Hypertension, commonly known as high blood pressure, is a chronic condition where blood is pumped through your body at consistently high pressures. Blood pressure is influenced by the amount of blood your heart pumps, the strength of each heartbeat, and the resistance in your arteries.
When your doctor measures your blood pressure, two numbers are recorded, for example, 120/80. The first number, systolic blood pressure (120 mmHg), represents the pressure in your arteries when your heart contracts. The second number, diastolic blood pressure (80 mmHg), reflects the pressure when your heart is at rest.
What Causes Hypertension?
Hypertension can be classified into two main types:
Primary (Essential) Hypertension:
Most adults with high blood pressure have this form, with no specific identifiable cause. However, certain factors increase your risk, including advancing age, obesity, a high-salt diet, sedentary lifestyle, smoking, and a family history of hypertension.Secondary Hypertension:
In less than 5% of cases, high blood pressure is caused by an underlying medical condition, such as kidney disease or narrowing of certain blood vessels.
Why is Hypertension Dangerous?
If left untreated, hypertension can silently damage your arteries and organs over time. The longer your blood pressure remains high, the greater the risk of serious complications:
- Atherosclerosis: Prolonged high blood pressure leads to hardening of the arteries and the buildup of fatty deposits (plaques), increasing the risk of heart attacks, strokes, and other complications.
- Heart Failure: To cope with high pressure in your arteries, your heart works harder, causing it to thicken and enlarge. Over time, the heart becomes less efficient at pumping blood.
- Brain Aneurysms: Hypertension weakens blood vessel walls, leading to bulging (aneurysms) that can result in life-threatening bleeds in the brain.
- Peripheral Artery Disease: Blood vessels in your arms and legs can narrow, impairing circulation and, in severe cases, leading to poor wound healing and infections, which may require amputation.
- Vision Loss: High blood pressure can damage blood vessels in the eyes, resulting in vision impairment or loss.
- Kidney Disease: Chronic high blood pressure can damage the kidneys, eventually leading to kidney failure.
How is Hypertension Diagnosed?
Hypertension is often called the “silent killer” because many people experience no symptoms, even while their blood vessels and organs are being damaged. Occasionally, very high blood pressure may cause headaches or dizziness, but these symptoms are non-specific and can be caused by other conditions.
For most people, hypertension is detected through a routine blood pressure check. If you’re concerned about your risk of high blood pressure, a consultation with your doctor for regular monitoring is recommended.
Worried About High Blood Pressure?
At Alliance Medical Centre (AMC), our team of experienced doctors is dedicated to helping you manage and understand your risk of hypertension. Whether you’re seeking a routine check-up, treatment, or lifestyle advice, we’re here to guide you on your journey to better health.
Take control of your health today—schedule a consultation with AMC and keep your blood pressure in check!
