Hypertension
Hypertension, commonly referred to as high blood pressure, denotes a persistent elevation in the pressure within the blood vessels. Blood, propelled by the heart, circulates throughout the body via these vessels. With each heartbeat, blood exerts force against the arterial walls, generating blood pressure. Elevated pressure necessitates increased effort from the heart.
This medical condition poses significant health risks, including cardiovascular, cerebrovascular, and renal diseases. Globally, hypertension contributes substantially to premature mortality, affecting over a billion individuals, with approximately 1 in 4 men and 1 in 5 women diagnosed.
Hypertension often presents without noticeable symptoms, but in cases of extremely high blood pressure, individuals may experience:
- Severe headaches
- Chest pain
- Dizziness
- Difficulty breathing
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Blurred vision or other
- vision changes
- Anxiety
- Confusion
- Ringing in the ears
- Nosebleeds
- Irregular heart rhythm
Regular blood pressure checks are essential for diagnosis, as untreated hypertension can lead to complications such as kidney disease, heart disease, and stroke.
Implementing lifestyle changes can effectively reduce high blood pressure. These include:
- Adopting a healthy, low-sodium diet.
- Achieving weight loss.
- Engaging in regular physical activity.
- Quitting smoking.
If diagnosed with high blood pressure, your doctor may prescribe one or more medications. The recommended blood pressure target may vary depending on accompanying health conditions.
For individuals with cardiovascular disease, diabetes, chronic kidney disease, or a high risk of cardiovascular issues, the target is typically less than 130/80. For most people, the goal is to maintain blood pressure below 140/90.
Commonly prescribed blood pressure medications include:
- ACE inhibitors such as enalapril and lisinopril, which relax blood vessels and prevent kidney damage.
- Angiotensin-2 receptor blockers (ARBs) like losartan and telmisartan, which also relax blood vessels and prevent kidney damage.
- Calcium channel blockers including amlodipine and felodipine, which relax blood vessels.
- Diuretics such as hydrochlorothiazide and chlorthalidone, which help eliminate excess water from the body, thereby lowering blood pressure.