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Hypertension
Medical Questions » Hypertension
| Name: Hypertension |
| Also known as: High Blood Pressure |
| Excessive pressure of blood within the arteries that occurs in 20% of adults over 40 years of age. The heart contracts regularly to pump blood through the arteries under high (systolic) pressure. When the heart relaxes between beats, the blood continues to flow due to the lower (diastolic) pressure exerted by the elasticity of the artery walls. Hypertension occurs when one, or both, of these pressures exceeds a safe level. Blood pressure readings are written as systolic pressure/ diastolic pressure (eg. 125/70) and are measured with a sphygmomanometer. Blood pressure varies with exercise, anxiety, age, fitness, smoking and drinking habits, weight and medications. In an elderly person 160/95 may be acceptable, but in a young woman, 110/60 would be more appropriate. Life insurance companies generally require the blood pressure to be under 136/86 for the person to be acceptable at normal rates. The numbers are a measure of pressure in millimeters of mercury. The arteries of a person with high blood pressure will become hardened, brittle and may eventually rupture, causing a stroke, heart attack or other serious injury to vital organs. |
Causes of Hypertension
The majority of patients have ' essential' hypertension, for which there is no single identifiable cause. The identifiable causes include smoking, obesity, kidney disease, oestrogen-containing medications (eg. the contraceptive pill), hyperthyroidism, phaeochromocytoma (see separate entries) and a number of other rare diseases. High blood pressure may also be a complication of pregnancy, when it can lead to quite serious consequences. |
Symptoms of Hypertension
The majority of patients have no symptoms for many years. Those who do have symptoms complain of headaches and tiredness, but only when the blood pressure is very high do the further symptoms of nausea, confusion, and disturbances in vision occur. |
Tests for Hypertension
Once diagnosed, blood and urine tests are performed to see if there is any specific cause. X-rays of the kidneys and an electrocardiograph (ECG) may also be performed. |
Treatment for Hypertension
Prevented by keeping weight within reasonable limits, not eating excessive amounts of salt, not smoking, and by exercising regularly. There is no cure, but hypertension can be successfully controlled by taking tablets regularly lifelong. A wide range of medications are available, and it takes days or weeks for the tablets to work. Regular checks are essential until the correct dosage is determined, then blood pressure checks every 3 to 6 months are necessary.
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Complications of Hypertension of its treatment
Untreated high blood pressure causes strokes and heart attacks at an earlier age than would be expected with normal blood pressure. Other complications may include kidney damage and bleeding into an eye. A rapidly progressive condition known as malignant hypertension can sometimes develop and cause remarkably high levels of blood pressure. |
Likely Outcome of Hypertension
Once controlled, there is no reason why the patient should not lead a full and active working, sporting and sexual life. Untreated, most patients with only moderate hypertension die within 20 years. |
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