Hypertension or high blood pressure

Hypertension or high blood pressure: Hypertension is a condition in which the blood vessels have persistently raised pressure.

Symptoms of hypertension: Hypertension is generally a silent condition. Many people do not experience any symptoms. Symptoms of severe hypertension can include: Headaches, dizziness, shortness of breath, chest pain, nosebleeds, visual change, flushing, blood in the urine.

These symptoms require immediate medical attention.

Types and causes of hypertension 

There are two types of hypertension

1.Primary hypertension: Primary hypertension is also called essential hypertension. This kind of hypertension develops over time with no identifiable cause. Most of people have this type of high blood pressure.

Factors of primary hypertension Genes: Some people are genetically predisposed to hypertension. 

Physical change: If something in the body changes, we may begin experiencing many issues like hypertension throughout the body.

Environment: Unhealthy lifestyle, overweight or obesity can increase the risk of hypertension.

2. Secondary hypertension: Secondary hypertension often occurs quickly and can become more heavier than primary hypertension.

Some causes of secondary hypertension: kidney disease, use of illegal drugs, obstructive sleep apnea, congenital heart defects, alcohol abuse, side effects of medications etc

Diagnosing high blood pressure

Blood pressure measurement fall into four general categories.

Normal blood pressure: Blood pressure is normal if it is below 120/80 mm Hg.

Elevated blood pressure: Elevated blood pressure is a systolic pressure ranging from 120 to 129 mm Hg and a diastolic pressure below 80 mm Hg.  

Stage 1 hypertension: Stage 1 hypertension is a systolic pressure ranging from 130 to 139 mm Hg or a diastolic pressure ranging from 80 to 89 mm Hg.

Stage 2 hypertension: Stage 2 hypertension is a systolic pressure of 140 mm Hg or higher or a diastolic pressure of 90 mm Hg or higher.