HIGH BLOOD PRESSURE (HYPERTENSION): Explained by Cardiologist Dr Nithin
Table of Content
- What is Blood pressure?
- Is it necessary to treat High blood pressure?
- Symptoms of Hypertension
- Complications of untreated Hypertension?
- When to treat?
- Risk factors?
- How can I know I have it?
- How to prevent?
What is Blood pressure?
Blood pressure is the force of blood pushing against blood vessel walls.
Blood pressure is measured using two numbers:
The first number, called systolic blood pressure, measures the pressure in your arteries when your heart beats.
The second number, called diastolic blood pressure, measures the pressure in your arteries when your heart rests between beats.
Hypertension (high BP) means either or both of systolic BP (SBP) and diastolic BP (DBP) are beyond normal limits.
Is it necessary to treat High blood pressure?
It is true that blood pressure increases with ageing. Many people express concern regarding target BP levels and need of treatment.
Historically, as late as 1950s, the cardiologists and physicians considered the elevated blood pressure to be necessary for adequate blood supply to vital organs. Hence blood pressure with ageing is called as “Essential Hypertension”.
But the concept was proven to be wrong. Untreated hypertension is lethal, often a “silent killer.”
- Hypertension can cause:
- Bleeding within the brain (Hemorrhagic stroke)
- Blockage of heart vessels (Heart attack)
- Blockage of brain vessels (Ischemic stroke)
- Loss of vision
- Heart failure
- Kidney failure
- Memory loss (Dementia)
Symptoms of hypertension:
Patients with hypertension are usually with out any complaints. Hence it is a silent killer.
It is advised to monitor BP at regular intervals.
People with very high blood pressure or sudden rise of blood pressure can have symptoms.
It is not advisable to wait for the symptoms.
When to treat?
Current guidelines defined normal blood pressure as SBP < 120/ DBP <80 mm Hg. Blood pressure of more than SBP of 140 (or) DBP of 90 mm Hg requires medication.
Blood pressure of 120-140 mm Hg SBP (or) 80-90 mm Hg DBP needs lifestyle modification. Need of medication must be individualized according to their 10 yrs heart disease and stroke risk.
Blood pressure is measured as you move around, living your normal daily life.
Usually measured for up to 24 hrs.
A small digital BP monitor is attached to belt around your waist and connected to a cuff around your arm.
You can even sleep with it on.
