Hypertension, also known as high blood pressure, is a condition that commonly affects people as they age. As blood presses more forcefully against artery walls, the heart is forced to work much harder. Hypertension can result in the damage of arteries and increase the risk of heart disease, stroke, and kidney disease.
Symptoms
Most people do not show symptoms of hypertension; in fact, one in five people do not even know that they have hypertension. Internally, it attacks the heart, blood vessels, lungs, kidneys, and even the brain. In periods of hypertensive crisis, which occurs when blood pressure is higher than 180/110, you may experience severe headaches, anxiety, nosebleeds, and shortness of breath.
Causes and Risk Factors
It is generally unknown what causes hypertension, as it often goes unnoticed in a person for several years. However, kidney and adrenal gland diseases sometimes lead to hypertension. One in three people suffer from prehypertension, which is a warning sign that hypertension may develop at a later age. These people tend to have consistently higher blood pressure readings: 120-139 systolic pressure (the top number) and 80-89 diastotic pressure (the bottom number). Systolic pressure is the measure of blood pressure when the heart is beating, and diastotic pressure measures blood pressure when the heart is at rest.
People with prehypertension are often encouraged to change their diet or exercise routines to avoid developing hypertension; it is usually recommended to lower the daily intake of sodium, as it retains fluid in the body and puts a heavier workload on the heart.
Most people begin to develop hypertension between the ages of 45 and 65, though men tend to develop it sooner than women. Anyone with a family history of hypertension is more likely to develop the condition, and 60% of diabetics suffer from it. African Americans have been shown to be at a higher risk of developing hypertension than other races.
Treatments
There are medications to help keep blood pressure down and treat hypertension. Diuretics help to shed the body of excess fluid. Beta-blockers may also be prescribed to slow the heart rate and ease the heart from its heavy work load. ACE inhibitors help to relieve hypertension by lowering the body's stores of angiotensin II, which makes the blood vessels contract and narrow. Keeping these blood vessels open keeps blood pressure low.
These medications are usually paired with doctors' recommendations to eat better and exercise more. Overweight people with hypertension are frequently asked to change their diets to contain less fat and sugar and to exercise more frequently. Studies have shown that blood pressure can be more easily maintained in people with healthy weights. There is even a diet specific to reducing hypertension: the DASH diet, or "dietary approaches to stop hypertension." This involves eating more fruits, whole grains, and nuts while restricting the consumption of red meats, saturated fats, and sweets.
