Hypertension: Everything you need to know about this Silent Killer

Today, 17^th May is observed as ‘world hypertension day’; to raise awareness about this insanely dangerous medical condition. According to WHO, “nearly 63% of total deaths in India are due to non-communicable diseases, of which 27% are attributed to cardiovascular disease which affects 45% of people in the 40-69 age group. Raised blood pressure is among the most important risk factors for CVDs. Moreover, it remains poorly controlled due to low awareness about hypertension, lack of appropriate care through primary care and poor follow up”, which again emphasizes the need to talk more about hypertension. Before we delve into the symptoms, causes, and cure for this condition, let us see what exactly is ‘hypertension”.

What is hypertension?

Our heart does a wonderful job of pumping blood through tiny vessels called arteries. When the vessels get thicker, due to a variety of reasons, the heart will be required to work extra, causing elevated levels of blood pressure. This condition, in which the force of the blood against the artery walls is too high, is termed ‘hypertension’.

There are two types of hypertension:

      1. Primary hypertension (also known as essential)

Aging and unhealthy habits like not getting enough exercise are frequent causes of this form of high blood pressure.

2. Secondary hypertension

Different medical disorders (such as kidney or hormone abnormalities) or medications you're taking can cause this form of high blood pressure.

Why are we panicking about hypertension?

Okay, so why is it terrifying to have this condition? If not treated in the correct stage, this could lead to cardiovascular disease, including stroke, heart attack, heart failure, and aneurysm. And can cause vision loss, kidney problems, dementia, and circulation problems such as peripheral artery disease (which causes pain in your legs); weaken your bones, and contribute to erectile dysfunction in men.

The scariest point about hypertension is that high blood pressure usually doesn’t cause symptoms. The only way to know if you have high blood pressure is to regularly monitor your blood pressure.

“Five categories define blood pressure readings for adults:

·       Healthy: A healthy blood pressure reading is less than 120/80 millimeters of mercury (mm Hg).

·       Elevated: The systolic number is between 120 and 129 mm Hg, and the diastolic number is less than 80 mm Hg. Doctors usually don’t treat elevated blood pressure with medication. Instead, your doctor may encourage lifestyle changes to help lower your numbers.

·       Stage 1 hypertension: The systolic number is between 130 and 139 mm Hg, or the diastolic number is between 80 and 89 mm Hg.

·       Stage 2 hypertension: The systolic number is 140 mm Hg or higher, or the diastolic number is 90 mm Hg or higher.

·       Hypertensive crisis: The systolic number is over 180 mm Hg, or the diastolic number is over 120 mm Hg. Blood pressure in this range requires urgent medical attention. If any symptoms like chest pain, headache, shortness of breath, or visual changes occur when blood pressure is this high, medical care in the emergency room is needed.”

                                                                       Kimberly Holland, Healthline, Oct 27,2021

While taking your BP reading, remember to keep the above points well in your mind.   

Who has more chances of having this condition?

Most of the time, doctors are asked the question of whether hypertension can be genetically transferred. Well, NCBI (National Center for Biotechnology Information, US) estimates the risk factor as 30-50%. Lifestyle plays more role in a person having high blood pressure. Common risk factors include,

a)    Age: Elderly (above 65) have are more likely to get high blood pressure

b)    Gender: Men are more prone than women to have high blood pressure until they reach the age of 64. Women above the age of 65 are more prone to develop high blood pressure.

c)     People who are overweight are susceptible to hypertension

d)     Lack of physical exercise, improper diet, high intakes of salt, excessive use of alcohol, and use of tobacco products also contributes majorly to high blood pressure.

Prevention is definitely better than cure

Why go through the pain of living with this condition if you could prevent it from ever casting its shadow over our lives? There could be factors that are not in our control when it comes to hypertension, but let’s focus on the things we can do control or steer away from;

a)      First things first: Measure your blood pressure frequently

b)      Keep your body weight within a healthy range

c)      Smoking/ excessive alcohol consumption should be avoided at all costs

d)      Exercise daily (Jogging, walking, cycling, meditation, anything that

 resonates with you)

e)      Avoid fast food

f)       Meditate/ do yoga to reduce stress

g)       Follow a heart-healthy diet: Include more fruits and vegetables

Calcium, magnesium, and potassium aid with blood pressure regulation. High fiber foods, pulses, chickpeas, lentils, nuts, and fish rich in omega-3 twice per week are some which can be included more in your diet to maintain healthy blood pressure. 

Treatment for high blood pressure

Primary hypertension is something that you’ll need to constantly keep under control for the rest of your life whereas secondary high blood pressure will most likely drop if the medical cause is addressed.

There are “first-line” medications that are most commonly prescribed by doctors. Medicines like ACE inhibitors, ARBs, Calcium channel blockers, and Diuretics can be used under a doctor’s prescription to lower blood pressure. Only use the medicines that are prescribed by your physician and never rely on over-the-counter medications, as you need to factor in many medical components before choosing the treatment. Talk to your doctor about what side effects and problems are possible when you take your blood pressure medicine.

Living with hypertension as an elderly

Aging comes with its own set of sickly friends. If hypertension is one of them, it can be a little difficult to live life the way you want to. However, with proper care and attention, you can keep your high blood pressure from getting out of control. Follow the below steps to stay committed to controlling your blood pressure levels;

a)     Monitor your blood pressure: use a home blood pressure monitor and always keep track of your blood pressure levels

b)     Take your medication as directed

c)      Work out a little daily

d)      Manage stress

e)      Have a proper sleep routine

If you are having trouble managing your/ your loved one’s hypertension on your own, there is no shame in asking for professional help. After all, they have the expertise and know-how to deal with it the right way. Happymindz has a wonderful set of dedicated home care partners who will take care of your folks like their own, that too in the comfort of home!