Patient Information
Hypertension: Understanding the Basics
by Stephen Van Horn Jr., M.D.
High blood pressure, or hypertension, affects 1 in 4 American adults and is the most common cardiovascular disease. A major problem with this disease is that a person can live for years without any symptoms. Your doctor will diagnose you with this condition if you have 3 readings of a systolic pressure above 140mmHg and diastolic pressure above 90mmHg. The systolic pressure refers to the first number reported and is the measure of pressure in the arteries when the heart is actively pumping, propelling blood throughout the body. The second number reported, or diastolic pressure, is the pressure recorded when the heart relaxes in order to fill the arteries that actually supply the heart.
The higher the blood pressure, the more the arteries have to stretch to allow blood to flow. If persistent, this predisposes the vessels to plaque buildup and blockages, weakness in the wall of the vessels causing aneurysms and heart failure due to a constant high workload of the heart.
Who is at risk?
Hypertension can affect anyone and there are many risk factors. Three risk factors that cannot be adjusted are age, sex and genetics. The risk of high blood pressure increases as you age and is more common among African - Americans. It can also be passed down from generation to generation.
Risk factors that are under your control include obesity, physical inactivity, tobacco and alcohol use and too much sodium or salt intake. There are other causes of hypertension termed secondary, which include chronic kidney disease, certain drugs such as steroids and some cold medications, disorders of the adrenal gland and sleep apnea. Your doctor may have to order special tests to diagnose some of these conditions.
What symptoms should you watch for?
Hypertension is typically a silent disease and patients can live for years without any noticeable symptoms. Fatigue, headaches, nausea, shortness of breath, lightheadedness, vision changes or confusion may be signs of a life threatening elevation in blood pressure and warrant immediate medical attention. The lack of symptoms makes regular checkups with your physician that much more important.
What can you do to treat hypertension?
If your blood pressure is greater that 120/80mmHg, your pressure is classified as pre-hypertension. Any patient with blood pressure greater than 120/80mmHg is encouraged to make lifestyle modifications, such as eating healthier with less salt intake, quitting smoking, and becoming more active. Medications are recommended to lower blood pressure to less than 140/90mmHg. For patients who have diabetes or chronic kidney disease the recommended blood pressure is less than 130/80mmHg.
In conclusion:
Having high blood pressure will increase your risk of heart disease and stroke among many other problems. The importance of having regular checkups cannot be stressed enough since this disease is easily detected and once diagnosed, your doctor will work with you to treat and control this problem. The longer your pressure is elevated, the more damage will occur so be proactive and don’t miss that next appointment.