Hypertension (high blood pressure) is defined when pressure in the blood vessels are very high (140/90 mmHg or even higher). There has been a significant genetic component to Hypertension. The heritability of...
Hypertension (high blood pressure) is defined when pressure in the blood vessels are very high (140/90 mmHg or even higher).
There has been a significant genetic component to Hypertension. The heritability of hypertension is estimated to be in the range of 30%-40%
There are also genetic determinants of target organ damage and vascular disease.
The blood flow is defined as: Pressure across the vascular bed/vascular resistance
Key Facts:
- An estimated 46% of adults with hypertension are unaware that they have the condition.
- Less than half of the adults (42%) living with hypertension are diagnosed and treated.
- Approximately 1 in 5 adults (21%) living with hypertension have it under control.
- Hypertension is considered to be a major cause of premature death worldwide.
Note: It may be seen that even though hypertension is common but can turn serious if it is not treated. Moreover, people may live with hypertension without any symptoms and only diagnosed once they get themselves checked.
Types of Hypertension and its causes
Primary Hypertension
This Hypertension results from a complex interaction of the genes and other environmental factors.
Blood pressure is usually seen to rise due to the following reasons:
- Aging
- Too much influence of western diet
- High Salt Intake
- Lack of exercise
- Obesity
- Too much Caffeine
- Lack of exercise
- Vitamin D deficiency
Secondary Hypertension
This hypertension usually results from an identifiable cause. The reasons are as follows:
- Kidney disease
- Cushing's syndrome
- Hyperthyroidism
- Hypothyroidism
- Acromegaly
- Conn's syndrome or hyperaldosteronism
- Renal artery stenosis (from atherosclerosis or fibromuscular dysplasia)
- Pheochromocytoma
Staging of Hypertension
- NORMAL: SBP less than 120 and DBP less than 80mmHg;
- ELEVATED: SBP 120 to 129 and DBP less than 80mmHg;
- STAGE 1 HYPERTENSION: SBP 130 to 139 or DBP 80 to 89mmHg;
- STAGE 2 HYPERTENSION: SBP greater than or equal to 140 mmHg or greater than or equal to 90 mmHg.
Where,
- SBP- Systole Blood Pressure
- DBP- Diastole Blood Pressure
Hormones and feedback mechanism
Rennin Angiotensin-aldosterone system contributes to the regulation of arterial pressure
This mechanism includes the following hormones:
- Angiotensinogen
- Angiotensin I
- Angiotensin II
- ATI1 receptor
- AT2 receptor
- Aldosterone
- Renin
- ACE-kinase ii
- Bradykinin
- Inactive peptides
Risk Factors of Hypertension
- Older age
- Genetics
- Being Obese or Overweight
- Not Physically Active
- High-Salt Diet
- Drinking excess Alcohol
Symptoms of Hypertension
High Blood pressure can cause symptoms such as:
- Headaches
- Blurred Vision
- Chest Pain
Untreated high blood pressure can lead to health conditions such as:
Patients with extremely high blood pressure (usually 180/120 or higher) can experience some symptoms including:
- Severe Headaches
- Chest Pain
- Dizziness
- Difficulty Breathing
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Blurred Vision
- Anxiety And Confusion
- Buzzing In The Ears Sound
- Nosebleeds
- Abnormal Heart Rhythm
Note: If you experience any of the symptoms as listed above and a high blood pressure, seek help from the doctor immediately.
Moreover, BP can be easily measured and monitored at home as well.
Diagnosis
Blood Pressure can be measured easily using the medical device- sphygmomanometer
Moreover, these are some typical tests that are performed:
|
System |
Tests |
|
Kidney |
Microscopic urinalysis, protein in the urine, BUN, creatinine |
|
Endocrine |
Serum sodium, potassium, calcium, TSH |
|
Metabolic |
Fasting blood glucose, HDL, LDL, total cholesterol, triglycerides |
Other Tests include the following:
Management and Treatment of Hypertension
Lifestyle changes can also help in lowering the high blood pressure. These include the following:
- Eating Healthy, Low-Salt Diet
- Losing Weight
- Becoming Physically Active
- Quitting the Tobacco.
There are also several blood pressure medicines. The common ones are as follows:
- ACE inhibitors, example- Enalapril (Vasotec).
- Angiotensin-2 receptor blockers (ARBs) , example- irbesartan, valsartan,
- Calcium channel blockers example- amlodipine and felodipine
- Diuretics, example- hydrochlorothiazide and chlorthalidone
Prevention
Some of the Lifestyle changes could help in lowering high blood pressure, these are as follows:
Do:
- Eat vegetables and fruits more often
- Sit less.
- Be physically active, example- walking, running, swimming, dancing or activities that would build strength, like lifting weights.
- Do take the medicines as prescribed by the health care provider.
- Keep all appointments on time with your health care provider.
- Manage your stress levels
- Regularly checking and monitoring your BP
Don’t:
- Salty Food
- Saturated Or Trans Fats
- Smoke Or Using Tobacco
- Excess Alcohol
- Missing Medication.
Complications of uncontrolled hypertension
The Excessive pressure can further harden your arteries; decrease the flow of blood and oxygen to heart. It can cause the following condition:
- Angina (Chest Pain)
- Heart Attack,
- Heart Failure
- Irregular Heart Beat Which Can Also Lead To Sudden Death.
- Stroke
- Kidney failure
To seek Free Consultation from the Doctor:
Contact- Dr. Ravin Sharma, (MBBS, MD in Radiology)
Available: 24*7*365
Phone Number: +91 9212125996
Why should Ganesh diagnostic and Imaging Centre be your preference for ruling out other diseases and screen you for Hypertension
At Ganesh Diagnostic and Imaging Centre, we are known for providing excellent service and care to its patients for decades. Lakhs of satisfied patients over the years!
It is an established and renowned diagnostic centre since 2001.
Their excellence is backed by NABH and NABL Accreditations.
NABH accreditation is proof of highest standard of care and service provided to the patients. NABL accreditation reflects the competency of laboratories and equipment based on some national and international standards.
Test report is available digitally too.
Ganesh Diagnostic and Imaging Centre is a one-stop solution for getting all kinds of tests done, as all services are available under one roof.
The aim of GDIC is to provide world’s finest technology at the lowest price.
The rates of scans are reasonably priced. Ganesh Diagnostic and Imaging Centre also offer FLAT 50% OFF on many tests.
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References:
- https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/hypertension#:~:text=Hypertension%20(high%20blood%20pressure)%20is,get%20your%20blood%20pressure%20checked.
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hypertension
- Harrison’s Principles of Internal Medicine, 20 th edition, Volume 2
