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Anaesthesia @ Student
High blood pressure BP
<p>High blood pressure, also known as hypertension, is a serious condition that can lead to heart disease, stroke, and kidney disease if left untreated. It's often called the "silent killer" because it typically doesn't have symptoms, making regular check-ups crucial for detection.</p><p><br></p><p>*What is High Blood Pressure?*</p><p><br></p><p>High blood pressure occurs when the force of blood against your artery walls is consistently too high, damaging your arteries over time and potentially leading to serious complications.</p><p><br></p><p>*Causes and Risk Factors*</p><p><br></p><p>High blood pressure can be caused by:</p><p>- *Genetics*: Family history plays a role in developing high blood pressure</p><p>- *Lifestyle Factors*: Unhealthy diet, lack of physical activity, smoking, and excessive alcohol consumption</p><p>- *Medical Conditions*: Kidney disease, obstructive sleep apnea, and certain medications</p><p>- *Age*: Risk increases with age, especially after 55</p><p>- *Ethnicity*: Black African, Black Caribbean, and South Asian individuals are at higher risk</p><p><br></p><p>*Symptoms and Complications*</p><p><br></p><p>High blood pressure usually doesn't exhibit symptoms, but in severe cases (180/120 mmHg or higher), it can cause:</p><p>- *Headaches*</p><p>- *Blurred Vision*</p><p>- *Chest Pain*</p><p>- *Dizziness*</p><p>- *Nausea and Vomiting*</p><p><br></p><p>If left untreated, high blood pressure can lead to serious complications like:</p><p>- *Heart Attack*</p><p>- *Stroke*</p><p>- *Kidney Disease*</p><p>- *Vision Loss*</p><p><br></p><p>*Treatment and Prevention*</p><p><br></p><p>- *Lifestyle Changes*: Healthy diet (DASH diet), regular exercise, weight management, stress reduction, and limited sodium intake</p><p>- *Medications*: Various classes of medications, such as ACE inhibitors, ARBs, calcium channel blockers, and diuretics, can help control blood pressure</p><p>- *Monitoring*: Regular blood pressure checks and home monitoring</p><p><br></p><p>*Blood Pressure Categories*</p><p><br></p><p>- *Normal*: Less than 120/80 mmHg</p><p>- *Elevated*: 120-129/80 mmHg</p><p>- *Stage 1 Hypertension*: 130-139/80-89 mmHg</p><p>- *Stage 2 Hypertension*: 140 or higher/90 or higher mmHg</p><p><br></p><p>It's essential to work with your healthcare provider to manage high blood pressure and prevent long-term complications ¹ ².</p>
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