Hypertension (High Blood Pressure)

High Blood Pressure (Hypertension)
Monitoring Blood Pressure with a Digital Blood Pressure Device in Hypertensive Patients
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Hypertension or high blood pressure is a chronic condition where blood consistently exerts high pressure against vessel walls. This disease, which often progresses without symptoms, can lead to serious health problems such as heart attack, stroke, kidney failure, and vision loss if left untreated. Symptoms like neck pain, dizziness, shortness of breath, and blurred vision may occur when blood pressure becomes very high.

The stress of modern life, irregular eating habits, and physical inactivity are causing hypertension to become increasingly prevalent. Hypertension, which can be controlled with early diagnosis and regular treatment, can be detected through regular blood pressure measurements. Therefore, it is crucial to measure blood pressure regularly, even without any symptoms.

Genetic factors, lifestyle choices, and environmental factors play important roles in the development of hypertension. The treatment process requires a personalized approach for each individual and should be supported by lifestyle changes.

What is Hypertension?

Hypertension is when blood circulating in the arteries consistently applies excessive pressure on vessel walls. If blood pressure consistently remains above 140/90, this condition is defined as high blood pressure or hypertension. Ideal blood pressure should be below 120/70. Since it usually shows no symptoms, many people may not be aware of their high blood pressure.

Blood pressure is measured in millimeters of mercury (mmHg) and is expressed with two numbers: systolic (upper number) and diastolic (lower number). The first number, systolic pressure, is the pressure in your arteries when your heart beats. The second number, diastolic pressure, is the pressure in your arteries when your heart rests between beats.

The ideal blood pressure value is when the systolic pressure is below 120 and the diastolic pressure is below 70. Elevated blood pressure is when systolic pressure is between 120-139 or diastolic pressure is between 70-89. Hypertension is defined as having systolic pressure above 140 or diastolic pressure above 90.

It is particularly important for people with risk factors such as family history of hypertension, weight problems, lack of physical activity, or high salt consumption to monitor their blood pressure regularly.

What are the Symptoms of Hypertension?

Hypertension or high blood pressure usually progresses insidiously and may not show obvious symptoms, but in some cases, it gives important warning signs. Severe headache, weakness, shortness of breath, nosebleeds, chest pain, palpitations, tinnitus, and vision problems are among the symptoms of high blood pressure. If these symptoms are ignored, high blood pressure can lead to serious health problems over time. However, with early diagnosis and proper treatment, this condition can be easily controlled, paving the way for a healthy life. Remember, regularly measuring blood pressure and adopting a healthy lifestyle is one of the strongest protection methods.

Symptoms of hypertension or high blood pressure:

  • Pain and stiffness in the neck area
  • Dizziness, headache, and tinnitus
  • Palpitations and shortness of breath
  • Blurred vision
  • Nausea and sweating
  • Fatigue and weakness
  • Sleep problems and irritability
  • Frequent urination at night

What Causes Hypertension?

Hypertension usually occurs through a combination of factors such as genetic predisposition, unhealthy diet, physical inactivity, and stress. Excessive salt consumption, obesity, smoking, and alcohol use are also factors that negatively affect blood pressure values. However, regular exercise, following a healthy diet, and avoiding stress contribute to maintaining balanced blood pressure. These positive lifestyle changes can reduce serious risks such as heart attack and stroke that high blood pressure may cause.

We can list the risk factors for hypertension as follows:

  • Genetic predisposition: People with a family history of hypertension have a 2-3 times higher risk of developing hypertension.
  • Excess weight: Excess weight creates additional pressure on vessels, causing blood pressure to rise.
  • High salt consumption: Consuming more than 5 grams of salt daily leads to water retention and increased vascular resistance.
  • Lack of physical activity: A sedentary lifestyle can lead to weakening of the cardiovascular system and disruption of blood pressure control.
  • Unhealthy diet: A diet rich in fatty, processed, and ready-made foods negatively affects vascular health, causing blood pressure to rise.
  • Excessive alcohol use: Regular consumption of high amounts of alcohol leads to increased vascular resistance and disrupted heart functions, causing blood pressure to rise.
  • Chronic stress: Long-term stress causes stress hormones to remain consistently high, resulting in elevated blood pressure.
  • Kidney diseases: Impairment of kidney functions leads to fluid accumulation and increased vascular resistance, causing blood pressure to rise.
  • Hormonal disorders: Hormone imbalances such as thyroid diseases (hyperthyroidism, hypothyroidism), adrenal gland diseases (pheochromocytoma, Cushing’s syndrome) can cause hypertension.
  • Sleep apnea: Breathing pauses during sleep lead to hypertension by increasing blood pressure.
  • Diabetes: High blood sugar levels can cause blood pressure to rise by affecting vascular health.
  • Pregnancy: Preeclampsia developing during pregnancy can cause blood pressure to rise.
  • Certain medications: Birth control pills, decongestants, steroids, and some pain relievers can increase the risk of hypertension.

How is an Hypertension Diagnosed?

Hypertension diagnosis primarily relies on regular blood pressure measurements. A single high measurement is not sufficient for diagnosis, as blood pressure can vary throughout the day according to stress, physical activity, and even measurement time. Therefore, repeated measurements taken at different times and from both arms are necessary. According to current guidelines, systolic pressure above 140 mmHg or diastolic pressure above 90 mmHg is considered hypertension.

Additional tests may be performed to support the hypertension diagnosis and investigate possible causes. These include blood tests evaluating kidney functions and hormone levels, urine tests, and imaging methods such as echocardiography or tomography to visualize heart and vessel structure. In some patients, portable blood pressure monitors that measure and record blood pressure for 24 hours may also be used. This comprehensive evaluation allows for creating an effective treatment plan.

How is an Hypertension Treated?

Hypertension treatment aims to improve quality of life and prevent serious health risks. A healthy diet, regular exercise, and reduced salt consumption create a positive effect on blood pressure control. In some cases, medication is necessary for balancing blood pressure. Non-compliance with treatment can lead to negative outcomes such as heart diseases and stroke.

Lifestyle changes form the foundation of hypertension treatment. Reducing salt consumption, maintaining a diet rich in fruits and vegetables, at least 30 minutes of regular physical activity daily, losing excess weight, quitting smoking, limiting alcohol, and stress management are primary among these changes.

However, when blood pressure cannot be controlled through lifestyle changes alone or when risk factors are high, medication is added to the treatment plan. Different medication groups such as diuretics (water pills), ACE inhibitors and ARBs with vasodilating effects, calcium channel blockers, and beta blockers are used in medication treatment. The treatment plan is personalized for each patient and can be modified when necessary. For treatment success, it is crucial for patients to attend regular doctor check-ups and take their medications consistently. This way, serious health problems that could develop due to hypertension can be prevented and quality of life can be maintained.

What are the Complications of Hypertension?

Untreated hypertension can lead to serious organ damage. Serious complications such as heart attack, heart failure, stroke, kidney failure, vision problems, arteriosclerosis, and cognitive disorders can develop. Therefore, early diagnosis and regular treatment of hypertension are very important. It is possible to prevent all these serious health problems. Remember, high blood pressure is a controllable disease. You can maintain a healthy life with regular monitoring and treatment.

FAQs and Answers About Hypertension

Who is at Risk for Hypertension?

The risk is higher especially in people with a family history of hypertension. As age advances, the rate of hypertension increases particularly in men after age 45 and in women after age 55. Factors such as obesity, excessive salt consumption, lack of physical activity, unhealthy diet, excessive alcohol use, and chronic stress also increase the risk of hypertension. Additionally, existing health problems such as diabetes, kidney diseases, and sleep apnea can trigger hypertension.

Does Hypertension Only Occur in Elderly People?

No, hypertension can occur at any age. In recent years, the frequency of hypertension in young ages has increased. Factors such as obesity, sedentary lifestyle, and stress can cause hypertension in young people as well.

Risks of High Blood Pressure During Pregnancy

Uncontrolled hypertension poses risks for both mother and baby. It can lead to complications such as low birth weight, premature birth, and preeclampsia. Therefore, regular blood pressure monitoring during pregnancy is very important.

What is Preeclampsia?

Preeclampsia is a condition that usually occurs after the 20th week of pregnancy and is characterized by high blood pressure along with effects on other organ systems. While its exact cause is unknown, it is thought to be related to abnormal placental development.

How to Measure Blood Pressure Properly

For blood pressure measurement, first rest for 5 minutes, then sit in a chair with back support and place your feet flat on the ground. Keep the arm to be measured at heart level and avoid talking during measurement. Measure blood pressure at least twice daily, morning and evening, and record the results.

Side Effects of Blood Pressure Medications

High blood pressure medications may have some side effects. These include cough, dizziness, fatigue, and ankle swelling. If such side effects occur, medication can be changed by consulting your doctor.

Reference: Hypertension