Disease
Hypertension (High Blood Pressure)

Talk to
Expert

Overview of Hypertension (High Blood Pressure)

Hypertension is commonly known as high blood pressure (HBP), it is a chronic condition where the blood pressure in the arteries remains consistently elevated. If left untreated it increases the risk of heart disease, stroke, kidney failure and other serious complications. Hypertension is often called a (silent killer) because it may not cause noticeable symptoms until it leads to severe health issues.

Types of Hypertension (High Blood Pressure)

  • Primary Hypertension (Essential Hypertension): The most common type with no identifiable cause but influenced by genetics, age and lifestyle factors.
  • Secondary Hypertension: Caused by underlying medical conditions such as kidney disease, hormonal disorders or medication side effects.

Symptoms of Hypertension (High Blood Pressure)

Hypertension is often asymptomatic but can cause:

  • Headaches
  • Dizziness
  • Blurred vision
  • Shortness of breath
  • Chest pain
  • Fatigue
  • Nosebleeds (in severe cases)

Causes of Hypertension (High Blood Pressure)

  • Unhealthy diet like high sodium, processed foods and low potassium intake
  • Lack of physical activity
  • Obesity and being overweight
  • Excessive alcohol consumption
  • Smoking and tobacco use
  • Chronic stress
  • Genetic predisposition
  • Underlying health conditions like kidney disease, diabetes and thyroid disorders

Complications in Hypertension (High Blood Pressure)

  • Heart attack and stroke due to artery damage and blockage.
  • Heart failure (heart works harder and leads to enlargement).
  • Kidney damage which reduced kidney function and possible failure.
  • Vision problems (hypertensive retinopathy).
  • Aneurysm (weakened blood vessel walls).
  • Cognitive decline (linked to dementia and Alzheimer’s disease).

Risk Factors of Hypertension (High Blood Pressure)

  • Age (higher risk as you grow older)
  • Family history of hypertension
  • Sedentary lifestyle
  • Unhealthy diet (high sodium and processed foods)
  • Obesity
  • Excess alcohol and tobacco use
  • Chronic stress
  • Medical conditions (diabetes and kidney disease)

Preventions of Hypertension (High Blood Pressure)

  • Adopt a healthy diet (low salt, rich in fruits, vegetables and whole grains)
  • Exercise regularly at least 30 minutes of physical activity daily
  • Maintain a healthy weight
  • Limit alcohol consumption
  • Quit smoking
  • Manage stress through relaxation techniques like meditation and deep breathing
  • Monitor blood pressure regularly

Diagnosis of Hypertension (High Blood Pressure)

  • Blood pressure measurement using a sphygmomanometer.
  • Ambulatory blood pressure monitoring for 24-hour tracking.
  • Blood tests and urine tests to check for underlying conditions.
  • Electrocardiogram (ECG) to assess heart health.
  • Echocardiogram to evaluate heart function.

Treatments of Hypertension (High Blood Pressure)

1. Lifestyle Modifications:

  • A healthy diet (DASH diet)
  • Regular physical activity
  • Stress management
  • Limiting alcohol and quitting smoking

2. Medications:

  • Diuretics (reduce excess fluid)
  • Beta-blockers (slow heart rate)
  • ACE inhibitors (prevent blood vessel narrowing)
  • Calcium channel blockers (relax blood vessels)
  • ARBs (Angiotensin II Receptor Blockers) (lower blood pressure)

Prognosis of Hypertension (High Blood Pressure)

  • Well-managed hypertension allows a healthy life with proper treatment and lifestyle changes.
  • Uncontrolled hypertension can be life-threatening, leading to heart disease, stroke and kidney failure.
  • Early detection improves outcomes and prevents long term damage.
  • Lifestyle changes make a huge difference like healthy diet, exercise and stress management help control BP.
  • Medications help when needed which effectively lowers blood pressure.
  • Regular monitoring is key to keeping BP within a safe range.
  • Hypertension does not have to limit you but with proper care you can enjoy an active life.
  • Healthy habits today protect your heart tomorrow and start reducing risks of serious complications.

Care at MyhealthMydoctor

At MyhealthMydoctor, we provide:

  • Expert consultation with leading cardiologists.
  • Personalised treatment plans tailored to each patient’s condition.
  • Ultra advanced and modern diagnostic tests.
  • Guidance on lifestyle changes and long term health monitoring.
  • Medication management to ensure optimal blood pressure control.

Some Important Questions Patients Should Ask Their Doctor During a Consultation

  • What causes my blood pressure to rise?
  • What lifestyle changes should I make?
  • What is the best treatment plan for my hypertension?
  • Do I need long-term medication?
  • What are the side effects of hypertension medications?
  • Can I prevent complications like heart disease or stroke?

What Patients Expect from Doctors During Consultation?

  • Clear explanation of diagnosis and treatment plan.
  • Guidance on lifestyle modifications to control hypertension.
  • Personalised approach for medication and diet recommendations.
  • Follow-up care to track blood pressure levels and prevent complications.
  • Supportive and reassuring environment for effective hypertension management.

Other Diseases