Hypertension, commonly known as high blood pressure, is a prevalent condition affecting millions of people worldwide. Despite its prevalence, hypertension often goes unnoticed until significant health issues arise, making it essential to understand its causes, symptoms, and management. This article provides an overview of hypertension, including its stages, symptoms, risk factors, and effects on the body. We’ll also touch on diagnostic methods, treatment options, and why considering health insurance for high blood pressure is a smart decision.

What is Hypertension?

Hypertension is a chronic condition where the blood pressure against artery walls remains elevated for prolonged periods. Blood pressure readings are measured in millimeters of mercury (mmHg) and expressed as two numbers:

• Systolic Pressure: The top number, indicating the pressure in arteries when the heart beats.

• Diastolic Pressure: The bottom number, reflecting the pressure in arteries between heartbeats.

The hypertension normal range is typically considered around 120/80 mmHg. Readings consistently above this range indicate high blood pressure disease, necessitating lifestyle adjustments or medical interventions.

Also Read: How to Read Your Blood Pressure Readings?

Symptoms of Hypertension

Hypertension is often referred to as a "silent killer" because it typically shows no symptoms in its early stages. However, as the condition worsens, certain symptoms might appear, such as:

• Headaches, particularly in the morning

• Dizziness and fatigue

• Shortness of breath

• Blurred vision

• Chest pain

Recognizing these hypertension symptoms early is crucial to prevent complications. Routine monitoring of blood pressure is recommended, especially for those at risk.

Stages of Hypertension

Understanding the stages of hypertension helps in identifying the severity and implementing appropriate treatments:

1. Normal: Systolic below 120 mmHg and diastolic below 80 mmHg.

2. Elevated: Systolic between 120-129 mmHg and diastolic below 80 mmHg.

3. Stage 1 Hypertension: Systolic 130-139 mmHg or diastolic 80-89 mmHg.

4. Stage 2 Hypertension: Systolic 140 mmHg or higher or diastolic 90 mmHg or higher.

5. Hypertensive Crisis: Systolic above 180 mmHg or diastolic above 120 mmHg, requiring immediate medical attention.

To know more about blood pressure range by age, read our blog - Understanding Blood Pressure Chart Readings by Age

What are the Reasons Behind Hypertension?

Hypertension has various causes, divided into non-modifiable and modifiable factors:

1. Non-Modifiable Factors

Non-modifiable factors are those that cannot be changed or influenced by individual behavior or lifestyle. Common examples include:

• Genetics: A family history of high blood pressure increases risk.

• Age: Older adults are more susceptible due to decreased arterial elasticity.

• Gender: Men are generally more prone to hypertension at a younger age, though women are equally at risk post-menopause.

2. Modifiable Factors

Modifiable factors are those that individuals can change through their actions and lifestyle choices. These include:

• Diet: High salt and low potassium intake contribute to hypertension.

• Physical Inactivity: A sedentary lifestyle increases hypertension risk.

• Stress: Chronic stress can trigger long-term blood pressure elevation.

• Obesity: Excess weight strains the heart and blood vessels.

• Alcohol and Tobacco Use: Both can damage blood vessels, raising blood pressure.

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Effects of Hypertension On The Body

The following explains how hypertension affects the heart, kidneys, brain, and eyes, often leading to serious health issues over time.

Consistently high blood pressure exerts added strain on the heart, resulting in a range of cardiovascular problems:

• Hypertensive Heart Disease: Persistent hypertension can lead to thickening of the heart muscle, particularly the left ventricle (left ventricular hypertrophy), weakening heart function over time, and potentially leading to heart failure.

• Elevated Risk of Heart Attack: High blood pressure damages arterial walls, making them more prone to plaque formation, which can obstruct blood flow and increase the likelihood of heart attacks.

• Arrhythmias: The condition may lead to irregular heartbeats (arrhythmias), causing palpitations and, in severe cases, additional complications.

2. Kidneys

The kidneys are highly sensitive to the effects of prolonged high blood pressure:

• Kidney Damage: High blood pressure can impair both the large and small blood vessels in the kidneys, diminishing their ability to effectively filter waste, which may result in chronic kidney disease or kidney failure.

• Increased Risk of Kidney Failure: If kidney function declines due to sustained hypertension, patients may eventually require treatments like dialysis or a kidney transplant.

3. Brain

Hypertension also has a significant impact on brain health:

• Cognitive Decline: Reduced blood flow from damaged arteries can impair memory and cognitive function over time, leading to gradual cognitive decline.

• Stroke Risk: High blood pressure raises the risk of stroke by causing blockages or ruptures in brain arteries, leading to symptoms such as sudden confusion, weakness on one side, and severe headaches.

4. Eyes

Hypertension can also negatively affect eye health:

• Vision Issues: High blood pressure can damage eye blood vessels, leading to hypertensive retinopathy, a condition that may cause blurred vision or even blindness if untreated.

• Choroidopathy: Elevated blood pressure can cause fluid to accumulate beneath the retina, leading to vision impairment.

Related Blog: How to Check Heart Health?

Diagnosis and Medication For Hypertension

Hypertension is diagnosed through regular blood pressure checks using a sphygmomanometer or digital monitor. If readings remain high over multiple measurements, doctors may recommend tests like blood tests, urinalysis, and electrocardiograms (ECG) to rule out related conditions.

Medications prescribed to manage hypertension may include:

• Diuretics: Help reduce excess salt and water in the body.

• ACE inhibitors and ARBs: Relax blood vessels by blocking specific hormones.

• Calcium Channel Blockers: Prevent calcium from entering heart cells, relaxing blood vessels.

• Beta-blockers: Reduce heart rate and workload on the heart.

Medication is often combined with lifestyle modifications to achieve optimal control over blood pressure.

Precautionary Measures of Hypertension

Taking proactive steps to manage or prevent high blood pressure disease is essential. Recommended measures include:

• Healthy Diet: Adopt a low-salt, high-potassium diet with plenty of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains.

• Regular Exercise: Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate exercise weekly.

• Maintain a Healthy Weight: Obesity increases hypertension risk, so maintain a balanced diet and exercise regimen.

• Limit Alcohol and Tobacco: Reducing or eliminating these substances can significantly benefit blood pressure levels.

• Stress Management: Techniques like meditation, yoga, and mindfulness can help control blood pressure levels.

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For individuals diagnosed with hypertension, monitoring blood pressure at home and adhering to prescribed medications and lifestyle changes are crucial to prevent complications.

Given the potential complications and ongoing treatment needs associated with hypertension, securing health insurance for high blood pressure is a wise decision. Health insurance plans offer financial support for doctor visits, medications, hospitalizations, and even emergency care in hypertensive crises.

Conclusion

Hypertension, or high blood pressure, is a widespread condition that can lead to severe health problems if left unmanaged. Recognizing hypertension symptoms and understanding the stages of hypertension, along with identifying risk factors, can help individuals take control of their health early on. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle, following medical guidance, and securing health insurance for high blood pressure are effective ways to manage and reduce risks associated with this condition.

For those managing hypertension, SBI General Insurance provides plans that cover the necessary medical expenses, ensuring comprehensive care and peace of mind. Choosing the right health insurance plan makes managing hypertension more affordable, allowing individuals to prioritize health without financial worry.

Disclaimer: The above information is indicative in nature. For more details on the risk factor, terms and conditions, please refer to the Sales Brochure and Policy Wordings carefully before concluding a sale.