Hypertension or high blood pressure (high BP) is a medical condition where the pressure in the blood vessels is persistently elevated. The heart pumps blood into the arteries, which circulate blood to all parts of the body. In cases of high blood pressure, the heart has to work harder to push the blood column ahead.
Hypertension is a serious medical condition that can increase the risk of cardiovascular disease, stroke, heart attack, heart failure, abnormal heart rhythm, vision loss, chronic kidney disease and dementia. It is a major cause of premature death worldwide. Maintaining blood pressure within normal limits is vital for preserving health and reducing the risk of these dangerous conditions. The risk of hypertension increases after the age of 60 years.
Hypertension in the elderly (adults older than 60 years of age)
The new hypertension guidelines for the elderly are mainly related to the treatment protocols. They include
- Adults older than 60 years of age with persistent systolic blood pressure higher than 150 mmHg should be treated to achieve a target systolic blood pressure lesser than 150 mmHg.
- Adults 60 years of age or older with a history of stroke may be treated to achieve a lower target blood pressure lesser than 140 mmHg to reduce the risk of recurrent stroke.
- Adults who are older than 60 years of age and have a high cardiovascular risk may be treated to achieve a lower target blood pressure lesser than 140 mmHg.
What are the signs and symptoms of hypertension?
Hypertension is generally considered a silent killer. Most people with hypertension do not have any symptoms.
It may take many years for the condition to become severe and for symptoms to appear. Many times, these symptoms may be attributed to other issues. The best way to know the blood pressure levels is through regular checkups.
Symptoms of severe hypertension include:
- Severe headaches
- Nosebleeds
- Nervousness
- Sweating
- Fatigue or confusion
- Irregular heartbeat
- Facial flushing
- Dizziness
- Vision problems
- Chest pain
- Shortness of breath
- Sleeping problems
- Blood in the urine
- Black spots in eyes
- Pounding in chest, neck or ears
What are the complications of hypertension?
Excessive pressure on artery walls caused by hypertension can damage the blood vessels and organs. Higher uncontrolled blood pressure causes greater damage.
Complications caused by uncontrolled high blood pressure include
- Heart attack or stroke: High blood pressure can cause hardening and thickening of the arteries that can lead to heart attack or stroke.
- Heart failure: The heart must work harder to pump blood against the high pressure in the blood vessels. This causes the walls of the heart's pumping chamber to thicken (left ventricular hypertrophy), which can eventually lead to heart failure.
- Aneurysm: Abnormal bulge in the blood vessel can become life-threatening if it bursts.
- Kidney failure: Weakened and narrowed blood vessels in kidneys prevent them from functioning normally.
- Vision loss: Hypertensive retinopathies in the eye can lead to blindness.
- Trouble with memory or understanding: Uncontrolled hypertension damage the small blood vessels supplying the blood vessels in the brain.
- Dementia: Narrowed or blocked arteries limit blood flow to the brain, leading to dementia.
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High Blood Pressure (Hypertension)
High blood pressure (hypertension) is a disease in which pressure within the arteries of the body is elevated. About 75 million people in the US have hypertension (1 in 3 adults), and only half of them are able to manage it. Many people do not know that they have high blood pressure because it often has no has no warning signs or symptoms.
Systolic and diastolic are the two readings in which blood pressure is measured. The American College of Cardiology released new guidelines for high blood pressure in 2017. The guidelines now state that blood normal blood pressure is 120/80 mmHg. If either one of those numbers is higher, you have high blood pressure.
The American Academy of Cardiology defines high blood pressure slightly differently. The AAC considers 130/80 mm Hg. or greater (either number) stage 1 hypertension. Stage 2 hypertension is considered 140/90 mm Hg. or greater.
If you have high blood pressure you are at risk of developing life threatening diseases like stroke and heart attack.
REFERENCE: CDC. High Blood Pressure. Updated: Nov 13, 2017.
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Portal Hypertension
Portal hypertension is most commonly caused by cirrhosis, a disease that results from scarring of the liver. Other causes of portal hypertension include blood clots in the portal vein, blockages of the veins that carry the blood from the liver to the heart, and a parasitic infection called schistosomiasis. Symptoms of portal hypertension include varices (enlarged veins), vomiting blood, blood in the stool, black and tarry stool, ascites (abnormal fluid collection within the peritoneum, the sac that contains the intestines within the abdominal cavity), confusion and lethargy, splenomegaly or enlargement of the spleen, and decreased white blood cell counts.
Preeclampsia (Pregnancy Induced Hypertension)
Preeclampsia is related to increased blood pressure and protein in the mother's urine. Preeclampsia typically begins after the 20th week of pregnancy. When preeclampsia causes seizures, it is termed "eclampsia" and is the second leading cause of maternal death of in the US. Preeclampsia is the leading cause of fetal complications. Risk factors for preeclampsia include high blood pressure, obesity, multiple births, and women with preexisting medical conditions such as diabetes, kidney disease, rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, or scleroderma. Pregnancy planning and lifestyle changes may reduce the risk of preeclampsia during pregnancy.
Pseudotumor Cerebri (Idiopathic Intracranial Hypertension)
Pseudotumor Cerebri (intracranial hypertension) is a condition where there is an increase in pressure of fluid surrounding the brain and spinal cord (cerebrospinal fluid or CSF) mimicing a brain tumor. The cause is unknown. The most common symptom is headache but also include eye-pain, vision loss and double vision. Pseudotumor cerebri is diagnosed with MRI or CAT scans and treated by discontinuing offending medications (if applicable), weight loss and diuretic medications. The condition can also be helped by repeated drainage of spinal fluid using the lumbar puncture.
Pulmonary Hypertension
Pulmonary hypertension is elevated pressure in the pulmonary arteries that carry blood from the lungs to the heart. The most common symptoms are fatigue and difficulty breathing. If the condition goes undiagnosed, more severe symptoms may occur. As pulmonary hypertension worsens, some people with the condition have difficulty performing any activities that require physical exertion. While there is no cure for pulmonary hypertension, it can be managed and treated with medications and supplemental oxygen to increase blood oxygen levels.
What Is High Blood Pressure (Hypertension)?
High blood pressure or hypertension is when the blood pressure readings consistently range from 140 or higher for systolic or 90 or higher for diastolic. Blood pressure readings above 180/120 mmHg are dangerously high and require immediate medical attention.Which Blood Pressure Number Is the Most Important?
The blood that flows through the arteries (blood vessels carrying blood from the heart to other parts of the body) exerts pressure against the arterial walls. The number above (120) is called the systolic blood pressure and the number below (80) is called the diastolic blood pressure. Though both readings are important, many doctors believe that systolic blood pressure is a better predictor of complications of hypertension, such as heart disease or stroke.