Blood Hypertension
Blood pressure is one of the indicators that reflect the health status of the cardiovascular system and the body as a whole. Blood pressure is the force exerted by blood on the walls of blood vessels. It is divided into:
1.Systolic blood pressure: It represents the blood pressure during the contraction of the heart muscle, pumping blood into the arteries.
2. Diastolic blood pressure: Represents the blood pressure when the heart muscle relaxes between beats.
How to Measure Blood Pressure:
A blood pressure monitor (sphygmomanometer) is used to evaluate a person's health status, which is categorized into several levels as follows:
1. *120/80* mmHg normal blood pressure, an ideal condition.
2. *139/89* mmHg before blood pressure rise, a dangerous condition, indicates the risk of developing hypertension if appropriate treatment measures are not taken.
Blood pressure in the first stage is 159/99 mmHg. Requires monitoring and treatment to avoid complications.
3. *160/100* mmHg blood pressure from stage two. The condition is serious and requires immediate therapeutic intervention to avoid severe complications.
4. *180/120* mmHg emergency situation requiring immediate medical intervention.
5. *90/60* mmHg low blood pressure, causing dizziness, fainting, and requiring immediate medical intervention.
Measuring blood pressure is an important matter for diagnosing health conditions and taking appropriate measures to maintain heart and vascular health.
Regular blood pressure measurement is recommended, especially for individuals with risk factors such as obesity and heart diseases.
Causes of High Blood Pressure:
- Unhealthy Diet: Consuming large amounts of salt, sugars, and saturated fats.
- Obesity: Excess weight leads to insulin resistance and the production of hormones that cause high blood pressure.
- Lack of Physical Activity: Inactivity and sedentary lifestyle contribute to weight gain and consequently increased blood pressure.
- Smoking: A major cause of high blood pressure and vascular damage.
- Excessive consumption of alcohol and caffeine.
- Age: The risk of developing high blood pressure increases with age.
- Some chronic diseases: Such as diabetes and kidney diseases can cause an increase in blood pressure.
- Genetic factors: Family medical history increases the likelihood of high blood pressure.
- Taking certain medications: such as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
- Psychological stress and fatigue
Symptoms of High Blood Pressure:
High blood pressure may not show obvious symptoms, often. However, some of the following symptoms may appear:
- Headache: The patient may suffer from a severe headache, especially in the back of the head.
- Dizziness, and a feeling of spinning.
- Blurred vision, or temporary loss of vision.
- Shortness of breath, or chest pain in some cases, which is a symptom requiring immediate medical attention.
- Swelling of the feet can be a result of fluid -retention due to high blood pressure.
- Fatigue and extreme exhaustion without performing any strenuous work.
- Increased heart rate.
- In chronic cases, it may affect memory and mental health.
It is important to note that many people with high blood pressure do not show any symptoms until the condition worsens. Therefore, it is necessary to undergo regular blood pressure checks, especially if there is a family history of this condition or other risk factors. If you experience any of the symptoms mentioned above, it is recommended to consult a doctor for a thorough evaluation of your condition.
Treatment for high blood pressure:
Requires long-term commitment, a healthy lifestyle to reduce risks, and maintain normal blood pressure levels. Treatment depends on the severity of the condition, and other health factors. Here are some basic steps for treating high blood pressure.
-Change in lifestyle
-Follow a healthy diet, consume more fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, and reduce the intake of sugars and saturated fats.
-Regular exercise.
-Maintain a healthy weight.
-Reduce stress levels: Follow techniques such as yoga, meditation, and deep breathing.
-Avoid alcohol and smoking.
-Medications: There are several types of medications that a doctor may prescribe, including.
- Diuretics: Help reduce the amount of fluid in the body. - Beta-blockers: Reduce blood pressure by lowering heart rate.
Calcium channel blockers: Help relax blood vessels.
-Angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors: Prevent the formation of angiotensin, which helps to dilate blood vessels.
Complications of high blood pressure:
1. Cardiovascular diseases.
2. Stroke.
3. Eye problems.
4. Kidney diseases.
Metabolic Syndrome.
Atherosclerosis.
Sexual problems.
Blood pressure control: Most patients can achieve a normal blood pressure level (120/80 mmHg), so adhere to medical guidelines and take medication regularly.
Conditions under which recovery is possible (if blood pressure is due to a temporary cause such as):
Obesity: Weight loss can lead to blood pressure returning to normal levels.
Kidney or endocrine diseases: Treating the primary cause may return blood pressure to normal levels.
Pregnancy: High blood pressure during pregnancy returns to normal levels after childbirth.
When will you visit the doctor?
If blood pressure remains high despite following advice, or if you notice the symptoms mentioned earlier such as severe headache, shortness of breath, dizziness. Early diagnosis and screening for high blood pressure can help avoid severe complications.