Understanding High Blood Pressure - Causes, Symptoms and Treatment.
- Esther Odekina
- Oct 4
- 3 min read
High blood pressure, also called systemic hypertension, is one of the most common health conditions worldwide, yet many people do not know they have it. Over time, it can quietly damage the heart, brain, kidneys, and even the eyes without causing any warning signs. This is why hypertension is often called the “silent killer.”
The heart pumps blood into a large vessel called the aorta, and the blood passes through several vessels called arteries to deliver blood to different parts of the body. Blood pressure measures the force of blood pushing against the walls of the arteries, and it is determined by two things: the amount of blood the heart pumps and how hard it is for the blood to move through the arteries. The more blood the heart pumps and the narrower the arteries, the higher the blood pressure.
There are two parts to the measurement of blood pressure - The pressure in the arteries when the heart contracts (systolic BP - upper figure) and the pressure in the arteries when the heart relaxes (diastolic BP - lower figure) and it's measured in mmHg.
The normal blood pressure for an adult is below 120/80 mmHg.
Blood pressure is said to be elevated when it's 120–129/<80 mmHg.
A diagnosis of hypertension is made when the following readings are gotten on at least 2 or more occasions that are at least 4 hours apart.
High Blood Pressure (Hypertension) Stage 1: 130–139/80–89 mmHg
High Blood Pressure (Hypertension) Stage 2: 140+/90+ mmHg
Hypertensive crisis: >180/>120 mmHg, which is a medical emergency.
BLOOD PRESSURE CATEGORY | SYSTOLIC BP | AND/OR | DIASTOLIC BP |
|---|---|---|---|
NORMAL | LESS THAN 120 | and | LESS THAN 80 |
ELEVATED | 120-129 | and | LESS THAN 80 |
HIGH BLOOD PRESSURE (Hypertension) Stage 1 | 130-139 | or | 80-89 |
HIGH BLOOD PRESSURE (Hypertension) Stage 2 | 140 0R HIGHER | or | 90 OR HIGHER |
HYPERTENSIVE CRISIS (High Blood Pressure Stage 3) | HIGHER THAN 180 | and/or | HIGHER THAN 120 |
Causes of Hypertension
Primary hypertension, also called essential hypertension
For most adults, there's no identifiable cause of high blood pressure. This type of high blood pressure is called primary hypertension or essential hypertension. It tends to develop gradually over many years. Several factors cause plaque buildup in the arteries, which leads to narrowing of the lumen and the risk of high blood pressure.
Secondary hypertension
This type of high blood pressure is caused by an underlying condition. It tends to appear suddenly and cause higher blood pressure than does primary hypertension. Usually when the underlying cause is managed, the hypertension resolves. Conditions and medicines that can lead to secondary hypertension include:
Renal disease
Adrenal gland tumors
Thyroid gland disease
Steroids
Sympathomimetics
Some birth control pills
Coarctation of the aorta
Some risk factors for hypertension include
Age
Pregnancy
Diabetes
Obesity
High salt containing diet
High fat containing food
Alcohol consumption
Cigarette smoking
Chronic stress
Dyslipidemia
Family history
Symptoms of hypertension
Most people don’t notice symptoms until they’re severe. But in advanced stages, individuals with high blood pressure may experience:
Severe headaches
Blurred vision
Chest pain
Palpitations
Dizziness
Fainting spells
If you have any of these symptoms, seek medical attention immediately.
Management of high blood pressure
For primary hypertension
Lifestyle modification is usually recommended in primary hypertension, along with antihypertensive medications. Some lifestyle changes that could lower blood pressure include:
Exercise
Weight loss
Reduce high-fat and salt-containing diets.
Quit cigarette smoking.
Quite alcohol consumption
Eat more fresh fruits and vegetables.
Reduce salt intake.
Stress management
In some cases, hypertension resolves or reduces following some of these modification, while some require the use of antihypertensive medications.
For secondary hypertension
Since this hypertension has an underlying cause, the mainstay of management is to treat the underlying cause. In some cases, antihypertensive medications can be used before the underlying cause is managed definitively.
Complications of High Blood Pressure
If high blood pressure isn't detected and managed on time, or if the person isn't consistent with his/her medication, any of these complications can develop:
Stroke
Encephalopathy
Vision loss
Heart failure
Heart attack
Renal failure
Prevention of High Blood Pressure
This involves lifestyle modifications discussed above and risk factor control before blood pressure rises to abnormal levels. Regular blood pressure check is necessary especially if you have a risk factor.
Conclusion
High blood pressure can be managed, and often prevented with lifestyle changes and regular check-ups. The earlier it’s detected, the better the chances of avoiding serious complications.
References: Centre for Disease Control, Mayo Clinic, American Heart Association, World Health Organization
Assessed and Endorsed by the MedReport Medical Review Board
