High Blood Pressure: Causes, Symptoms, Complications, and Treatment

High blood pressure, also known as hypertension, is a serious medical condition that can lead to numerous health issues if not managed promptly. This article will provide detailed information about high blood pressure, including its causes, symptoms, complications, and treatment, to help you understand it better and know how to prevent it effectively.

1. What is High Blood Pressure?

High blood pressure occurs when the force of the blood pushing against the artery walls is too high, resulting in elevated blood pressure levels. Blood pressure is measured by two readings: systolic pressure (the upper number) and diastolic pressure (the lower number). Normal blood pressure is below 120/80 mmHg. When your blood pressure exceeds 130/80 mmHg, you are considered to have hypertension.

2. Causes of High Blood Pressure

There are several potential causes of high blood pressure, including:

• Genetics: If your family has a history of hypertension, your risk of developing this condition is higher.
• Unhealthy Diet: A diet high in salt, fat, and sugar can contribute to increased blood pressure.
• Physical Inactivity: A sedentary lifestyle increases the risk of obesity and hypertension.
• Overweight or Obesity: Excess body weight puts pressure on the circulatory system.
• Stress: Chronic stress may contribute to higher blood pressure.
• Smoking and Alcohol Consumption: These habits can harm blood vessels and cardiovascular health.

3. What is Considered High Blood Pressure?

Blood pressure is defined based on two measurements (Systolic Pressure/Diastolic Pressure):

• Systolic Pressure (the pressure during the heart’s contraction): This value is higher as blood flows through the arteries.
• Diastolic Pressure (the pressure during the relaxation phase between heartbeats): This value is lower as blood vessels are not under pressure from the heart.

According to the updated 2018 guidelines from the European Society of Cardiology (ESC), hypertension is classified based on severity as follows:

• Optimal Blood Pressure: Below 120/80 mmHg
• Normal Blood Pressure: 120/80 mmHg or higher
• High Normal Blood Pressure: 130/85 mmHg or higher
• Stage 1 Hypertension: 140/90 mmHg or higher
• Stage 2 Hypertension: 160/100 mmHg or higher
• Stage 3 Hypertension: 180/110 mmHg or higher
• Isolated Systolic Hypertension: Systolic pressure of 140 mmHg or higher, while diastolic pressure is below 90 mmHg
• Pre-Hypertension: Systolic pressure > 120 – 139 mmHg and diastolic pressure > 80-89 mmHg.

Additionally, the Vietnam Cardiology Association considers blood pressure below 120/80 mmHg to be normal. Blood pressure consistently above 140/90 mmHg is considered hypertension.

4. Symptoms of High Blood Pressure

High blood pressure often does not exhibit clear symptoms, which is why it is referred to as the “silent killer.” However, some individuals may experience symptoms such as:

• Severe Headaches: Especially in the morning.
• Dizziness or Lightheadedness: A sensation of imbalance.
• Chest Pain: A feeling of pressure or sharp pain in the chest.
• dyspnea: Rapid breathing or difficulty breathing during exertion.
• Rapid or Irregular Heartbeat: Abnormal heart rhythms.

5. Complications of High Blood Pressure

If left untreated, high blood pressure can lead to serious complications such as:

5.1. Cardiovascular Disease

• Heart Attack: Hypertension increases pressure on arteries, leading to atherosclerosis, which can obstruct blood flow to the heart and result in a heart attack.
• Heart Failure: Prolonged high blood pressure forces the heart to work harder, weakening the heart muscle over time and leading to heart failure.

5.2. Stroke

• Ischemic Stroke: High blood pressure can cause blockage of blood vessels in the brain, leading to ischemic stroke.
• Hemorrhagic Stroke: Elevated blood pressure can rupture blood vessels in the brain, resulting in bleeding and hemorrhagic stroke.

5.3. Kidney Failure

• Chronic Kidney Disease: High blood pressure can damage small blood vessels in the kidneys, impairing their filtering function and leading to chronic kidney disease.
• Acute Kidney Failure: In some cases, high blood pressure can lead to acute kidney failure, requiring emergency treatment.

5.4. Vision Impairment

• Hypertensive Retinopathy: High blood pressure can damage blood vessels in the retina, causing blurred vision or vision loss.
• Optic Nerve Damage: High blood pressure may also harm the optic nerve, reducing visual acuity.

5.5. Peripheral Artery Disease

Hypertension can lead to narrowing of peripheral arteries, causing pain and reduced blood flow to the arms and legs.

5.6. Aneurysm

High blood pressure weakens artery walls, increasing the risk of aneurysms. If an aneurysm ruptures, it can cause severe bleeding and be life-threatening.

5.7. Cognitive Impairment

Chronic high blood pressure can reduce blood flow to the brain, leading to cognitive decline, dementia, and memory loss.

5.8. Pregnancy Complications

• Preeclampsia: Pregnant women with high blood pressure are at increased risk for preeclampsia, a condition that can pose dangers to both mother and fetus.

6. Treatment of High Blood Pressure

6.1. Lifestyle Changes

• Healthy Diet: Eat plenty of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and reduce salt intake.
• Regular Exercise: Aim for at least 30 minutes of physical activity most days.
• Maintain a Healthy Weight: Lose weight if overweight or obese.
• Stress Management: Practice yoga, meditation, or relaxation techniques.
• Avoid Smoking and Limit Alcohol: Quit smoking and consume alcohol in moderation.

6.2. Medication

If lifestyle changes do not significantly improve your condition, your doctor may prescribe medications.

Although treatment protocols for hypertension have been thoroughly tested, the doctor will monitor the patient’s progress and may adjust dosages, combine medications, or discontinue certain drugs until the most suitable treatment plan is established. Be aware of your health status before and after taking medication and report any adverse effects to your doctor. Regularly taking medications is essential to stabilize blood pressure. Hypertension treatment is a lifelong commitment, and you should not discontinue treatment without consulting a specialist.

Additionally, hypertension can also be effectively managed with herbal remedies as guided by traditional medicine practitioners.

High blood pressure is a serious medical condition that needs to be managed promptly to prevent dangerous complications. Protect yourself and your family from hypertension with SBB Healthcare. Contact us now to schedule an appointment and receive expert consultation from a specialized physician.