Blood Pressure
Updated on 3 November 2023
The definition of hypertension, or high blood pressure, is when the long-term force of the blood is high enough to put excessive pressure on artery walls.
Blood pressure depends on two factors:
High blood pressure or hypertension is measured based on two parameters:
Hypertension has many risk factors, which vary from individual to individual.
High BP symptoms are more common in men until age 64, while women above 65 are more prone to develop high blood pressure symptoms.
Hypertension is a widespread phenomenon in people of African origin.
Hypertension is primarily genetic.
Being overweight increases the risk of hypertension.
Inactive people generally have a higher heart rate, putting them at risk of high blood pressure and hypertension.
Regular smoking contributes to hypertension.
Consuming too much sodium tends to increase blood pressure.
Potassium balances out sodium, and imbalanced consumption may be one of the causes of sudden high blood pressure.
Individuals who are heavy drinkers tend to develop hypertension.
High-stress levels may also cause a surge in blood pressure.
Other chronic health conditions like kidney disease or sleep apnea also lead to hypertension.
The treatment of hypertension depends on the diagnosis. A blood pressure reading taken in millimeters of mercury (mm Hg) reflects two numbers—systolic and diastolic pressure. The regular reading is 120/80 mm Hg or a little lower. Diagnosis may take the following forms:
1. Elevated blood pressure or systolic pressure ranging between 120 to 129 mm Hg and diastolic below 80 mm Hg.
2. Stage 1 hypertension is when systolic reading is between 130 to 139 mm Hg and diastolic is between 80 to 89 mm Hg.
3. Stage 2 hypertension is when systolic pressure is above 140 mm Hg and diastolic is above 90 mm Hg.
Hypertension causes and symptoms may be attributed to a combination of factors.
Hypertension is more common as one starts aging owing to loss of flexibility in the blood vessels and other age-related factors.
Hypertension is more common in men until age 65, while women become more prone post 60 years.
Latinos and Asians are less prone to hypertension than whites or people of African origin.
Kidney disease can affect electrolyte and fluid volumes, which, in turn, cause hypertension.
Diabetes affects the kidneys, which, in turn, may cause hypertension.
Thyroid or adrenaline hormones and their fluctuations may also cause hypertension.
Although no clear relationship has been established, sleep apnea may be connected to high BP symptoms.
Corticosteroids or oral contraceptives may cause hypertension.
The common symptoms of high blood pressure include,
This is caused by severe pressure on the arteries.
A prevalent sign of hypertension, thanks to flared-up blood vessels.
Increased blood pressure may cause pressure on the head muscles.
Sometimes, hypertension is accompanied by excess fatigue or even disorientation.
In severe cases, high blood pressure can lead to vision loss.
Traces of blood are common while urinating.
Given the pressure against the arterial walls, heartbeat may fluctuate.
Pounding in the chest, neck, and ears can also happen in hypertension.
You may like: Home remedies to control high blood pressure in pregnancy
Uncontrolled hypertension may lead to more severe conditions like:
Prevention of hypertension is possible. And if it is diagnosed, then hypertension treatment is also relatively easy.
Being overweight or obese and having an excess waistline may elevate blood pressure.
If you are suffering from hypertension, this is mandatory. It can help in the prevention of hypertension as well.
Follow a diet rich in vegetables, fruits, and whole grains.
High consumption of sodium contributes to hypertension.
Alcohol is a killer when it comes to hypertension control.
Just like alcohol, smoking is dangerous in many ways.
Getting good sleep helps reduce blood pressure.
Mental stress adds to hypertension.
Regularly check your BP at home and with a doctor.
Seek support wherever possible.
Oparil S, Acelajado MC, Bakris GL, Berlowitz DR, Cífková R, Dominiczak AF, Grassi G, Jordan J, Poulter NR, Rodgers A, Whelton PK. (2018). Hypertension. www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
Yes
No
Written by
Charu Pratap
Charu has been a seasoned corporate professional with over a decade of experience in Human Resource Management. She has managed the HR function for start-ups as well as established companies. But aside from her corporate career she was always fond of doing things with a creative streak. She enjoys gardening and writing and is an experienced content expert and linguist. Her own experiences with motherhood and raising a baby made her realize the importance of reliable and fact-based parenting information. She was engaged in creating content for publishing houses, research scholars, corporates as well as for her own blog.
Read MoreGet baby's diet chart, and growth tips
গর্ভাবস্থায় আলুবোখরা: উপকারিতা ও ঝুঁকি | Prunes During Pregnancy: Benefits & Risks in Bengali
গর্ভাবস্থায় হিং | ঝুঁকি, সুবিধা এবং অন্যান্য চিকিৎসা | Hing During Pregnancy | Risks, Benefits & Other Treatments in Bengali
স্তনের উপর সাদা দাগ: লক্ষণ, কারণ এবং চিকিৎসা | White Spots on Nipple: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatments in Bengali
গর্ভাবস্থায় পোহা: উপকারিতা, ধরণ এবং রেসিপি | Poha During Pregnancy: Benefits, Types & Recipes in Bengali
গর্ভাবস্থায় মাছ: উপকারিতা এবং ঝুঁকি | Fish In Pregnancy: Benefits and Risks in Bengali
গর্ভাবস্থায় রেড ওয়াইন: পার্শ্ব প্রতিক্রিয়া এবং নির্দেশিকা | Red Wine During Pregnancy: Side Effects & Guidelines in Bengali
Mylo wins Forbes D2C Disruptor award
Mylo wins The Economic Times Promising Brands 2022
At Mylo, we help young parents raise happy and healthy families with our innovative new-age solutions:
baby carrier | baby soap | baby wipes | stretch marks cream | baby cream | baby shampoo | baby massage oil | baby hair oil | stretch marks oil | baby body wash | baby powder | baby lotion | diaper rash cream | newborn diapers | teether | baby kajal | baby diapers | cloth diapers |