Home > SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS OF HYPERTENSION SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS OF HYPERTENSION
By Kristi Patrice Carter
Hypertension is the medical term for high blood pressure. Hypertension is diagnosed when the blood pressure is consistently above 140 over 90. It stresses the heart and increases its need for oxygen and can lead to heart disease, kidney disease and stroke.
Hypertension is a silent disease. Most people do not even realize they have high blood pressure even when it is extremely high. Symptoms of high blood pressure such as headaches, dizzy spells and nose bleeds most times do not occur until the blood pressure is at a life threatening level.
In 90 to 95% of high blood pressure cases, there is not an identifiable cause. This is known as essential or primary hypertension and develops over a long period of time. When high blood pressure comes on suddenly, it is called secondary hypertension. Secondary hypertension makes up the other 5 to 10% of high blood pressure diagnosis. Physical conditions can lead to secondary hypertension such as kidney abnormalities, or heart defects. Medications such as birth control pills, decongestants and over the counter pain relievers may also cause secondary hypertension.
Many risk factors of hypertension can not be controlled. The risk of hypertensive disease increases as you get older. Men tend to get high blood pressure during middle age and women are more likely to develop it after menopause. Black men are also more likely to get hypertension at an earlier age then white men and are more likely to suffer from heart disease and stroke. High blood pressure also tends to be hereditary.
There are factors of hypertension that are controllable. Being overweight causes the heart to work harder to supply oxygen to the body. Not getting enough exercise contributes to being overweight. People who do not exercise sufficiently tend to have higher heart rates. Other contributors to hypertension that we can control are tobacco, alcohol, and stress. The chemicals in tobacco damage the arteries, heavy alcohol use can damage the heart over time and stress can lead to increased blood pressure.
Though hypertension is usually seen in adults, children can also have the disease. Illnesses such as kidney disease and heart disease are usually the reason for juvenile hypertension. However, more kids today are being diagnosed with hypertension due to obesity and lack of exercise.
Hypertension can sometimes be predicted early on during regular check ups. Blood pressure should be read at least every two years if not more often. The condition that may be diagnosed prior to full hypertension is prehypertension. Prehypertension exists when the blood pressure consistently has a range of 120 to 139 over 80 to 89. One in three prehypertensive adults between the ages of 35 and 64 will be diagnosed with hypertension within four years. One in two, 65 years or older will be diagnosed with definite hypertension within four years.
There are two stages of hypertension. Stage 1, which is the least severe, occurs when the systolic pressure ranges between 140 to 159 and the diastolic pressure ranges between 90 and 99. Stage 2 hypertension, the most severe, has a systolic pressure that ranges from 160 or higher and a diastolic pressure of 100 or greater.
Uncontrolled high blood pressure can lead to heart failure, stroke and loss of vision. People with high blood pressure are also more likely to have memory problems.
Controlling high blood pressure requires life style changes but it may also require medication as well. Many times, a combination of several high blood pressure medications with smaller doses will work better then just one high dose medication. High blood pressure medications can be affected by other medications that are being taken so make sure your physician is aware of all prescription and over the counter drugs you are taking.
There are several things that you can do to help lower high blood pressure. By eating healthy, you can maintain a healthy weight or if you are overweight, you can lose weight. Losing just five pounds can lower your blood pressure. Increasing your physical activity helps keep weight under control and helps relieve stress. Eliminating tobacco products and limiting alcohol will also help to lower blood pressure.
Once hypertension has been diagnosed, treating it becomes a way of life. Even though you do not feel ill, it is important to continue taking the medications and following a good diet and exercise plan. Enlist family and friends to help keep you on track.
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