Effects of Hypertension
Although about 42 million Americans have hypertension, only about 10 million have it under control (See Resources). The remaining 32 million may not even be aware they have it. Known as the silent killer, hypertension often strikes without warning. It's the main cause of heart attacks and strokes. Fortunately, 95 percent of all hypertension is controllable.
Identification
Hypertension, also known as high blood pressure, is when the pressure of blood against artery walls is higher than normal. A blood pressure reading is made up of two numbers. The upper number (systolic pressure) represents the highest force of blood as the heart pumps it. The lower number (diastolic pressure) signifies when the heart is filling before the next heartbeat.
Normal blood pressure for adults over 18 is below 120/70. High to normal is 130-139/85-89 and high is over 140/90. When blood pressure is this high, the body is forced to work harder pumping blood, placing it in jeopardy.
Types
There are two main types of high blood pressure, primary hypertension and secondary hypertension. Primary hypertension, which doesn't have a main cause, is the one that's diagnosed in most people. On the other hand, secondary hypertension is caused by several reasons and is very treatable.
Other rare types include malignant hypertension, as well as isolated systolic, white coat and resistant hypertension.
Effects
Consistent hypertension has several serious effects. Strokes are usually because of hypertension. High blood pressure puts a strain on blood vessels, causing them to rupture. This leads to bleeding in the brain. A stroke can occur if a blood clot blocks one of the narrowed arteries. Strokes can also occur because of hardening of the arteries (atherosclerosis), also caused by hypertension.
Heart attacks and other heart problems happen when the heart is strained, because of hypertension. Blood vessels carry needed oxygen to the heart muscle. If the blood flow is blocked, there's chest pain (angina), which can result in a heart attack and even death. Congested heart failure, when the heart can't pump enough blood to needed body parts, is another heart problem.
Kidney damage can result from hypertension. Kidneys filter wastes from the body. Because hypertension can either narrow or thicken the kidney's blood vessels, kidneys can be damaged or even fail. Waste gathers in the blood when kidneys filter less fluid. As a result, a kidney transplant or dialysis may be necessary. If they fail altogether before a new kidney is replaced, it can be fatal.
Dementia in older people is also linked with hypertension. This is because mini-strokes, due mostly to high blood pressure, can lead to memory loss.
Warning
If two or more blood pressure readings, taken at least six hours apart, are 140 (top number) or higher systolic, call a health professional. On the other hand, if you have a 90 or higher diastolic (bottom number), seek immediate medical attention.
Considerations
When taking a hypertension reading, take in consideration a few factors. A person's age can affect a reading. Other considerations include weight, height, health and pregnancy. Race should also be considered. For example, African-Americans are known for having more hypertension.
Prevention/Solution
Although hypertension isn't to be taken lightly, you can make several lifestyle changes to reverse it.
Exercise more and eat healthier, omitting foods high in cholesterol, such as fried foods. Limit salt intake. Often getting your weight to a normal range can lower your blood pressure.
Stop smoking. Nicotine temporarily increases blood pressure, for only about half an hour or less. Smokers should check their blood pressure after thirty minutes following a smoke, especially if they have high blood pressure.
Check medications. Many prescription drugs can intensify high blood pressure, such as corticosteroids.
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