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Hypertension (or high blood pressure) describes the pressure created by the blood against the arterial wall as the heart pumps the blood.  When blood pressure is recorded there are two (2) readings.  The higher one, the systolic pressure, is the blood pressure in the arteries when the heart is pumping blood.  The lower pressure, called the diastolic, is the blood pressure in the arteries when the heart muscles are relaxing between beats.  Once high blood pressure is detected, it usually requires life-long treatment.

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Types of Hypertension
Complications
Signs and Symptoms
Treatment
Habits to Observe
Avoid
Remember

Types of Hypertension

1. Primary Hypertension – This forms the major group of hypertensives. The cause of the pressure increase is not known.  However the risk factors are:-
    v History of hypertension in the family.
    v Obesity.
    v Excessive salt and alcohol intake
    v Smoking.
    v Excessive stress.

2. Secondary Hypertension – This form as the name describes is raised blood pressure due to other causes/diseases such as
    v Renal diseases.
    v Endocrine diseases.
    v Drug-induced.
    v Congenital defects.
    v Miscellaneous causes.

Complications

High blood pressure (sometimes called “the silent killer”) has to be monitored regularly and treated by a doctor.  If undetected or if not treated properly it can lead to complications, such as: -
    v Stroke – which occurs when a blood vessel to the brain is blocked, leaks as raptures.
    v Heart attack – a blood vessel supplying the heart muscles is totally blocked.
    v Heart failure – the heart is unable to pump blood adequately.
    v Kidney damage.
    v Eye damage.

Signs and Symptoms

Usually in primary or essential hypertension, there are no symptoms till complications set in. The only way to detect hypertension is to get your blood pressure checked regularly. You have to see your doctor if you have any or all of the following: -
    v Diastolic pressure is over 90mm Hg.
    v Swollen ankle and fingers.
    v Breathlessness.
    v Blurred vision.
    v Recurrent bleed from the nose.
    v Persistent headache.
    v Giddiness.

Treatment

Prompt and regular treatment from a doctor is essential, for now a wide variety of drugs is available. A healthy life style must be observed for one to lead a normal life.

Healthy lifestyle
    v Avoid being overweight.
    v Eat less salt, fat and sugar.
    v Eat a balanced diet with large portions of fruit, vegetables and wholegrain cereals.
    v Limit alcohol intake to 1-2 drinks a day.
    v Exercise regularly but don’t overstrain.
    v Learn to relax.
    v Have your blood pressure taken regularly.  If over 40 years, once a year and more often if
        hypertension has been detected.

Habits To Observe

Avoid

v All highly salted and fatty food.
v Food and medicines with high sodium content (ask your pharmacist)
v Substances that raise your blood pressure (ask your pharmacist)
v Smoking.
v Alcohol.
v Lack of exercise.
v Worrying.
v Being worried to confide with your doctor about symptoms or problems with medication.

Remember

To always consult your doctor
    v Before starting on medications for high blood pressure.
    v Decreasing or increasing dosages.
    v Changing your medication.
    v Stopping any medication for high blood pressure.

If you have hypertension, consult your doctor or a pharmacist before taking other medication for other illnesses because they may interact with your blood pressure medication.

Enjoy a normal life with properly monitored and controlled blood pressure.