiness, loud snoring, morning dry mouth or headache, chronic nasal congestion, irritability, depression, or impotence. Patients with diabetic nerve injury improve as their diabetes is better controlled. Patients who are overweight, have high levels of stress, and have high caffeine or alcohol consumption, smoke, or do not exercise regularly need to make lifestyle changes to reduce the risk of high blood pressure. Patients who experience an extreme drop in blood pressure at night and an extreme increase in the morning usually stay in the hospital overnight to quickly resume normal activities.

Inspired by Michael Russell