By Dr. Abhijeet Palshikar M.B.B.S. MD (Internal Medicine) DNB(Cardiology),FESC, FACC Overview of Hypertension

What is Hypertension (high blood pressure)? Blood pressure is the force exerted by the blood against th e walls of blood vessels, and the magnitude of this force de pends on the cardiac output and the resistance of the bloo d vessels. Hypertension is defined as having a blood pressure h igher than 140 over 90 mmHg, with a consensus across medical guidelines.

Causes of Hypertension As acute stress, intense exercise and other factors can briefly elevate bl ood pressure even in people whose blood pressure is normal, a diagnos is of hypertension requires several readings showing high blood pressu re over time. Having high blood pressure for a short amount of time is a normal ph ysiological response to many situations. However, a systolic reading of 1 80 mmHg or higher OR a diastolic reading of 110 mmHG or higher coul d be a sign of a hypertensive crisis that warrants immediate medical att ention. Blood pressure does vary throughout the day, lowering during sleep an d rising on awakening. It also rises in response to excitement, anxiet y and physical activity.

Blood pressure also increases steadily with age as arteries become stiff er and narrower due to plaque build-up. Vascular and heart disease als o contribute to rising blood pressure in older adults, and a high systolic reading is a major risk factor for cardiovascular disease in adults over 5 0 years old. Cardiac electrophysiology - the study of the mechanism, spread, an d interpretation of the electric currents which occur inside heart muscl e tissue - the system that generates the heart beat.

Symptoms of Hypertension High blood pressure itself is usually asymptomatic, meaning that patients do not experience any direct symptoms of the condition. This is why hypertension is often referred to as "the silent killer," as it can quietly causes damage to the c ardiovascular system. Hypertension can also lead to problems in the organs affected by high blood p ressure. Long-term hypertension can cause complications through arterioscler osis, where the formation of plaques results in narrowing of blood vessels.

Diagnosis and tests for Hypertension Diagnosis of hypertension is made by measuring blood pressure over a number of clinic visits, using a sphygmomamometer - the familiar upp er-arm cuff device. An isolated high reading is not taken as proof of hypertension. Rather, diagnosis can be made after elevated readings are taken on at least thre e separate days.

Treatments for Hypertension Salt restriction - typical salt intake is between 9 and 12 g a day and modest bl ood pressure reductions can be achieved even in people with normal levels by l owering salt to around 5 g a day - the greatest effects are seen in people with hy pertension. Moderation of alcohol consumption - expert guidelines say moving from m oderate to excessive drinking is "associated both with raised blood pressure an d with an increased risk of stroke“. High consumption of vegetables and fruits and low-fat - people with, or at risk of, high blood pressure are advised to minimize intake of saturated fat and total fat and to eat whole-grain, high-fibre foods, at least 300 g of fruit and veg etables a day, beans, pulses, and nuts, and omega-3-rich fish twice a week.

Reducing weight and maintaining it - hypertension is closely correlated wit h excess body weight, and weight reduction is followed by a fall in blood pressu re. Regular physical exercise - guidelines say "hypertensive patients should parti cipate in at least 30 min of moderate-intensity dynamic aerobic exercise (walki ng, jogging, cycling or swimming) on 5 to 7 days a week“. Stress reduction - avoiding sources of stress, where possible, and developing healthy coping strategies for managing unavoidable stress can help with blood pressure control, especially as many people turn to alcohol, drugs, smoking an d unhealthy foods or overeating to cope with stress.

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