All You Need to Know About Hypertension

High blood pressure is a global health problem that affects an estimated one billion people worldwide. Although the condition is easily treated, it can lead to cardiovascular disease and even death if left untreated. Hypertension generally occurs when the walls of the blood vessels constrict, making it more difficult for the heart to pump blood throughout the body. As a result, blood pressure rises.

Hypertension is a severe condition that can result in death if unaddressed. Therefore, you need to see a Port Saint Lucie hypertension specialist once you notice any symptoms.

To learn more about the condition, read more below.

Causes of Hypertension

The exact cause of hypertension can be challenging to pinpoint. However, there are some common culprits that you should be aware of:

Age

Your blood vessels stiffen, and arteries narrow, resulting in high blood pressure as you get older. Experts estimate that over 50% of people over the age of 65 suffer from hypertension.

Diabetes

This chronic, incurable disease can lead to high blood pressure and cardiovascular damage over time. 20% of people with diabetes have hypertension.

Obesity

Obesity puts excess strain on the heart and circulatory system, resulting in high blood pressure for many obese people. Approximately 36% of obese adults suffer from hypertension compared to around 25% of obese children.

The Wrong Diet

A meal plan high in fat, sodium, and sugar can lead to hypertension, and drinking too much alcohol can also cause your blood pressure to rise.

Symptoms of Hypertension

Usually, you will rarely experience any symptoms if you have hypertension. In some cases, however, hypertension causes symptoms such as:

• Dizziness
• Headaches
• Nosebleeds
• Back pain
• Shortness of breath

These symptoms can be frightening and challenging to manage, which is why you need to see a hypertension specialist as soon as possible.

Risk Factors for Hypertension

High blood pressure is a significant risk factor for cardiovascular disease. It can cause heart attacks and strokes by increasing the heart’s workload. Other risk factors include family history, and if your parents or siblings suffer from hypertension, there is a higher chance of developing the condition.

Treatments for Hypertension

Your hypertension treatment will depend on several factors. These include:

• Your age, weight, and medical history
• The severity of your condition
• Any other health conditions you have
• Other medications you are taking
• Your attitude towards medication and lifestyle changes

Hypertension treatment usually involves adopting a healthy diet, exercising regularly, and taking prescribed hypertension medication. If these lifestyle changes do not help or your blood pressure remains too high, your doctor may recommend surgery.

A computed tomography angiogram (CTA) can also help treat hypertension alongside medications recommended by a doctor.

To summarize, hypertension is a condition that causes the walls of the blood vessels to constrict, making it more difficult for the heart to pump blood throughout the body. It causes symptoms such as dizziness and headaches. Common causes include drinking too much, diabetes, obesity, and age. Treatment depends on age, the severity of your condition, other medical conditions, and any other medications you are taking at the time of treatment. However, some people may not pinpoint their risk factors because there could be multiple reasons for their high blood pressure. Therefore, everyone needs to get regular checkups to keep track of their health and prevent serious conditions.