Written by Konstantinidis Stylianos, Cardiologist, Director of the 2nd Cardiology Clinic HYGEIA
What is blood pressure?
It is the pressure (force) exerted by the blood on the walls of the arteries
What is maximum (big) and minimum (small) pressure?
When the heart contracts, the pressure increases to a maximum point called systolic pressure (large) and decreases when it relaxes to a minimum point called diastolic pressure (small). In general, blood pressure is considered ideal when the systolic is 120 mmHg and the diastolic is 70 mmHg.
Hypertension
High blood pressure is called hypertension (systolic ≥ 140mmHg, diastolic ≥ 85mmHg). It is a condition that mainly affects adults but sometimes also children. According to statistics, one in three adults suffers from high blood pressure. In Greece, hypertension affects approximately 20% of the population.
How does hypertension occur?
90 to 95% of hypertension is idiopathic, i.e. due to:
• hereditary factors
• increased weight
• sedentary life
• excessive salt intake
• increased anxiety
• arteriosclerosis
In the rest of the cases, the hypertension is characterized as secondary, i.e. due to some other condition such as:
• kidney diseases
• narrowing of the renal arteries
• Obstructive Sleep Apnea
• thyroid dysfunctions
• preeclampsia (in pregnancy)
How is hypertension manifested?
Hypertension has also been characterized as an “insidious disease” because it usually does not cause any symptoms.
Diagnosis of hypertension
The medical visit includes a clinical examination and recording of the history, as well as the investigation of other diseases that arise through laboratory testing.
Laboratory testing includes measuring electrolytes and kidney function, blood and urine tests, and imaging tests to determine whether it is primary or secondary hypertension. Usually the diagnosis is made through measurements, with the patient in a sitting position.
Someone is defined as hypertensive when the systolic pressure is above 140mmHg and the diastolic pressure is above 85mmHg.
Possible complications from hypertension
High blood pressure, if not controlled, increases the risk of:
• coronary disease
• myocardial infarction
• heart failure
In addition, it more than doubles the risk of:
• strokes
• aortic aneurysm
• chronic kidney failure
• damage to the retina
• dementia
Treatment of hypertension
There is no treatment that can permanently relieve the patient of hypertension. He will have to learn to live with it and follow the doctor’s orders. If the doctor deems it appropriate, he will recommend medication.
Fewer than half of hypertensives follow proper treatment, while many of those who occasionally take medication do not need it. The confusion is largely due to misinformation. The choice of treatment varies and is based on age, co-morbidities and the severity of the condition.
In mild hypertension, no treatment is given but a change in lifestyle and eating habits is recommended.
Prevention of hypertension
Lifestyle changes can reduce high blood pressure as much as medication. The risk of developing hypertension is reduced by:
• Balanced nutrition
• Normal body weight
• Exercise two to three times a week
• Reduction of salt intake
• Stop smoking
• Avoiding alcohol
• Limiting tea and coffee consumption
• Relieve stress
Frequently Asked Questions:
When should I take medication?
The decision will be based on the level of blood pressure, any changes in the body from hypertension and other cardiovascular risk factors
Will taking medicine make me feel better?
Usually yes. Treatment is aimed at protecting against the complications of hypertension and not at subjective improvement.
Do diuretics harm the kidneys?
No, but they protect the kidneys from the effects of hypertension.
Is it bad that some drugs lower pulses?
On the contrary, it is desirable because it protects the heart. The bradycardia caused by some drugs is part of their therapeutic action.
will i be able to stop the treatment?
Since there is no definitive cure, but lifelong continuous control of hypertension should not be stopped.
Do I have to stop taking the medicines every now and then to rest the body?
No, insufficient treatment reduces the benefit of protection.
What happens if I ever forget the medicine?
Nothing serious. It better not happen.
Why is my doctor changing my treatment?
To achieve the optimal therapeutic effect.
Source :Skai
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