What Causes High Blood Pressure?

Hypertension, commonly known as high blood pressure, is often defined as a persistent blood pressure of 140/90mmHg or above. The distinction between normal and elevated blood pressure is not absolute and is determined by your unique circumstances. However, most physicians agree that optimal blood pressure for a physically healthy person should be about 120/80mmHg. Blood pressure is considered normal when it is less than 130/80mmHg.

The coronary heart (blood pump)

The heart is a muscular organ that constantly pumps blood throughout the body. It transports oxygen-depleted blood to the lungs via the venous ‘pipeline’ (veins), where it obtains a fresh oxygen supply.

Once the blood is fully oxygenated, the heart pumps the oxygen-rich blood throughout the body via the arterial ‘pipeline’ to utilize the oxygen by the body’s muscles and cells (arteries).

What method is used to determine blood pressure?

Blood pressure is defined as the force exerted on the artery walls by blood flow. It is expressed in millimeters of mercury, abbreviated as mmHg.

A more extensive explanation follows.

Blood pressure is measured in two ways:

• Systolic pressure – the amount of stress placed on your body as your heart beats and pumps blood around.
• Diastolic pressure – the reading is taken while the heart is at rest in between beats.
• Systolic and diastolic pressures are expressed in millimeters of mercury (mmHg).

Typically, the values begin with systolic pressure and diastolic pressure. Thus, if your doctor says your blood pressure is ‘120 over 80’ or 120/80mmHg, they indicate you have a systolic pressure of 120mmHg and a diastolic pressure of 80mmHg.

Symptoms of hypertension

Often, high blood pressure causes no symptoms or acute complications.

The only method to determine if you have high blood pressure is to examine it regularly. Inquire with your physician when yours is due for a checkup.

There are two types of hypertensions.

Hypertension in its primary form. This condition is sometimes referred to as essential hypertension. When there is no recognized reason for your elevated blood pressure, this is hypertension. This is by far the most prevalent form of hypertension. This type of blood pressure typically develops over the years. It’s most likely a product of your lifestyle, environment, and the way your body ages.

Hypertension is secondary to another cause. This occurs when a medical condition or medication is to blame for your high blood pressure. Several factors can contribute to secondary hypertension, including the following:

• Problems with the kidneys
• Apnea during sleep.
• Issues with the thyroid or adrenal glands.
• Certain medications.

What are the signs of hypertension?

The majority of persons with hypertension exhibit no symptoms. This is why it is referred to as “the quiet killer.” It is critical to have your blood pressure checked regularly.

Some patients feel headaches, nosebleeds, or shortness of breath with high blood pressure. However, those symptoms can be mistaken for various conditions (severe or non-serious). Typically, these symptoms manifest after blood pressure has risen dangerously high over an extended time.

What causes hypertension?

Hypertension is classified into two categories. A distinct factor causes each type.

Hypertension that is essential (primary)

Primary hypertension is another term for essential hypertension. This type of hypertension occurs gradually. The majority of people have this sort of hypertension.

Typically, several variables contribute to the development of essential hypertension:

• Genetic predisposition: Certain individuals are genetically prone to hypertension. This could be due to inherited gene mutations or genetic disorders.
• Individuals above the age of 65 are at an increased risk of hypertension.
• Individuals who are non-Hispanic black have a higher prevalence of hypertension.
• Living with obesity can result in various heart problems, including hypertension.
• Women who consume more than one drink per day and males who consume more than two drinks per day may be at elevated risk of developing hypertension.
• Living a very seditious lifestyle: decreased fitness levels have been linked to hypertension.
• Individuals diagnosed with diabetes and metabolic syndrome are at an increased risk of developing hypertension.
• There is a slight relationship between a high daily salt intake (greater than 1.5g) and hypertension.

Hypertension secondary to hypertension

Secondary hypertension frequently develops rapidly and might progress to a more severe state than original hypertension. Several conditions, including the following:

• illness of the kidney
• sleep apnea obstructive
• birth disorders of the heart
• thyroid problems
• adverse reactions to
• unlawful  use
• alcoholism on a chronic basis
• difficulties with the adrenal glands
• a subset of endocrine cancer.

Diagnosing hypertension

Hypertension is easily diagnosed by getting a blood pressure reading. Blood pressure is checked in most doctors’ offices as a routine visit. Request one if your next checkup does not include a blood pressure reading.

If your blood pressure is abnormally high, your doctor may request more readings over a few days or weeks. A diagnosis of hypertension is rarely made based on a single task.

Your physician will want to see proof of a persistent condition. That’s because your environment, such as the stress associated with a visit to the doctor’s office, can contribute to elevated blood pressure. Additionally, blood pressure values fluctuate during the day.

If your blood pressure continues to be elevated, your doctor will most likely order more testing to rule out any underlying issues. These examinations may involve the following:

• screening for cholesterol and other blood tests
• An electrocardiogram is a test that determines the electrical activity of your heart (EKG, sometimes referred to as an ECG)
• ultrasonography examination of the heart or kidneys
• Monitor your blood pressure at home over 24 hours with a home blood pressure monitor.

These tests can assist your doctor in determining whether there are any secondary causes of your excessive blood pressure. Additionally, they can examine the consequences of high blood pressure on your organs.

Your doctor may begin treating your hypertension during this time. Early therapy may help you avoid permanent damage.

Treatment options for hypertension

Numerous factors contribute to your doctor’s decision regarding the best treatment option for you. These factors include the type of hypertension you have and the identified causes.

Treatment options for primary hypertension

If your physician diagnoses you with primary hypertension, lifestyle adjustments may help you manage your hypertension. If lifestyle changes are insufficient or become ineffective, your doctor may prescribe medication.

Treatment options for secondary hypertension

If your doctor determines that another condition is causing your hypertension, therapy will be directed toward that problem. For instance, if a medicine you’ve been taking causes elevated blood pressure, your doctor will attempt alternative medications that do not have this adverse effect.

Sometimes, despite treatment for the underlying reason, hypertension persists. In this scenario, your doctor may collaborate with you to make lifestyle adjustments and prescribe medication to assist in blood pressure reduction.

Treatment regimens for hypertension frequently change. What succeeded initially may become obsolete over time. Your physician will continue to collaborate with you to fine-tune your treatment plan.

Medications

Many people have a period of trial and error with blood pressure . Your physician may need to experiment with various medications until they find one or a combination of that works for you.

Several are used to treat hypertension, including the following:

• Beta-blockers: Beta-blockers cause your heart to beat more slowly and forcefully. This decreases the volume of blood pumped through your arteries with each beat, lowering your blood pressure. Additionally, it inhibits some hormones in your body that may cause your blood pressure to rise.
• Diuretics: Excess sodium and fluid in the body can raise blood pressure. Diuretics, sometimes known as water tablets, aid the kidneys in excreting excess sodium from the body. As the salt exits the body, excess fluid in the bloodstream is excreted in the urine, which helps reduce blood pressure.
• ACE inhibitors: Angiotensin is a substance that constricts and narrows blood vessels and artery walls. ACE (angiotensin-converting enzyme) inhibitors reduce the amount of this substance produced by the body. This aids in the relaxation of blood vessels and thereby lowers blood pressure.
• Angiotensin II receptor blockers (ARBs): Unlike ACE inhibitors, ARBs prevent angiotensin from binding to receptors. Blood vessels will not constrict in the absence of the chemical—this aids in the relaxation of arteries and lowering blood pressure.
• Calcium channel blockers: These prevent calcium from entering the heart’s cardiac muscles. This resulted in less rapid heartbeats and decreased blood pressure. Additionally, these act on the blood arteries, relaxing them and reducing blood pressure.
• Alpha-2 agonists: This class of medicine affects the nerve impulses responsible for blood vessel constriction. This aids in the relaxation of blood vessels, hence lowering blood pressure.