The arteries in the body are impacted by the prevalent condition of high blood pressure. Additionally known as hypertension. The blood’s constant pressure against the artery walls is too high if you have high blood pressure. To pump blood, the heart has to work harder.
Millimeters of mercury, or mm Hg, are used to measure blood pressure. A blood pressure reading of 130/80 millimeters of mercury (mm Hg) or greater is typically considered to be hypertension.
Healthy blood pressure. At least 120/80 mm Hg for blood pressure.
High blood pressure. The bottom number is below, not over, 80 mm Hg, and the top number falls between 120 and 129 mm Hg.
First-stage hypertension. The top number is in the 130–139 mm Hg range, and the bottom number is in the 80–89 mm Hg range.
Hypertension in stage 2. The top number is at least 140 millimeters of mercury, or the bottom number is at least 90.
A hypertensive emergency or crisis is defined to have a blood pressure reading of greater than 180/120 mm Hg. If you or someone you know has these blood pressure readings, get emergency medical treatment.
High blood pressure raises the risk of heart attack, stroke, and other major health issues if left untreated. Starting at age 18, it’s critical to have your blood pressure monitored at least every two years. Some people require more frequent examinations.
High blood pressure can be prevented and treated with healthy lifestyle choices like quitting smoking, exercising, and eating well. Some individuals require medication to lower their blood pressure.
Even when blood pressure measurements are dangerously high, the majority of persons with high blood pressure do not exhibit any symptoms. Years may go by while you have high blood pressure with no signs or symptoms.
A few high blood pressure sufferers could have:
- Headaches
- Breathing difficulty
- Nosebleeds
These symptoms are general, though. They typically don’t show up until high blood pressure has gotten to the point where it’s dangerous or life-threatening.
Causes
The amount of blood the heart pumps and the difficulty of the blood’s passage through the arteries both affect blood pressure. Blood pressure rises as the heart pumps more blood and as the arteries become more constricted.
The two basic types of high blood pressure are as follows.
Essential hypertension is another name for primary hypertension.
For the majority of adults, high blood pressure has no known cause. Primary hypertension or essential hypertension are the terms used to describe this form of excessive blood pressure. It typically takes many years to grow gradually. Atherosclerosis, a buildup of plaque in the arteries, raises the risk of high blood pressure.
Subsequent hypertension
Such high blood pressure is brought on by an underlying illness. It frequently manifests suddenly and raises blood pressure more than primary hypertension does. The following conditions and medications might cause secondary hypertension:
- Tumors of the adrenal gland
- Birth-related blood vessel issues, commonly known as congenital heart defects
- Prescription medications such as birth control pills, painkillers, and cough and cold remedies
- Illicit substances like cocaine and amphetamines
- Kidney illness
- Obstructive snoring
- Thyroid issues
Sometimes blood pressure rises simply from receiving a physical. We refer to this as white coat hypertension.
Risk elements
There are various risk factors for high blood pressure, including:
Age. As people age, their risk of having high blood pressure rises. High blood pressure is more prevalent in men up until age 64. After the age of 65, women are more prone to have high blood pressure.
Race. Black folks are more likely than other races to have high blood pressure. Compared to white individuals, black folks experience it sooner in life.
Family background. If either of your parents or a sibling has high blood pressure, you are more likely to get it yourself.
Being overweight or obese. The blood arteries, kidneys, and other organs of the body change as a result of excess weight. Frequently, these modifications raise blood pressure. Additionally increasing the risk of heart disease and its risk factors, such as high cholesterol, is being overweight or obese.
Absence of exercise. Lack of exercise can lead to weight gain. High blood pressure risk increases with weight gain. Inactive people frequently have greater heart rates.
Either smoking or vaping. The sudden and temporary increase in blood pressure caused by smoking, chewing tobacco, or vaping. Smoking tobacco damages the blood vessel walls and hastens the artery hardening process. Ask your healthcare professional for advice on how to stop smoking if you currently do.
Excessive salt. The body can retain fluid if there is too much salt, commonly known as sodium, in it. Blood pressure is raised as a result.
Low levels of potassium. Salt homeostasis in the body’s cells is aided by potassium. For healthy hearts, potassium levels must be balanced properly. Low potassium levels can result from a diet low in the mineral or from various medical disorders, such as dehydration.
Overindulging in booze. Blood pressure has been linked to drinking alcohol, especially in men.
Stress. High stress levels might cause a brief rise in blood pressure. Stress-related behaviors like eating more, smoking, or drinking alcohol can cause blood pressure to rise even more.
A few enduring conditions. High blood pressure is a complication of various medical disorders, including kidney disease, diabetes, and sleep apnea.
Pregnancy. Sometimes, elevated blood pressure during pregnancy occurs.
Adults are most frequently affected by high blood pressure. But high blood pressure can also occur in children. Kidney or cardiac issues might result in high blood pressure in children. However, a growing number of children are developing high blood pressure as a result of improper food and activity habits.
Prevention
- Eat more vegetables and fruits.
- Sit less.
- Be more physically active, which can include walking, running, swimming, dancing or activities that build strength, like lifting weights.
- Lose weight if you’re overweight or obese.
- Take medicines as prescribed by your health care professional.
- Keep appointments with your health care professional.
Don’t:
- eat too much salty food (try to stay under 2 grams per day)
- eat foods high in saturated or trans fats
- smoke or use tobacco
- drink too much alcohol (1 drink daily max for women, 2 for men)
- miss or share medication.
