subject: Hypertension – learn about causes, classification and how are hypertension treated [print this page] Hypertension learn about causes, classification and how are hypertension treated
What is Hypertension (High Blood Pressure)
Arteries are blood vessels that carry blood from your heart to the rest of your body. Normal arteries are smooth and flexible, and blood flows easily through them.
As the blood moves through your arteries, it puts pressure on the artery walls. This is your blood pressure. High blood pressure (also called hypertension) occurs when your blood moves through your arteries at a higher pressure than normal.
The following US classification of blood pressure applies to adults aged 18 and older. This blood pressure chart can help you figure out if your blood pressure is at a healthy level, or if you'll need to take some steps to improve your numbers. People whose blood pressure is above the normal range should consult their doctor about methods for lowering it.
Classification of blood pressure for adults
Category systolic, mmHg diastolic, mmHg Normal < 120 < 80 Prehypertension 120 139 or 80 89 Stage 1 Hypertension 140 159 or 90 99 Stage 2 Hypertension 160 - 179 or 100 - 109 Hypertensive Crisis 180 or 110
What do the numbers mean
Blood pressure is really two measurements, separated by a slash when written, such as 120/80. You may also hear someone say a blood pressure is "120 over 80."The first number is the systolic blood pressure. This is the peak blood pressure when your heart is squeezing blood out. The second number is the diastolic blood pressure. It's the pressure when your heart is filling with blood--relaxing between beats. A normal blood pressure is less than 120/80. High blood pressure is 140/90 or higher. If your blood pressure is between 120/80 and 140/90, you have what is called "prehypertension," which means that if you don't take important steps, your blood pressure can turn into high blood pressure.
What Causes Hypertension
The exact causes of Hypertension are not known. Several factors and conditions may play a role in its development, including:
Smoking
Being overweight or obese
Lack of physical activity
Too much salt in the diet
Too much alcohol consumption (more than 1 to 2 drinks per day)
Stress
Older age
Genetics
Family history of high blood pressure
Chronic kidney disease
Hypertension. Lifestyle changes
Whether you're on the road to developing high blood pressure (prehypertension) or you already have high blood pressure (hypertension), you can benefit from lifestyle changes that can lower your blood pressure.
Eat a healthy diet, focusing on fruits, vegetables and low-fat dairy products, and especially, control the salt in your diet
Maintain a healthy weight
Don't smoke cigarettes or use any tobacco product.
Lose weight if you're overweight.
Exercise regularly.
Eat a healthy diet that includes lots of fruits and vegetables and is low in fat.
Limit your sodium, alcohol and caffeine intake.
Try relaxation techniques or biofeedback.
Hypertension Treatments
Many different types of medicine can be used to treat high blood pressure (see the box below). These are called antihypertensive medicines. The goal of treatment is to reduce your blood pressure to normal levels. You may need to take more than one medicine to help control your blood pressure. Don't stop taking the medicine without talking with your family doctor or you may increase your risk of having a stroke or heart attack.
What are the possible side effects of medicine
Different drugs have different side effects for different people. Side effects of antihypertensive drugs can include feeling dizzy when you stand up after lying down or sitting, lowered levels of potassium in your blood, problems sleeping, drowsiness, dry mouth, headaches, bloating, constipation and depression. In men, some antihypertensive drugs can cause problems with having an erection. Talk to your family doctor about any changes you notice. If one medicine doesn't work for you or causes side effects, you have other options. Let your doctor help find the right medicine for you.
Who Is More Likely to Develop Hypertension
People with family members who have high blood pressure.
People who smoke.
African-Americans.
Women who are pregnant.
Women who take birth control pills.
People over the age of 35.
People who are overweight or obese.
People who are not active.
People who drink alcohol excessively.
People who eat too many fatty foods or foods with too much salt.
