Hypertension: Symptoms, Causes, Treatment & Prevention

Hypertension, also known as high blood pressure is a long-term medical condition in which the blood pressure in the arteries is persistently elevated. It can be classified into two types: essential hypertension and secondary hypertension. Essential hypertension can be seen in about 95% of hypertensive patients and has no identifiable cause. Secondary hypertension can be observed in about 5% of hypertensive patients and is caused by an identifiable underlying cause. For most adults, hypertension is a condition in which their blood pressure spikes 130/80 or 140/90 mmHg. However, the numbers vary when it comes to children.

Hypertension symptoms

Hypertension usually does not have any signs. It is spotted while checking blood pressure during regular health check-ups or during check-ups for other illness. However, some people suffering from hypertension disorder complain about headaches, light-headedness, vertigo, tinnitus, altered vision or syncope.

Hypertension Causes

The cause of hypertension for 95% of hypertensive patients suffering for essential hypertension is unknown. This type of hypertension disease develops gradually over many years.

However, secondary hypertension can be triggered by various conditions and medications including obstructive sleep apnea, kidney problems, adrenal gland tumours, thyroid problems, congenital defects in the blood vessel, medications such as birth control pills, cold remedies, decongestants, over the control pain-killers and illegal drugs such as cocaine and amphetamines.

Hypertension treatment

Treatment for hypertension requires a multi-pronged approach including diet changes, medication, and exercise. Some of the most commonly used medications to treat hypertension are  Angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors, Angiotensin II receptor blockers (ARBs), Diuretics, Beta-blockers, Calcium channel blockers, Alpha-agonists, Renin inhibitors, and combined medications. Each medication works differently on different individuals. Therefore, it is necessary for you to visit a doctor and not self-medicate. Self-medication may induce several other disorders as these drugs may have side-effects. While seeing a doctor, it is also crucial for you tell him/her about other medications you might be taking for other diseases or any allergies you might have. It is required for you to see a doctor at least once a month until you’ve reached a healthy blood pressure.

Hypertension prevention

As the saying goes, ‘prevention is better than cure.’ It holds true to every circumstance including hypertension disorder. Various ways to lower the risks of hypertension are maintaining normal body weight, reducing dietary sodium intake to less than 2.4 gram per day, engaging in regular physical activities, consuming a diet rich in fruits and vegetables and limiting alcohol consumption to less than 3 units a day for men and 2 groups a day for women. While these preventive measures cannot guarantee that you won’t suffer from hypertension disorder, it reduces the risk of hypertension disorder.

Joining hypertension prevention program and support groups contribute a great deal to keep you motivated and help you follow healthy habits that lower the risk of hypertension disorder. You can either join a hypertension support group or program in your nearest clinic or join helpful groups on social media. VLCC Hypertension support group is one of the most referable communities on facebook where you can communicate with people on hypertension prevention program or people suffering from hypertension trying to control their blood pressure which helps you stay on track.

Another preventive measure you can take is, go for a DNA screening to help you find out if you are more prone to hypertension or not. VLCC is Asia’s one of the most sought clinics for beauty and wellness which also provides DNA wellness test. Along with the test, VLCC consist of a team of doctors and dieticians who can give you a proper plan to lead a healthier life.