What is Hypertension?
Hypertension is one of the most common chronic diseases all over the world. Hypertension, which is defined as higher values than the values that should be, causes many diseases, especially cardiovascular diseases. It is possible to control high blood pressure with some treatments and lifestyle changes. However, if it is not taken into consideration and treatment is not applied, it can cause serious life-threatening conditions.
First of all, what is hypertension? Before explaining this, it would be more accurate to define blood pressure. Blood pressure; The blood pressure inside the arteries is called blood pressure. The heart muscle contracts and blood is pumped into the arteries, the pressure that occurs during this process is called systolic pressure. When the heart muscle relaxes, the blood stagnates in the arteries and the pressure is called diastolic pressure. When measuring blood pressure, systolic and diastolic pressure values are taken into consideration and high blood pressure is called hypertension. Although the required blood pressure values may vary from person to person, it is considered normal to have a large blood pressure of 120-130 and a small blood pressure of 70-90.
However, if the small blood pressure value rises above 8 mmHg and the large blood pressure rises above 140 mmHg, this is defined as hypertension. In other words, when it rises to 14-8 values and above, it is called hypertension. The higher the heart pressure, the more problems it will cause. It can cause problems such as heart attack, heart failure, eye diseases, kidney diseases and stroke.
Hypertension has few or no symptoms, which is why it has been called the silent killer. Only about half of people with hypertension realize they have it. Of those who realize it, half take it seriously and receive treatment. In our country, one in every 3 or 5 people is thought to have high blood pressure. Both the diagnosis and treatment of hypertension are very simple and easy. Deaths or other diseases caused by hypertension can be easily prevented with early diagnosis and appropriate treatment. All patients need to do is to take this disease seriously and go to a specialist physician for treatment.
Causes of Hypertension
Almost the vast majority (95%) of people with hypertension have primary hypertension. Primary hypertension is a condition in which blood pressure rises for no apparent reason. It is thought to be caused by people’s lifestyles and eating habits, but it is also known to be due to many other factors. Genetic structure often plays a major role. If family members have high blood pressure, the likelihood of it occurring in other family members increases. The reasons other than genetic factors are as follows;
Too salty and fatty eating habits,
Stenosis of the aortic vessels,
Problems with the hormones produced by the adrenal glands and Crohn’s disease,
Presence of tumors formed in the kidneys,
Chronic or acute kidney disease,
Diabetes
Thyroid gland diseases,
Pregnancy
Excess weight,
Smoking and alcohol use,
Long-term use of certain medications (painkillers or steroid drugs)
What are the Symptoms of Hypertension?
Hypertension does not show symptoms immediately in everyone. Many people with hypertension live their lives for years without realizing it and without being diagnosed. Many diagnoses are understood when abnormal values are detected during blood pressure measurements. Hypertension patients often have the following symptoms;
Recurrent headaches and dizziness,
Presence of blurred vision and visual disturbances,
Frequent urination, usually at night during sleep,
Weakness, fatigue and shortness of breath,
Edema in the legs,
Nosebleeds
Tinnitus
There are symptoms such as irregular heartbeat rhythms.
How is hypertension treated?
Treatment is carried out not only by using medication, but also by recommending patients to make changes in their lifestyles. It is important to avoid excessive salt, to reach the ideal weight if overweight, and to regularly do appropriate sports and exercises. If there is an underlying disease that causes hypertension, it is definitely treated. There are many blood pressure medications available in pharmacies, and after the necessary examinations, the physician will prescribe the most appropriate medication for the patient. In some patients, blood pressure values may not return to normal despite medication. This is called resistant hypertension. These patients can be treated by implanting a carotid artery pacemaker.
Hypertension is not a daily disease but a lifelong condition. This requires regular medication and periodic medical check-ups. Depending on the course of the disease, there may be changes in the doses of medication given, or the drug may be replaced with another.
Harms of Hypertension
Untreated and uncontrolled hypertension negatively affects many organs in the body, primarily the kidneys and heart. It should not be forgotten that it can cause unwanted pictures such as kidney failure, heart failure, heart attack, and sudden attacks can cause cerebral hemorrhage or stroke.
What is good for hypertension?
The best exercise is brisk walking for an hour a day. Thus, excess weight gain will be prevented and blood pressure will be under healthier control. However, it is necessary to consult a physician for these walks. Because not everyone may be suitable, the physician will recommend the appropriate exercises,
Excess salt should definitely be avoided,
A stress-free life,
Fruits and vegetables should definitely be included in the diet. Pula foods should be consumed, margarine or solid fats should not be used. Liquid oils should be used instead,
One of the most effective ways to control hypertension is to avoid smoking and alcohol,
Care should be taken to consume plenty of water during the day. Foods such as lemon water and garlic can lower blood pressure. However, these should not be taken together with blood pressure medications, if they are to be taken, it is necessary to consult a physician.
False Blood Pressure
A single measurement is never taken as a reference for diagnosing high blood pressure. At least three measurements should be taken to check the values. If the result of a single measurement is high blood pressure and based on this, calling the patient a high blood pressure patient will be defined as false blood pressure. Because the blood pressure of a healthy person can fluctuate and change a lot due to factors such as events during the day and nutrition. For example, exertional walking, running and exercises are among the factors that increase blood pressure.