World Hypertension Day

What is arterial hypertension?

High blood pressure (hypertension) is a common condition, in which the pressure of blood flow in the arteries is high and causes damage to their walls, eventually leading to health problems, such as heart disease.

Symptoms of arterial hypertension

Most of us with high blood pressure do not feel it or show any special signs or symptoms, even if our blood pressure readings reach dangerously high levels.

Some people with high blood pressure may have: 

• Headaches
• Dyspnea 
• Nosebleed 

However, signs of hypertension usually do not appear until high blood pressure reaches a severe or life-threatening stage.

Diagnosis of hypertension - blood pressure values 

When do I have hypertension?

Hypertension is diagnosed if on two different days systolic blood pressure on both days is ≥140 mmHg and / or when diastolic blood pressure on both days is ≥90 mmHg. The systolic blood pressure on the sphygmomanometer is usually written on the top in large letters, while the diastolic blood pressure on the bottom in small letters.

Causes of arterial hypertension

There are two types of hypertension:

Primary hypertension

For most adults, there is no identifiable cause of hypertension. This type of high blood pressure tends to develop gradually over many years.

Secondary hypertension

Secondary hypertension is caused by an underlying condition and tends to occur suddenly, causing higher blood pressure than primary hypertension. Various conditions and medications that can lead to secondary hypertension are:

• Obstructive sleep apnea
• Nephropathy
• Adrenal tumors
• Thyroid problems
• Congenital diseases of the vessels
• Some medications, such as birth control pills, decongestants, analgesics 
• Illegal drugs, such as cocaine and amphetamines

Risk factors for developing hypertension

The most common risk factors that may contribute to the development of arterial hypertension are:

• Old age
• Family history
• Obesity
• Reduced physical exercise
• Smoking
• Diet rich in salt and poor in potassium
• Alcohol consumption
• Stress 

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Treatment of arterial hypertension

Hypertension is usually treated with medication and the way it is treated depends on the blood pressure values and the health and habits of the patient. Risk factors are taken into account, as well as any comorbidities of the individual based on personal and family history, and the type of arterial hypertension is initially investigated.