Hypertension, or high blood pressure, occurs when the blood vessels consistently experience elevated pressure.
Blood flows from the heart to the rest of the body through these vessels, and each heartbeat pumps blood into them.
Blood pressure is the force exerted by the blood against the walls of the arteries as the heart pumps. The higher the pressure, the harder the heart must work.
Hypertension is a serious medical condition that increases the risk of diseases affecting the heart, brain, kidneys, and other organs.
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It is a leading cause of premature death globally, affecting over a billion people—about 1 in 4 men and 1 in 5 women.
The condition is particularly prevalent in low- and middle-income countries, which account for two-thirds of cases.
This is largely due to the growing presence of risk factors in these populations over recent decades.
Treatment Of Hypertension
The best way to prevent hypertension and related diseases affecting the heart, brain, kidneys, and other organs is by reducing modifiable risk factors.
These include unhealthy eating habits (such as excessive salt intake, diets high in saturated and trans fats, and low consumption of fruits and vegetables), physical inactivity, tobacco and alcohol use, and being overweight or obese.
Furthermore, prolonged exposure to air pollution can also increase the risk of hypertension in adults.
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In addition to modifiable factors, there are non-modifiable risk factors such as a family history of hypertension, age over 65, and coexisting conditions like diabetes or kidney disease.
For individuals with hereditary or unmodifiable risk factors, avoiding dietary and behavioral risks is especially crucial.
Managing hypertension involves reducing mental stress, regularly monitoring blood pressure, consulting with healthcare professionals, treating high blood pressure, and managing other medical conditions.
Quitting tobacco and reducing alcohol consumption, along with improving diet and increasing physical activity, can significantly alleviate symptoms and lower risk factors associated with hypertension.
Symptoms
Many individuals with hypertension may not experience noticeable symptoms and may remain unaware that they have a problem.
Common symptoms can include early morning headaches, nosebleeds, irregular heart rhythms, changes in vision, and a buzzing sensation in the ears.
More severe cases may present with fatigue, nausea, vomiting, confusion, anxiety, chest pain, and muscle tremors.
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If untreated, hypertension can lead to persistent chest pain (angina), heart attacks, heart failure, and irregular heartbeats, which may result in sudden death.
Hypertension can also lead to strokes by blocking or rupturing arteries that supply blood and oxygen to the brain, as well as cause kidney damage, potentially leading to kidney failure.
High blood pressure harms the heart by hardening the arteries and reducing blood and oxygen flow to the heart.
Detecting hypertension involves a quick and painless blood pressure test, which can be performed at home.
However, consulting a healthcare professional can provide valuable insights into any risks or related conditions.
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