Hypertension, another name for high blood pressure, is a common problem that affects millions of people irrespective of the age and gender across the world. It is defined as high pressure in the arteries that carry blood from the heart to the rest of the body. This is the measurement of the pressure that blood pushes against the walls of the arteries. Blood pressure goes up and down throughout the day and it’s a normal phenomenon but when it stays up, it creates serious problems. The blood pressure measurement unit consists of two numbers namely systolic and diastolic and is measured in millimeters of mercury (mm Hg). It is said to be normal when your blood pressure is lower than 120/80 mm Hg. High blood pressure occurs when blood pressure crosses 140/90 mm Hg level.
Causes of Hypertension:
There are several factors that play a significant role in escalating the blood pressure. These factors include the amount of water and salt you have in your body and the overall condition of your kidneys, nervous system or blood vessels. Your hormone level is also very significant factors in deciding the hypertension. The attack goes severe if you have obesity or you are affected with kidney (renal) related disease. Age, diet and stress factors also lead to the hypertension symptoms. Recreational drugs such as cocaine, amphetamines and crystal can also cause hypertension.
Primary Symptoms of Hypertension:
If hypertension left undiagnosed and untreated for long, it could lead to serious health complications. Most of the hypertension symptoms become visible when their intensity turns severe. If you experience any of the following symptoms of hypertension, call upon your doctor immediately.
- Blood spots in the eyes
- Facial flushing
- Shortness of breath
- Nosebleeds
- Dizziness
- Severe headaches
- Severe anxiety
Diagnosis and Treatment for Hypertension:
Doctors conduct blood pressure using a blood pressure cuff. While doing this they give full attention to both higher and lower numbers in your blood pressure readings. It helps them to track the disease in a very precise manner. On the basis of diagnosis and its results, doctors prescribe lifestyle changes and medication to treat the hypertension. The doctors prescribe certain effective medication such as Diovan to treat the disease.