What is Hypertension?
High blood pressure, usually known as hypertension, is a prevalent condition where the force caused by blood on the walls of the arteries is higher than usual, causing the heart to work harder to pump blood. This condition is usually measured in millimetres of mercury (mm Hg), where hypertension is generally defined as a reading of 130/80 mm Hg or higher. Blood pressure into four main groups:
Normal blood pressure: A blood pressure measurement of 120/80 mm Hg or lower. Elevated blood pressure: Blood pressure levels where the systolic number is between 120 and 129 mm Hg, and the diastolic number is below 80 mm Hg. Stage 1 hypertension: Blood pressure levels where the systolic number is between 130 and 139 mm Hg, or the diastolic number is between 80 and 89 mm Hg. Stage 2 hypertension: Blood pressure levels where the systolic number is 140 mm Hg or higher, or the diastolic number is 90 mm Hg or higher.
Blood pressure readings exceeding 180/120 mm Hg are considered a hypertensive emergency and often require immediate medical attention.
How Common is Hypertension in India?
In India, around 30% of the urban adult population and more than 25% of the rural adult population have hypertension. The condition is increasing and reaching epidemic proportions in India, with an estimated 100 million patients who needs medical awareness about the condition and treatment. The status of hypertension awareness, treatment, and control is seldom in the country. Only about 1/3 of the hypertensive population is currently on treatment, and only about 20% of that is under control. In addition, hypertension is a critical risk factor for the global burden of disease and ailments as well as global morbidity and mortality. Blood pressure readings exceeding 180/120 mm Hg are considered a hypertensive emergency and often require immediate medical attention.
What are the Causes and Risk Factors?
In India, around 30% of the urban adult population and more than 25% of the rural adult population have hypertension. The condition is increasing and reaching epidemic proportions in India, with an estimated 100 million patients who needs medical awareness about the condition and treatment. The status of hypertension awareness, treatment, and control is seldom in the country. Only about 1/3 of the hypertensive population is currently on treatment, and only about 20% of that is under control. In addition, hypertension is a critical risk factor for the global burden of disease and ailments as well as global morbidity and mortality. Hypertension also known as high blood pressure, is often caused by a combination of lifestyle and hereditary factors. The causes and risk factors can be broadly classified into two categories: primary hypertension and secondary hypertension.
Primary Hypertension :
For most adults in general, there’s no identifiable & visible cause of high blood pressure. This type of hypertension is known as primary hypertension which tends to develop gradually over the years. The common reasons for the hypertension include:
Age: The risk & probability of hypertension increase with natural aging. Race/ethnicity: Hypertension is more common and can be found in certain ethnic groups such as African Americans. Family history: A family history of hypertension increases the probability for hypertension. Obesity: Being obese or overweight can increase the risk as more blood is required to supply oxygen and nutrients to body tissues. Physical inactivity: Lack of exercise & physical activity can lead to higher heart rate and increased blood pressure. Tobacco use: Regular consumption of tobacco raises blood pressure temporarily and can damage artery walls. High salt (sodium) diet: Too much sodium & a high salt diet can cause the body to retain fluids increasing blood pressure. Low potassium diet: Potassium balances the amount of sodium in cells, a low potassium diet can potentially lead to higher blood pressure. Alcohol consumption: Consumption of Excessive alcohol can raise blood pressure over time. Stress: High levels of stress can lead to a temporary increase in blood pressure.
What Medical Emergencies can Hypertension Lead to?
Hypertension can lead to coronary heart disease (Angina, Heart attack), stroke, end-stage renal disease, congestive heart failure and peripheral vascular disease. However, even though hypertension is a risk factor for these critical medical conditions, it can be easily controlled. Hence, it is necessary to identify and control hypertension by encouraging a healthy lifestyle. Furthermore, preventive strategies can help decrease the prevalence of hypertension in the general population. One can also consult the doctors at the best heart hospital in Nalgonda.
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