Arterial hypertension, simply put, is high blood pressure. It is a coronary heart disease where there is a persistent elevation of the systolic blood pressure (SBP) at a level of 140mm Hg or higher and diastolic blood pressure of 90mm Hg or higher (140/90 BP or higher).
Coronary events such as a ‘heart attack’ are still the most common result of high blood pressure. If left untreated, nearly half of hypertensive people will die of heart disease, a third will die of stroke and the remaining 10% to 15% will die of renal failure. It is also called the ‘silent factor’ in stroke or heart attacks.
Contributing Factors of High Blood Pressure
High Blood Pressure, regardless of type, results from an array of genetic and environmental factors.
Family history, age, gender and race constitute the genetic factors. People with parents who have high blood pressure are at greater risk at a younger age.
Environmental factors are stress, obesity, nutrition and substance abuse. Because stress is a matter of perception, people’s interpretation of events is what create most stressors and stress responses. Stressors such as noise, infection, inflammation, pain or medical treatment can elicit the stress response. Stress increases your heart beat, stimulating your nervous system activity and high blood pressure can develop overtime.
Obesity in the upper body, with increased amounts of fat about the midriff, waist and abdomen is susceptible to this disease while those who are overweight in the lower body are at far less risk. Studies show that a high-salt diet and a low dietary intake of calcium, potassium and magnesium are also great contributors.
Cigarette smoking, heavy alcohol consumption and illicit use of drugs are also risk factors.
Symptoms of High Blood Pressure
In its early stages of development, no clinical manifestations are noted. Eventually the blood pressure will rise, and if not diagnosed, you will be caught unaware. Your blood pressure will continue to rise and symptoms will become apparent like:
- persistent headaches
- fatigue
- dizziness
- palpitations
- flushing
- blurred or double vision
Your diagnosis is made when, after you were allowed to rest for at least 5 minutes, the average of two or more readings separated by 2 minutes is 140/90mm HG or higher. Follow this up with a thorough medical examination.
How to Measure Your Blood Pressure
You should be seated with your bare arm supported and positioned at heart level. Measurement should begin after at least 5 minutes of rest. Your back should be supported, both feet flat on the floor with your legs uncrossed. Do not speak while your blood pressure is being monitored. Laboratory studies provide useful information in determining the severity of vascular disease, the extent of organ damage and the possible causes of your high blood pressure.
Create a High Blood Pressure Treatment Plan
In the event that you are a candidate for high blood pressure, you should actively participate in creating a treatment plan by adhering to scheduled examinations and prescribed therapies. The greatest problem in its management will depend on your commitment and self-responsibility to follow prescribed regimens.