Hypertension(high blood pressure)
Hypertension(high blood pressure)
Hypertension, commonly known as high blood pressure, is a condition where the force of the blood against the walls of the arteries is consistently too high. Over time, this increased pressure can lead to serious health problems, including heart disease, stroke, and kidney damage.
Causes of Hypertension:
Primary (Essential) Hypertension:
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No identifiable cause; develops gradually over many years.
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Often linked to genetics, poor diet, lack of exercise, and obesity.
Secondary Hypertension:
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Caused by an underlying condition, such as kidney disease, hormonal disorders, certain medications (like birth control pills), or sleep apnoea.
Risk Factors
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Age (risk increases with age).
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Family history of hypertension.
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Being overweight or obese.
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Lack of physical activity.
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Smoking and excessive alcohol consumption.
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High salt (sodium) intake.
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Chronic stress.
Symptoms,Dignosis and Complications
Hypertension is often called the “silent killer” because it typically has no symptoms until significant damage occurs. Some people may experience:
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Headaches.
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Shortness of breath.
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Nosebleeds.
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Dizziness.
These symptoms usually occur when blood pressure is extremely high.
Diagnosis are;
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Blood pressure measurement using a cuff.
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Multiple readings over time or 24-hour ambulatory monitoring may be needed for a definitive diagnosis.
Its complications;
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Heart attack or stroke.
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Aneurysm.
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Heart failure.
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Weakened and narrowed blood vessels in the kidneys.
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Thickened, narrowed, or torn blood vessels in the eyes.
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Metabolic syndrome.
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Trouble with memory or understanding.
Treatment
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Lifestyle Modifications:
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Dietary Changes:
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Adopt the DASH (Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension) diet, which emphasizes fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins.
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Reduce salt intake to less than 2,300 mg per day (ideal goal of less than 1,500 mg for most adults).
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Regular Physical Activity:
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Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate aerobic exercise, such as brisk walking, or 75 minutes of vigorous exercise, such as running, per week.
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Weight Loss:
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Losing even a small amount of weight if overweight can significantly lower blood pressure.
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Limit Alcohol and Stop Smoking:
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Reduce alcohol intake to moderate levels (one drink per day for women and two for men).
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Quitting smoking can improve overall cardiovascular health.
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Stress Management:
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Techniques such as meditation, yoga, and deep breathing can help reduce stress.
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Treatment
2.Medications:
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Diuretics (e.g., thiazide diuretics): Help kidneys eliminate sodium and water to reduce blood volume.
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ACE Inhibitors (e.g., lisinopril): Relax blood vessels by blocking the formation of a hormone that narrows blood vessels.
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Angiotensin II Receptor Blockers (ARBs, e.g., losartan): Block the effects of angiotensin, allowing blood vessels to stay open.
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Calcium Channel Blockers (e.g., amlodipine): Help relax the muscles of your blood vessels.
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Beta-Blockers (e.g., metoprolol): Reduce heart rate and the heart’s output of blood, which lowers blood pressure.
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Other Medications: Including alpha-blockers, alpha-2 receptor agonists, and direct vasodilators.
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Regular Monitoring: Regular blood pressure checks to monitor the effectiveness of treatment.
Prevention
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Maintain a healthy weight.
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Eat a balanced, low-sodium diet.
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Exercise regularly.
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Limit alcohol consumption and quit smoking.
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Manage stress.
Proper management of hypertension involves a combination of lifestyle changes and, if necessary, medications as prescribed by a healthcare provider. Regular medical follow-up is crucial to ensure blood pressure is kept within a healthy range.