What is high blood pressure

What is High Blood Pressure: Hypertension refers to elevated blood pressure or high flow over the normal range. Activities throughout the day affect your blood pressure levels. When readings are regularly high than usual. At that situation we can term it as High Blood Pressure.

What is Systolic Blood Pressure?

You have systolic pressure while your heart actively pumps blood through your veins and arteries

What is Diastolic Blood Pressure?

, Diastolic blood pressure when your heart is at rest between beats.

 One of two forms of hypertension will identifies your doctor:

 Primary Hypertension:

Hypertension of unknown aetiology, commonly known as primary or essential hypertension. This form of hypertension is the most prevalent, and it can be attributed to both ageing and poor lifestyle factors, including insufficient physical activity. Some times we ter it as primary high blood pressure.

 Secondary Hypertension:

High blood pressure is not primary. Some medications, as well as physical conditions (such as kidney or hormonal malfunction), might bring on this form of hypertension.

How do doctors determine if a patient has high blood pressure?

Hypertension often has no symptoms, so your doctor will need to use a blood pressure cuff to diagnose the illness. Every annual exam or checkup usually includes a blood pressure check. After two or more visits to the doctor for blood pressure readings, your health provider will diagnose high blood pressure.

Statistics on hypertension

A stethoscope can pinpoint the instant when the sound of the pulse returns, allowing the cuff’s pressure to be gradually removed. While listening to the patient’s chest with the stethoscope, the individual taking the blood pressure should focus on two specific areas.

Two numbers represent blood pressure readings: the systolic and diastolic values. The task is recorded as 140/90 mm Hg in this case.

The systolic pressure is higher because of the heart muscle contraction, while the diastolic pressure is lower because the heart is “resting” for a moment between beats.

Symptoms

Even at extremely high readings, most persons with hypertension have no idea something is wrong. There may be no outward signs of high blood pressure for a long time.

Some persons who have hypertension might also have the following:

• Disturbance of focus
• Nosebleeds
• Breathlessness
• Discomfort in the chest
• Dizziness
• Headaches

Unfortunately, these symptoms do not follow any discernible pattern. Symptoms of these types of hypertensions tend to appear only in the final, potentially fatal stages of the disease.

Identification of the root cause of hypertension:

Hypertension has largely preventable dietary and behavioral causes. We’ll start with these five.

 1.   Instances of becoming excessively fat

 To provide oxygen and nutrients to your tissues, your body needs a greater volume of blood if you are overweight or obese. The arterial walls might be damaged over time by the increased pressure caused by a higher blood volume.

The heart also has to work more to support a heavier person.

 2.   Absence of exercise

Sedentary people tend to have elevated heart rates. The greater the rate, the greater the stress exerted on the arterial walls with each heart contraction.

You’re placing yourself in a double hazard because of this, as a lack of exercise also raises the chance of obesity.

 3. Using tobacco

Inhaling nicotine through cigarettes, e-cigarettes, or chewing tobacco causes a rapid and temporary increase in blood pressure. However, tobacco’s compounds can harm the arterial lining, leading to the narrowing and hardening of the arteries (atherosclerosis). Because of this, your heart must work harder to propel the blood. The danger increases even if you don’t smoke

4. Having a diet that is high in sodium and low in potassium.

High blood pressure is a common health risk associated with a diet high in sodium (table salt). Similarly, to sodium, potassium acts as a grain of salt to maintain a healthy cellular sodium-potassium equilibrium. Reduced potassium levels are associated with increased sodium levels.

5.Overwhelmed by pressure

 Hormones like adrenaline and cortisol are released in greater quantities than usual while you’re under pressure. To temporarily raise blood pressure, these hormones cause the heart to beat more rapidly while also narrowing the blood arteries.

The short-term effects are manageable, but prolonged exposure to stress can lead to hypertension.

Many of our patients also increase their chance of developing high blood pressure by reacting to stress in harmful ways, such as by smoking, drinking alcohol, or eating a lot of high-fat, high-cholesterol, and high-calorie foods.

 How may high blood pressure be lowered by diet?

• Reduce your intake of saturated fat, sodium, and calories by opting for items like skim or 1% milk, fresh vegetables and fruits, whole-grain rice and pasta. (For a more extensive list of low-sodium foods, consult your healthcare professional.)
• Make meals pleasant without adding salt by using other seasonings. Consuming fewer than 1,500 mg of sodium per day is suggested as the sweet spot for salt intake. Many processed and frozen meals and restaurant cuisine (particularly fast food) contain excessive amounts of salt. Flavor your cuisine with herbs and spices instead of salt. Keep the salt off the table. (Even low-sodium options typically contain some salt.)
• Butter, margarine, ordinary salad dressings, fatty meats, whole milk dairy products, fried foods, processed foods, fast food, and salted snacks should all be avoided or eaten in much smaller quantities.
• Ask your doctor if adding more potassium to your diet will benefit you. Consult your doctor about adopting the DASH diet to lower your blood pressure. The DASH diet recommends lowering sodium intake and increasing the consumption of healthy foods, including fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. The DASH diet helps reduce salt and sodium intake because it emphasizes fresh fruits and vegetables, which tend to have lower sodium content than other foods.

Consequences of High Blood Pressure:

Effects on the kidneys:

The kidneys filter the blood of excess fluid and waste, which requires functional blood arteries. The blood arteries in the kidneys and those that supply them might be damaged by hypertension. In addition, the complications associated with high blood pressure can be exacerbated by the presence of diabetes.

High blood pressure can lead to a variety of complications for the kidneys:

• Scarring of the kidneys (glomerulosclerosis).

The tiny blood arteries within the kidney become damaged and unable to filter fluid and waste from the blood, causing this type of kidney injury. Kidney failure is a possible outcome of glomerulosclerosis.

• Impairment of the kidneys.

Chronic kidney disease is a major health problem in the United States, and high blood pressure is a leading cause. Because of the damage to the blood arteries, the kidneys cannot filter the blood efficiently, leading to potentially fatal accumulations of fluid and waste. Dialysis and kidney transplantation are also possible forms of treatment.

• Impairment of sight

 The fragile blood arteries that supply the eyes can be damaged by hypertension, leading to:

 Visual impairment due to retinal blood vessel damage (retinopathy).

·Bleeding, hazy vision and eventual blindness can result from damage to the blood vessels in the retina, the light-sensitive tissue in the back of the eye. Retinopathy is more likely to occur in people with diabetes and high blood pressure.

• The accumulation of fluid beneath the retina (choroidopathy).

Scarring from choroidopathy can permanently alter or even completely obscure vision.

• Injury to the nerves (optic neuropathy).

Bleeding, hazy vision and eventual blindness can result from damage to the blood vessels in the retina, the light-sensitive tissue in the back of the eye. Retinopathy is more likely to occur in people with diabetes and high blood pressure.

Injury to the cardiac muscle:

The effects of hypertension on the cardiovascular system are widespread:

• Ailments of the coronary arteries.

High blood pressure reduces arterial diameter and causes arterial injury, which reduces blood flow to the heart. Angina, arrhythmias, and heart attacks are all possible consequences of insufficient blood supply to the heart.

• Left heart enlargement.

As a result of pumping more blood to the rest of the body, the heart has to work harder to maintain healthy blood pressure. The result is a thickening of the left ventricle, the heart’s lower left chamber. Heart disease, heart failure, and sudden cardiac death are all made more likely by a thickened left ventricle.

• Deficiency of the heart.

High blood pressure puts extra strain on the heart, eventually leading to the muscle becoming weaker and the heart being less efficient. The overworked heart eventually gives up.

Immediate methods to reduce blood pressure

 Please take a seat and remember to breathe deeply for a moment. Inhale deeply and hold your breath for a few seconds. Take it if your doctor has recommended medicine to lower your blood pressure. Teas like chamomile and hibiscus can also assist, so having some on hand is smart.

Why your Blood Pressure Matters?

The heartbeat regulates the circulation of blood throughout the body. In contrast to what one might expect from a garden hose, the flow is not constant.

Even the pressure exerted by the heart’s beating blood flow can vary from one minute to the next. The pressure is highest during a heartbeat (systolic pressure) and lowest in between beats (diastolic pressure).

To get an accurate picture of the force of the pulsating blood, doctors take readings in this range.

Monitor your both systolic and diastolic blood pressures on regular basis.. When numbers are consistently high, it may be a sign of hypertension. There may not be enough blood reaching your brain and other organs if the results are too low.

And if the gap between the two figures shifts over time, it’s another red flag that something might be wrong with your heart or your health.

Tests for Diagnosis of High Blood Pressure:

Your doctor may order diagnostic procedures to determine the root cause of your hypertension.

Ambulatory monitoring:

A prolonged blood pressure monitoring test may be performed to monitor blood pressure at set intervals for up to 24 hours. Blood pressure readings are taken while the patient is at rest (sometimes known as “ambulatory”). However, not all hospitals have access to the necessary testing equipment. You should call them if you want to know if your insurance will pay for your ambulatory blood pressure monitoring.

Lab tests

High blood pressure is diagnosed by analyzing blood and urine for underlying disorders. Measurements of cholesterol and blood sugar are two such examples. Kidney, liver, and thyroid function tests may be performed in the lab.

Electrocardiogram (ECG or EKG):

This easy examination detects irregularities in the heart’s electrical activity. It can see variations in heart rate. Electrodes are sensors placed on the chest and occasionally the arms or legs during an ECG. All the data collected by the sensors is transmitted wirelessly to a computer or display screen.

Echocardiogram:

You can visualize the heart’s pounding in great detail during this noninvasive examination using sound waves. It demonstrates how the heart and its valves function to regulate blood flow.

What is the best time for Blood Pressure Measurement?

 

 

 

 

 

Before concluding that someone has high blood pressure, many medical professionals advise keeping track of blood pressure readings collected over time (which may involve repeating the tests at home).

Your blood pressure will fluctuate at different points throughout the day, so be aware of that. Peaks in the morning and dips in the evening generally characterize their daily pattern.

Your healthcare physician may recommend you use a blood pressure monitor twice daily, once in the morning and once in the afternoon or evening. It’s best to wait until after dinner or later in the day before taking it.

Try to read in the morning before you eat (particularly if you have coffee or take medicine), and read in the evening as you wind down before bed (and again, before you take any medications).

It would be best if you were constantly monitoring your blood pressure once you’ve settled on a schedule. If you take your blood pressure at roughly the same time every day, you will have the most reliable data to conclude.

How can you determine if your blood pressure is healthy for your age?

Most persons with good health should aim for a blood pressure reading of 120 over 80. The normal blood pressure for children and teenagers may be slightly lower than for adults. A healthy, active adolescent may have a blood pressure of roughly 115/70, whereas a toddler’s blood pressure of 100/65 may be deemed normal.

Normal blood pressure can be either greater or lower in older persons. For instance, a person in their 60s might have a blood pressure reading of 130 over 60.

Medications for treating High Blood Pressure:

 

 

 

 

 

How high your blood pressure and your current health are both factors in determining the best course of treatment for you. Multiple medications are often more effective than one when treating high blood pressure. Identifying the drug (or combination thereof) that best serves your needs might be lengthy.

Commonly prescribed medications for elevated blood pressure:

Commonly we can use these groups of medications to manage high blood pressure

• Diuretics

This medication is useful in reducing the body’s sodium and water levels. Commonly used as initial medications for hypertension treatment.

Thiazide, loop, and potassium-sparing diuretics are only a few of the many types available. Your doctor will base their recommendation on your blood pressure readings and other medical history factors like kidney or heart illness. You can prescribe Chlorthalidone, hydrochlorothiazide (Microzide), and other diuretics to treat hypertension in a routine.

• Angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors

The blood vessel relaxing medications help with that. They prevent the body from making a substance that constricts blood arteries. These include the blood pressure medications lisinopril (Prinivil, Zestril), benazepril (Lotensin), captopril, and others.

• Angiotensin II receptor blockers (ARBs)

These medications also loosen up the vascular smooth muscle. They prevent the natural chemical responsible for constricting blood arteries from functioning. Candesartan (Atacand), losartan (Cozaar), and other drugs fall into the ARB category.

• Calcium channel blockers

These medications ease the smooth muscle in the blood arteries. Some can slow your heart rate. Among these are diltiazem (Cardizem, Tiazac, and others), amlodipine (Norvasc), and others. There is some evidence that calcium channel blockers, in addition to ACE inhibitors, are more effective in treating hypertension in the elderly and people of African descent.

While taking calcium channel blockers, avoid consuming anything with grapefruit in it. Caution is required while using certain calcium channel blockers while taking grapefruit since it can raise blood levels of the drug to potentially lethal levels. See your doctor or pharmacist if you are worried about possible drug interactions.

Other medications which sometimes we can to treat hypertension

If you have tried a combination of the medications mentioned above without success in lowering your blood pressure, your doctor may recommend the following:

• Alpha blockers:

These drugs inhibit the transmission of nerve impulses to blood vessels. These lessen the effects of natural chemicals that constrict blood vessels. Doxazosin (Cardura), prazosin (Minipress), and others are examples of alpha-blockers.

• Alpha-beta blockers:

  
  
  

Inhibiting the transmission of nerve impulses to the heart’s alpha-beta receptors slows the heart rate. They lessen the workload placed on the nature and vascular system. Some examples of alpha-beta blockers are carvedilol (Coreg) and labetalol (Trandate)

• Beta blockers:

The cardiovascular system is spared some strain thanks to these drugs, and the blood vessels are dilated. In doing so, the heart can beat gradually and with less stress. Atenolol (Tenormin) and metoprolol (Lopressor, Toprol-XL, Kapspargo sprinkle) are just two examples of beta blockers.

In most cases, a doctor will prescribe something in addition to a beta-blocker. Potentially more effective when used in conjunction with other blood pressure medications.

• Aldosterone blockers:

These medications have shown promise in treating hypertension that has proven resistant to other treatments. They counteract the action of a naturally occurring molecule that contributes to excess sodium and water retention. Aldactone (spironolactone) and eplerenone are two such examples (Inspra).

• Inhibitors of renin:

  
  
  

By inhibiting the kidneys from producing renin, a key enzyme in a cascade of events that raises blood pressure, aliskiren (Tekturna) can help lower hypertension.

No one should combine aliskiren with an angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitor or an angiotensin receptor blocker (ARB) because of the increased risk of significant side effects, including stroke.

• Vasodilators:

These medications prevent the artery wall muscles from contracting, reducing arterial pressure. Consequently, it protects the arteries against constriction. Hydralazine and minoxidil are two such drugs.

• Centrally-acting agents:

In other words, these drugs stop the brain from sending signals to the neurological system to raise blood pressure and heart rate. A few examples are methyldopa, guanfacine (Intuniv), and the anticonvulsant clonidine (Catapres, Kapvay).

Hence, It is crucial to adhere strictly to the specified schedule for blood pressure medication. It would help if you never missed dosage or suddenly stopped taking your blood pressure medication. Rebound hypertension occurs when certain blood pressure medications, specifically beta-blockers, discontinues.

Talk to your doctor about alternatives if you skip doses due to expense, side effects, or forgetfulness. Don’t make any therapy adjustments without first consulting with your doctor.

How to treatment High Blood Pressure Which you find resistant:

Based on your underlying illnesses and medication tolerance, you can choose from various treatment options for resistant or pseudo-resistant hypertension (detailed below). Some examples of treatments are:

Treatment should focus on relieving underlying stress or treating other medical issues that may be contributing to hypertension.

Thus, Altering one’s way of life to prevent high blood pressure.

Modifying your prescriptions until you discover the right combination for you for lowering blood pressure.