Hypertension Is Basically High Blood

Hypertension is basically high blood pressure. It is a common disorder that many people are not aware they have because it often exists without symptoms. There is no single known cause for essential hypertension, the most frequent kind, however increased risk factors include overweight, a high sodium level in the blood, a high cholesterol level, and a family history of high blood pressure (Hypertension). According to The Mosby Medical Encyclopedia, known causes of hypertension include "adrenal problems, over-active thyroid gland, certain pregnancies and kidney disorders" (Hypertension). Men are more likely than women to have hypertension, and African-Americans are twice as likely as Caucasians.

Mild or moderate hypertension may produce no symptoms or individuals may experience headaches, ringing in the ears, lightheadedness, fatigue, and rapid heartbeat (Hypertension). If hypertension remains undiagnosed, artery walls can become thickened and resistant to blood flow, thus blood supply to the heart may be reduced which can ultimately lead to angina or a heart attack (Hypertension). If blood pressure is high, it may result in "anxiety attacks, rapid or irregular heart beat, profuse sweating, pallor, nausea, and in some cases, fluid in the lungs" (Hypertension). Malignant hypertension is marked by a diastolic pressure higher than 120, and may be accompanied by headaches, blurred vision, confusion, and can result in a stroke or heart attack (Hypertension).

According to the guidelines listed in the November 2001 issue of the Southern Medical Journal, hypertension is defined as a systolic blood pressure equal to or greater than 140mm Hg, a diastolic blood pressure equal to or greater than 90 mm Hg, or the taking of antihypertensive medicines (Guidelines). Blood pressure is based on the average of two or more readings taken at two or more visits, using equipment that meets certification criteria. Patients should be seated, should have refrained from smoking or ingesting caffeine for at least 30 minutes, and should have been at rest for at least 5 minutes (Guidelines). The three objectives of evaluating patients include:

identify known causes; assess the absence or presence of target organ damage and cardiovascular disease, the extent of the disease, and response to therapy; identify other cardiovascular risk factors or concomitant disorders that may define prognosis and guide treatment (Guidelines).

According to the guidelines, patients with a history of heart failure, cerebrovascular disease, peripheral vascular disease, renal disease, diabetes mellitus, dyslipidemia, gout, sexual dysfunction, or a family history of high blood pressure, stroke, diabetes, dyslipidemia, or renal disease are at risk (Guidelines). Other factors include a history of alcohol and tobacco use, and dietary assessment including saturated fat and caffeine. Also certain prescribed and over-the-counter medications, herbal remedies, and illicit drugs may be factors, as well as psychosocial and environmental factors such as family situation, employment status, working conditions, and educational levels (Guidelines).

Aside from routine physical examinations, laboratory tests, such as urinalysis, blood cell count and blood chemistry may be used in diagnostic procedure (Guidelines).

Hypertension may be treated with drugs including diuretics, such as thiazide derivatives; vasodilators, such as hydralazine and prazosin; sympathetic nervous system depressants, such as rauwolfia alkaloids; sympathetic nervous system inhibitors such as guanethidine and methyldopa and ganglionic blocking agents, such as clonidine and propranolol (Hypertension). Individuals with high blood pressure should exercise regularly, follow a low-sodium, low-saturated fat diet, avoid stress, get adequate rest, and lower calorie intake to control obesity (Hypertension).