Glossary
Hypertension, commonly known as high blood pressure, is a medical condition that occurs when the force of blood against the walls of your arteries is consistently too high. It is a chronic disease that is often diagnosed when a patient's blood pressure readings are above 130/80 mmHg over a period of time. The term "hypertension" is derived from two root words: "hyper" meaning high, and "tension" referring to pressure. Therefore, in its simplest form, hypertension means abnormally high blood pressure.
Blood pressure is the force exerted by circulating blood against the walls of the body's arteries, the major blood vessels in the body. It is measured in millimeters of mercury (mmHg) and is presented as two values: systolic pressure over diastolic pressure. The systolic pressure represents the force that your heart exerts when it beats, and the diastolic pressure represents the force when your heart is at rest between beats. Normal blood pressure is typically around 120/80 mmHg.Hypertension is a significant public health issue because it is a major risk factor for cardiovascular diseases, including heart attack, stroke, and heart failure. It can also lead to other health complications, such as kidney disease and dementia. There are two main types of hypertension: primary (or essential) hypertension and secondary hypertension.
Primary hypertension is the most common type and has no identifiable cause. It tends to develop gradually over many years and is likely a result of a combination of factors, including age, family history, race, diet, physical activity, and tobacco and alcohol use. Secondary hypertension, on the other hand, is caused by an underlying health condition or medication. It tends to appear suddenly and cause higher blood pressure than primary hypertension. Conditions that can lead to secondary hypertension include kidney disease, adrenal gland disorders, certain heart defects, and the use of certain medications, such as birth control pills, cold remedies, decongestants, over-the-counter pain relievers, and some prescription drugs. Hypertension is often called the “silent killer” because it usually has no signs or symptoms.
Many people with hypertension are unaware they have it. Therefore, regular blood pressure checks are essential, especially for those with risk factors for hypertension. The management of hypertension involves lifestyle changes and medication. Lifestyle changes include eating a healthy diet, reducing salt intake, getting regular exercise, maintaining a healthy weight, limiting alcohol intake, quitting smoking, and managing stress. If these changes are not enough to lower blood pressure, medication may be needed. There are several classes of drugs used to treat hypertension, including diuretics, beta-blockers, ACE inhibitors, calcium channel blockers, and others. The choice of medication depends on the patient's overall health, the presence of any other medical conditions, and the medication's potential side effects.
In conclusion, hypertension is a chronic medical condition characterized by consistently high blood pressure. It is a major risk factor for cardiovascular diseases and other health complications. Despite having no clear symptoms, it can be detected through regular blood pressure checks and managed with lifestyle changes and medication. Regular monitoring and control of hypertension are crucial to prevent its potentially life-threatening complications.