What is hypertension?
Hypertension, often referred to as high blood pressure, is a medical condition in which the force of blood against the walls of your arteries is high enough that it can eventually cause health problems, such as heart disease. Blood pressure is determined both by the amount of blood your heart pumps and by the resistance to this blood flow in your arteries.
What causes high blood pressure?
Several factors can contribute tohigh blood pressure. The most common causes include stress, a high-salt diet, lack ofphysical activity, excessive consumption of alcohol or tobacco, and genetic predisposition.
How is hypertension diagnosed?
Hypertension is diagnosed by measuring blood pressure with a blood pressure monitor. A person is considered hypertensive when readings are regularly 140/90 mmHg or higher.
What are the symptoms of hypertension?
Many people with hypertension have no noticeable symptoms. However, symptoms such as severe headaches, fatigue, visual disturbances and palpitations can be observed in cases of very high pressure.
How can hypertension be managed through lifestyle changes?
To effectively managehypertension, specialists often recommend lifestyle modifications that include:
What medications are used to treat hypertension?
Several classes of medication can be prescribed to managehypertension, including diuretics, beta-blockers, angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors and calcium channel blockers. The choice of medication depends on several factors, including the presence of other medical conditions.
Can hypertension be completely cured?
Althoughhypertension often cannot be completely cured, it can be effectively managed with the right treatments and lifestyle changes. Regular follow-up is crucial to adjust treatment as needed and prevent complications.
What are the risks of untreated hypertension?
Left untreated,hypertension can lead to serious health risks, such as stroke, heart attack, heart failure and kidney disease. Prevention through blood pressure control is essential to reduce these risks.
How does hypertension affect pregnancy?
During pregnancy,hypertension can cause complications such as pre-eclampsia, a serious condition affecting both mother and child, requiring careful medical monitoring.
How can I monitor my hypertension?
It's advisable to measure your blood pressure regularly, keep a diary of your readings and consult your doctor for personalized follow-up. Using mobile health apps can also help monitor your condition effectively.
How important is regular follow-up for hypertensive patients?
Regular follow-up is crucial for people withhigh blood pressure, as it enables treatments to be adjusted as the condition evolves, and to react quickly to any changes that might indicate a worsening. This includes periodic visits to the doctor for blood pressure measurements, blood tests to monitor kidney and heart function, and discussions about the efficacy and side effects of prescribed medication.
What impact does stress have on hypertension, and how can it be managed?
Stress can have a direct impact on high blood pressure, and can aggravate existing hypertension. To manage it, we recommend relaxing activities such as yoga, meditation or deep breathing techniques. Good time management and consulting a psychologist or therapist can also help reduce stress significantly.
How does diet influence high blood pressure?
A balanced diet is fundamental to the management of hypertension. It is advisable to reduce salt, saturated fats and processed foods. Increasing intake of fresh fruit and vegetables, whole grains and lean proteins can help maintain healthy blood pressure. Adopting the DASH (Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension) diet is often recommended by health professionals.
What is the link between high blood pressure and the risk of developing dementia?
Studies show that uncontrolledhypertension can increase the risk of developing forms of dementia, including Alzheimer's disease. Hypertension can adversely affect blood flow to the brain, contributing to the long-term deterioration of cognitive function. Effective blood pressure control can therefore play a preventive role against cognitive decline.
Are there specific recommendations for hypertension in the elderly?
The treatment ofhypertension in the elderly may require a specific approach, due to the presence of other chronic diseases and sensitivity to medication. Healthcare professionals may opt for more moderate blood pressure targets, and favor drugs that offer a lower risk profile. Regular monitoring and adaptation of treatments are essential to minimize side effects and optimize the management of hypertension in the elderly.
