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Essential hypertension Causes and Risks:
Blood pressure is determined by the amount of blood pumped by the heart and the size and condition of the arteries. Many other factors can affect blood pressure, including the water volume in the body; salt content of the body; condition of the kidneys; nervous system, or blood vessels; and various hormone levels in the body. Blacks of both sexes, and Caucasian males, have a higher incidence of significant hypertension . Essential hypertension has no identifiable cause. It may have genetic factors, and environmental factors (such as salt intake).
Prevention:
Prevention is based upon lifestyle changes that include: - weight loss if the person is overweight . Excess weight adds to heart strain. In some cases, weight loss may be only treatment needed.
- exercise to improve cardiac fitness.
- dietary adjustments to modify sodium in the diet (sodium intake may have little effect in people without hypertension , but may have a profound effect in those with hypertension). Salt, MSG, and baking soda all contain sodium.
Symptoms:
If severe: Note: There are usually no symptoms.
Signs and Tests:
Blood pressure measurements are repeated over time. Blood pressure consistently elevated over 140/90, (or consistently with a diastolic blood pressure over 90) is considered hypertension . There may be signs of complications.
Tests for suspected causes may be performed. Essential hypertension is diagnosed when no causes can be found.
Treatment:
Medications include diuretics, potassium replacements, beta-blockers, calcium channel blockers, angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors; hydralazine, diazoxide, and nitroprusside (if acute ).
Have your blood pressure checked at regular intervals (as recommended by you health care provider). Change your lifestyle with weight loss , exercise , and dietary adjustments.
Prognosis:
Essential hypertension is controllable with proper treatment. It requires lifelong monitoring, and treatment may require adjustments periodically.
Complications:
Untreated hypertension can lead to:
Call Your Healthcare Provider:
Call for an appointment with your health care provider if you suspect you may have hypertension .
Call your health care provider if you have hypertension and symptoms develop.
A sphygmomanometer is used to measure blood pressure, and is the most accurate method. Blood pressure is measured against the height of a column of mercury. This is the most accurate method because it can only be made inaccurate by changing the gravitational constant of the earth.
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