High blood pressure is also termed as hypertension and it is
high pressure caused in the arteries which supply blood from the heart to the
other parts of the body. The blood readings while measuring blood pressure is
always given in two numbers – the systolic and diastolic blood pressure. The
former is the pressure in the arteries when the heart contracts and the later
is the pressure when the heart relaxes. Normal blood pressure should be below
120/80, and blood pressure reading of 140/90 is considered high and when the
systolic blood pressure ranges between 90 to 100 it is considered as low blood
pressure.
Some of the complications and risk associated with high blood
pressure are heart and kidney disorders, the arteries becoming hard or stiff which
is termed as atherosclerosis or arteriosclerosis, damage to the brain or eyes.
High blood pressure is a big health issue and it affects one out
of three individuals in America which amounts to around 76.4 million people.
Causes of high blood pressure:
There are various factors combined that causes high blood
pressure, some of which are mentioned below;
·
People who have a high intake of
salt or salt sensitivity are more prone to hypertension and this is mostly seen in elderly people who are obese or have
some kidney problems.
· People whose both or any one
parent has high blood pressure are more likely to get this disorder.
· Any abnormality with the
arteries which increases the resistance to supply blood to the other parts of
the body. This is more common among older adults, people who do not exercise
regularly, obese people or have a high intake of salt.
Method of measuring high blood pressure:
Blood pressure is measured with the help of a devise called as
sphygmomanometer i.e. a blood pressure cuff. This blood pressure cuff has an
air pump, pressure gauge and rubber cuff and this equipment measures the
pressure in millimeters of mercury.
This cuff is placed around the upper arm of the patient and is
inflated with the help of the air pump up to the extent that it prevents the
passing of the blood through the arm to the main artery. The patient is asked
to place the arm on the side of the body at the heart level and the pressure of
the cuff is slowly released. As the pressure reduces the doctor or nurse places
a stethoscope over the artery at the front of the elbow or will make use of an
electronic machine that senses the pulsation. The pressure at which the first pulsation
from the artery is heard is the systolic pressure and the pressure at which the
pulsation stops is the diastolic pressure.
Symptoms of high blood pressure:
High blood pressure is also known as the silent killer
since it does not necessarily show any signs and symptoms. But if high blood pressure is not treated and
a person is suffering from this disorder for a very long time then he/she can
have a lot of complications which can be heart attack,
kidney problems or stroke.
Some individual experience certain symptoms because of high
blood pressure which are;
·
Headache
·
Lightheadedness
·
Difficulty in breathing
·
Blurred vision
·
Nausea
·
Feeling the pulsation in the head or neck
Diagnosis of high blood pressure:
For getting an accurate and official diagnosis of high
blood pressure one will have to meet the doctor. In most of the cases the blood
pressure is checked in two different times of the day and two visits with the
doctor. At times the doctor may suggest the patient to maintain a blood
pressure chart for a limited period to track the blood pressure pattern. If the
patient is continuously having blood pressure which is over 140/90 then the
doctor will work on a treatment plan and medication basis the condition of the patient.
Treatment of high blood pressure:
High blood pressure is caused due to various factors
therefore there are various methods to treat this disorder. The main objective
of treating high blood pressure is to reduce the blood pressure below 140/90
and maintain it in a steady level.
Some of the treatment options
include:
·
Lifestyle changes:
o
Stop smoking cigarettes
o
Lose extra weight
o
Exercise regularly to keep the
body fit and healthy and reduce fat
o
Stop drinking
- Medications:
There are various types
of medications available in different categories. The doctor will prescribe the
appropriate medication post discussion and checking the condition of the
patient.
- Treatment
is also given for the other disorders that cause high blood pressure, which
are:
o Renal artery
stenosis
o Congestive heart
failure
o Diabetes
o Obesity
