Elevated Blood Pressure - Everything you need to know

Blood pressure is a measurement of the force exerted by the heart to circulate blood throughout your body. It is denoted by two numbers. The larger figure represents the force of blood in your arteries while your heart beats, whereas the lower number represents the force of blood in your arteries when your heart is resting between beats.

Normal blood pressure is normally about 120/80 mmHg, however, it might vary somewhat across individuals. A systolic blood pressure of 140 mmHg or higher, or a diastolic blood pressure of 90 mmHg or higher, is considered high blood pressure.

A systolic blood pressure of 90 mmHg or lower, or a diastolic blood pressure of 60 mmHg or below, is considered low blood pressure. High blood pressure raises your chances of developing significant health issues such as heart disease, stroke, and kidney disease. Because it is frequently referred to as the "silent killer" due to the lack of symptoms, it is critical to have your blood pressure monitored by a healthcare practitioner regularly.

Eating a good diet, getting regular physical activity, keeping a healthy weight, and managing stress are all things you can do to help regulate your blood pressure. If lifestyle modifications alone aren't enough to keep your blood pressure under control, your doctor may prescribe medicines to assist.

What is Elevated blood pressure

Elevated blood pressure is a condition in which the force of the blood on the artery walls is consistently too strong. A value of less than 120/80 mm Hg is considered normal blood pressure. A blood pressure level of 120-129/80 mm Hg is considered high.

High blood pressure is a key risk factor for a variety of serious health problems, including heart disease, stroke, and kidney disease. To avoid these and other consequences, it is critical to managing high blood pressure.

Genetics, food, and lifestyle factors such as cigarette use and physical inactivity can all contribute to high blood pressure. High blood pressure can also be caused by stress and certain medical problems, such as sleep apnea.

Treatment for high blood pressure frequently includes lifestyle modifications, such as eating a nutritious diet and exercising regularly, along with blood pressure drugs.

Elevated blood pressure is a primary cause of deaths all over the world. High blood pressure is responsible for more than 7.5 million fatalities per year, according to the World Health Organization (WHO).

It is a major risk factor for heart disease, stroke, and renal disease, as well as other critical health issues like vision loss and cognitive decline. To lessen the risk of these and other consequences, blood pressure should be monitored and managed.

Elevated blood pressure causes

There are many potential causes of hypertension, including:

1) Genetics

Some persons may be predisposed to hypertension because of inherited genetic characteristics.

2) Age

As people become older, their blood vessels stiffen and become less flexible, which can contribute to high blood pressure.

3) Gender

Men are more likely than women to acquire hypertension, while women's risk increases after menopause.

4) Lifestyle factors

Certain lifestyle behaviors, such as being overweight or obese, taking a diet with too much sodium or salt, not getting enough physical activity, and using cigarettes or alcohol excessively, can all raise the risk of hypertension.

5) Medical conditions

Diabetes, renal illness, and sleep apnea are among the medical problems that might raise the risk of hypertension.

6) Drugs

Certain medications, such as birth control pills and over-the-counter decongestants, can cause an increase in blood pressure.

7) Stress

Chronic stress can raise blood pressure by causing the production of stress hormones such as adrenaline and cortisol.

Poor diet

A diet heavy in processed and fatty foods and low in fruits and vegetables might raise the risk of hypertension.

8) Dehydration

A lack of fluids can cause a drop in blood volume, leading to a rise in blood pressure as the body strives to maintain appropriate blood flow to the cells.

9) Hormonal imbalances

Hormonal abnormalities, such as an overactive thyroid gland, can also lead to hypertension.

Sleep disorders: Inadequate or insufficient sleep might raise the risk of hypertension.

10) Pregnancy

Gestational hypertension is a condition in which some women develop hypertension when pregnant. Although this normally disappears after birth, women who have had gestational hypertension are more likely to acquire hypertension later in life.

Elevated blood pressure symptoms

Elevated blood pressure, often known as hypertension, is dubbed the "silent killer" because it frequently goes undetected. This is why it is critical to have your blood pressure tested by a healthcare expert frequently.

1. Headaches: Hypertensive people may feel headaches, particularly at the back of the head or neck. The headaches might be intense, with a throbbing feeling.
2. Dizziness: Standing up or shifting positions fast might cause dizziness or lightheadedness. This might be due to a decline in blood pressure.
3. Nausea: Some hypertensive patients may suffer nausea or a sense of illness.
4. Fatigue: People with hypertension may feel weary or have trouble doing physical tasks that they previously performed without difficulty.
5. Chest discomfort or tightness: Some patients with hypertension may have chest pain or tightness. This might be due to a blood clot or a decreased blood flow to the heart.
6. Shortness of breath: People with hypertension may have shortness of breath, commonly known as dyspnea. This might be due to fluid buildup in the lungs or a decreased flow of oxygen to the body's tissues.
7. Blurred vision: People with hypertension may experience blurred vision. This might be due to an increase in intraocular pressure or a shift in blood flow to the eye.
8. Nosebleeds: Because of the elevated blood pressure in the blood arteries of the nose, nosebleeds may occur more often in patients with hypertension.

Difference between elevated hypertension and other hypertension?

Elevated hypertension

• A blood pressure reading of 120-129/80 mmHg.
• Considered a "pre-hypertensive" stage.
• May not require medication, but lifestyle changes (such as diet and exercise) are recommended to prevent the development of full-blown hypertension.

Hypertension (stage 1)

• A blood pressure reading of 130-139/80-89 mmHg.
• May require medication in addition to lifestyle changes.
• Increased risk of heart disease and other health problems.

Hypertension (stage 2)

• A blood pressure reading of 140/90 mmHg or higher.
• Requires medication to control blood pressure.
• Increased risk of heart disease and other health problems.

Elevated hypertension treatment

Making changes in lifestyle is frequently the initial step in the treatment of high blood pressure. Changes to nutrition, physical exercise, and stress management may be required. Among the particular recommendations for lifestyle changes are:

1) Eating a healthy diet

A nutritious diet reduced in sodium, saturated and trans fats, and added carbohydrates can assist to decrease blood pressure. This may include consuming healthy fruits and vegetables, lean protein sources, and complete grains.

2) Exercise regularly

Regular physical activity can assist to decrease blood pressure and enhance overall health. Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate-level activity each week or 75 minutes of strenuous intensity exercise.

3) Maintaining a healthy weight

Excess weight, particularly around the waist, might raise the risk of developing high blood pressure. Diet and exercise can help you lose weight and reduce your blood pressure.

4) Limiting alcohol consumption

Consuming moderate quantities of alcohol (no more than one drink a day for women and two drinks per day for males) can help reduce blood pressure. However, excessive drinking can raise blood pressure.

5) Quitting smoking

Smoking increases the risk of high blood pressure and other health issues dramatically. Smoking cessation can reduce blood pressure and enhance general health.

6) Stress reduction

Long-term stress can lead to high blood pressure. Deep breathing, meditation, and yoga are all relaxation practices that can help decrease stress and lower blood pressure.

7) Medication 

Medication may be used in some circumstances to help individuals who have elevated blood pressure reduce their blood pressure. The type of medicine administered will be determined by some criteria, including the severity of hypertension, the existence of other medical disorders, and the individual's preferences.

Angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors (ACE inhibitors), angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs), beta-blockers, calcium channel blockers, and diuretics are some of the most often used medications to treat hypertension. (Disclaimer: Medications to be taken under medical professional guidance.)

Bottomline

Elevated hypertension, also known as prehypertension, is a state in which blood pressure is higher than usual but not yet high enough to be classed as hypertension. Elevated hypertension should be taken seriously, and lifestyle adjustments should be implemented to assist decrease blood pressure and avoid the development of full-blown hypertension. 

Medication may be required in some circumstances to help reduce blood pressure. It is critical to collaborate with a healthcare professional to select the optimal course of therapy and to adhere to the treatment plan as prescribed. Regular check-ups are also necessary to monitor blood pressure and keep it under control.

‍FAQ

1. How do you feel when your blood pressure is elevated?

When your blood pressure is elevated, you usually don't feel it. Blood pressure is a measurement of the force of blood on the artery walls as the heart circulates it throughout the body. Most people have no symptoms when their blood pressure is raised. 

As a result, it is frequently referred to as a "silent killer." Over time, high blood pressure can harm the blood vessels, heart, and other organs, although there may be no evident signs until significant consequences arise. 

That is why it is critical to have regular blood pressure checks and engage with a healthcare practitioner to control hypertension and lower the risk of major health problems.

2. What should I do if my blood pressure is elevated?

Here are some important actions to take if your blood pressure is high:

• Maintain a healthy lifestyle that includes a nutritious diet, frequent exercise, and stress management.
• Take your medication exactly as directed by your doctor.
• Maintain frequent check-ups with your healthcare practitioner to monitor and regulate your blood pressure.
• Make any further lifestyle modifications or medication adjustments indicated by your healthcare physician.

3. What is stroke level blood pressure?

A stroke is a medical emergency that happens when the blood flow to the brain is interrupted, resulting in the death of brain cells. Hypertension, or high blood pressure, is a key risk factor for stroke. Stroke level blood pressure is a phrase used to denote extremely high blood pressure that can increase the risk of stroke. It is crucial to remember, however, that there is no such thing as a "stroke level" of blood pressure.