Tess Hoffmann

What is hypertension? Hypertension is another name for high blood pressure. Hypertension occurs when the force of blood pushing against the walls of blood vessels is consistently too high. There are two types of hypertension: Primary or Essential – Hypertension that has no identifiable cause Secondary- Hypertension caused by another condition Normal blood pressure is thought to be 120/80, but this can vary with age.

Causes of hypertension Primary hypertension – This type is most common and not caused by any specific condition or disease. It can be influenced by lifestyle related issues and risk factors such as age, race, obesity, alcohol, cigarette smoking, salt intake, stress and physical activity. Secondary hypertension-This type is caused another condition such as hormone imbalance between sodium and potassium, diabetes, overactive thyroid, obesity, pregnancy, sleep apnea, and kidney disease.

Symptoms of hypertension Most people with high blood pressure have no signs or symptoms, even if blood pressure readings reach dangerously high levels. Some people with high blood pressure may experience headaches, shortness of breath or nosebleeds, but these signs and symptoms aren't specific and usually don't occur until high blood pressure has reached a severe or life- threatening stage. It is often referred to as “the silent killer”.

Does hypertension spread? Family members pass traits from one generation to another, this is called heredity. Genetic factors likely play a role in high blood pressure. High blood pressure can run in a family. Risk can increase based on your race or ethnicity. People with a family history of high blood pressure share common environments and other factors that increase their risk. The risk for high blood pressure will increase when heredity combines with unhealthy lifestyle choices such as smoking and unhealthy diets.

Treatment of hypertension Treatment includes both lifestyle changes and medications. Lifestyle changes- Important for both treatment and prevention of high blood pressure. They can be as effective as medications. These include: salt restriction, reducing weight, healthy diet, limit alcohol, stop smoking, regular physical exercise, and managing stress. Medications Diuretics (Water pills)- These help your body eliminate sodium and water. Other medications reduce the workload of the heart and relax or open up the vessels. This allows the heart to beat slower with less force, thus decreasing blood pressure.

Is hypertension Fatal? High blood pressure itself is not fatal. If untreated, it can lead to other dangerous conditions that are fatal. These include: Ischemic heart disease (Poor blood flow) Stroke Aneurysm ( Rupture of the artery) Enlarged left heart Heart failure Kidney failure

5 interesting facts about hypertension 75 million American adults have high blood pressure- that’s 29% or 1 out of every 3 adults. High blood pressure costs the nation $46 billion each year. This total includes the cost of health care services, medications, and missed days of work. Blood pressure levels vary by age. For people younger than 45 years, high blood pressure affects more men than women. For people older than 65 years, high blood pressure affects more women than men. There are alternative ways to control your high blood pressure, such as listening to music, having a pet, laughing with your friends, and getting enough sleep. Young people can also have high blood pressure. This is due to the rise in obesity in young adults.

References: MacGill, Marcus. "Hypertension: Causes, Symptoms and Treatments." Medical News Today. Healthline Media. 18 April 2016. www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/150109.php. Web. Accessed 05 April 2017. “High Blood Pressure- hypertension”. Mayo Clinic. Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research. 2017. www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/high-blood- pressure/basics/definitions/con-20019580. Web. Accessed 06 April 2017. “High Blood Pressure Facts”. Center for Disease Control and Prevention. U.S Department of Health and Human Services. 30 November 2016. www.cdc.gov/bloodpressure/facts.htm. Web. Accessed 06 April 2017. “Description of High Blood Pressure”. National Institutes of Health, National Heart, Blood and Lung Institute. U.S Department of Health and Human Services. 10 September 2015. www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/health-topics/topics/hbp. Web. Accessed 05 April 2017