Hypertension: Causes, Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Management
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| UPNURSING NOTES 📚 |
Hypertension (High Blood Pressure) is often called the “silent killer” because it usually has no obvious symptoms but quietly damages the heart, kidneys, blood vessels, and brain over time. Globally, millions of people live with hypertension without even knowing it, which makes awareness, early detection, and proper management critically important.
In this blog, we will explore everything about hypertension—its definition, causes, signs, diagnosis, treatment, and prevention—in a simple and easy-to-understand way.
What is Hypertension?
Hypertension is a chronic medical condition where the blood pressure in arteries remains persistently elevated.
- Normal blood pressure: Less than 120/80 mmHg
- Pre-hypertension: 120–139/80–89 mmHg
- Stage 1 Hypertension: 140–159/90–99 mmHg
- Stage 2 Hypertension: ≥160/100 mmHg
(Note: Guidelines may vary slightly based on the American Heart Association, WHO, and Indian standards.)
Causes and Risk Factors
Hypertension usually develops due to a combination of genetic, environmental, and lifestyle factors.
Common Risk Factors:
- Genetics – family history of hypertension
- Unhealthy diet – high salt, oily foods, junk food
- Obesity and sedentary lifestyle
- Excessive alcohol or smoking
- Stress and lack of sleep
- Diabetes and kidney disease
- Age – risk increases after 40 years
Symptoms of Hypertension
Most patients don’t notice any symptoms until complications occur. Still, some may experience:
- Persistent headache (especially in the morning)
- Dizziness or blurred vision
- Shortness of breath
- Chest pain or palpitations
- Nosebleeds (in severe cases)
Because symptoms are unreliable, regular blood pressure checks are the only safe way to detect hypertension.
Diagnosis
Diagnosis is usually done through repeated blood pressure measurement using a sphygmomanometer or digital BP monitor.
Other tests may include:
- Blood tests (cholesterol, blood sugar, kidney function)
- ECG (Electrocardiogram)
- Echocardiography (heart function)
- Urine test (for protein/kidney problems)
Complications if Untreated
Uncontrolled high blood pressure can lead to:
- Stroke and brain hemorrhage
- Heart attack and heart failure
- Kidney damage (chronic kidney disease)
- Retinopathy (eye damage)
- Aneurysm (blood vessel rupture)
Management and Treatment
Treatment involves lifestyle modifications along with medications if required.
Lifestyle Modifications:
- Reduce salt intake (<5g/day as per WHO)
- Eat more fruits, vegetables, and whole grains
- Maintain a healthy weight
- Exercise at least 30 minutes a day
- Quit smoking and limit alcohol
- Practice stress-relieving activities (yoga, meditation, deep breathing)
- Sleep 7–8 hours daily
Medications:
Doctors may prescribe antihypertensive drugs such as:
- Diuretics
- ACE inhibitors
- Beta-blockers
- Calcium channel blockers
- ARBs (Angiotensin receptor blockers)
(Never self-medicate; always take medicines under medical supervision.)
Prevention
- Regular BP check-ups after age 30
- Healthy diet and active lifestyle
- Avoid excess caffeine, alcohol, and tobacco
- Stress management techniques
- Community awareness programs
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Final Words
Hypertension is manageable if identified early. Simple lifestyle changes combined with proper medical treatment can prevent dangerous complications. Remember, monitoring your blood pressure regularly is just as important as eating healthy food or exercising.
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