Hypertension, often known as high blood pressure, occurs when the pressure in the blood arteries is constantly increased.
These veins transport blood from the heart to the rest of the body with each heartbeat.
Blood pressure is the force exerted by blood against the walls of the arteries while the heart beats. The higher the pressure, the more the heart must work.
Hypertension is a significant medical condition that increases the risk of disorders of the heart, brain, kidneys, and other organs.
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It is the greatest cause of premature death worldwide, impacting more than a billion people—roughly one in every four men and one in every five women.
The illness is most common in low- and middle-income nations, accounting for two-thirds of cases.
This is primarily due to the increasing prevalence of risk factors in these communities in recent decades.
Treatment for Hypertension
The most effective strategy to avoid hypertension and related disorders affecting the heart, brain, kidneys, and other organs is to reduce modifiable risk factors.
These include bad eating habits (e.g., excessive salt consumption, diets high in saturated and trans fats, and a lack of fruits and vegetables), physical inactivity, tobacco and alcohol use, and obesity.
Furthermore, extended exposure to air pollution may increase the incidence of hypertension in adults.
In addition to modifiable factors, non-modifiable risk factors include a family history of hypertension, being above the age of 65, and having comorbid diseases such as diabetes or kidney disease.
Individuals with genetic or unmodifiable risk factors must avoid dietary and behavioural risks.
Managing hypertension include lowering mental stress, frequently checking blood pressure, communicating with healthcare specialists, treating high blood pressure, and managing other medical disorders.
Quitting smoking and limiting alcohol intake, as well as changing nutrition and increasing physical exercise, can considerably improve symptoms and minimise risk factors for hypertension.
Symptoms
Many people with hypertension may not have any symptoms and are unaware that they have a problem.
Common symptoms include early morning headaches, nosebleeds, abnormal heart rhythms, visual disturbances, and a buzzing feeling in the ears.
Fatigue, nausea, vomiting, confusion, anxiety, chest pain, and muscular tremors are common symptoms of more severe cases.
If left untreated, hypertension can cause persistent chest pain (angina), heart attacks, heart failure, and irregular heartbeats, all of which can result in abrupt death.
Hypertension can also induce strokes by obstructing or rupturing arteries that provide blood and oxygen to the brain, as well as kidney impairment, which can result in kidney failure.
High blood pressure causes the arteries to stiffen, decreasing blood and oxygen flow to the heart.
Detecting hypertension requires a quick and painless blood pressure test that can be done at home.
However, talking with a healthcare practitioner can provide vital information about any dangers or associated conditions.
