Hypertension, or high blood pressure, is a long-term medical condition characterized by elevated blood pressure. Though this condition doesn’t cause symptoms, it is considered a major risk factor for developing certain cardiovascular diseases. Often called the “the silent killer,” this condition can lead to heart disease, vision loss, chronic kidney disease, and a range of other issues. Unfortunately, hypertension negatively impacts the lives of millions of individuals in the U.S. and worldwide.
To manage our health effectively, we need to understand hypertension more deeply. This article will explore hypertension’s causes, treatments, and prevention strategies. Keep reading to learn more!
What Exactly is Hypertension?
Hypertension can occur when a person’s blood pressure levels remain high for too long. Blood pressure measures the force of blood pushing against the walls of our arteries as the heart pumps. Too much pressure can strain the heart and blood vessels, leading to a variety of health problems. This is because hypertension makes our body work harder than it should to pump blood throughout the body, due to a constriction of the arteries.
Primary hypertension is the most common type and tends to develop slowly over several years. Sometimes the cause is unclear, although a variety of factors can play a role, such as:
- Genetics
- Aging
- Poor diet
- Lack of activity
- High stress levels
Secondary hypertension is another form that results from an underlying condition such as kidney disease, hormonal disorders, or certain medications. This form of hypertension can occur suddenly and may lead to even higher blood pressure levels than primary hypertension.
Risk Factors for Hypertension
There are several risk factors for hypertension, and they impact people in different ways. For example, your blood pressure tends to increase as you age, so older individuals are at a higher risk for developing the condition. In fact, hypertension prevalence can reach nearly 75% for those aged 60 and over. People’s race or ethnicity can also be a risk factor, with black people having a higher risk than white, Hispanic, or Asian people. Black people also tend to develop hypertension earlier in life than white people.
Outside of age and race, lifestyle factors can also play a role in an individual’s risk level. For example, people can be at a higher risk if they are:
- Overweight or obese
- Eating a high-salt diet
- Drinking excessively
- Genetically inclined for hypertension
- Chronically stressed
Treatments for Hypertension
Thankfully, there are many powerful changes people can make in their lives to lower their risk or even to manage existing hypertension. These changes include modifications to a person’s diet, exercise levels, weight management, and intake of alcohol and cigarettes.
There is a diet recommended to people interested in lowering their blood pressure. It is known as the DASH Diet (Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension) and it can even help lower cholesterol linked to heart disease. Foods in the DASH diet are rich in the minerals potassium, calcium and magnesium. It emphasizes fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and low-fat dairy while reducing salt, red meat, and added sugars.
Exercise and weight management efforts can also be very beneficial in lowering blood pressure levels. Physical activities such as walking, swimming, or cycling can strengthen the heart and reduce the risk of hypertension. Losing even a small amount of weight can significantly reduce blood pressure in overweight individuals.
In addition to the above, cutting back or eliminating the consumption of alcohol and cigarettes can be very helpful for individuals with hypertension. Both cigarettes and alcohol raise blood pressure, so cutting their consistent use is very beneficial.
If medication is needed, it is important to consult a healthcare provider to determine which ones are best based on your specific condition, other health issues, and potential responses to treatments. Several classes of drugs can help control blood pressure, such as:
- Diuretics – Which help kidneys remove excess sodium and water
- ACE Inhibitors – Help relax blood vessels
- Calcium Channel Blockers – Help relax blood vessels by preventing calcium from entering the heart and blood vessel cells
It is important to monitor blood pressure regularly. This is why regular check-ups are essential, especially for people with elevated risk factors. In certain situations, home monitoring can also be helpful. At Montes Medical Group, we evaluate our patients to learn if they have a history of heart disease or other risk factors. We also test blood pressure levels and use the exam results to prescribe an appropriate treatment plan customized for each patient.
If you have a family history of hypertension or are experiencing adverse symptoms, we urge you to get in touch and explore our testing and treatment services.