At the Hypertension Clinic of the "AGIOS LOUKAS" Clinic, patients with arterial hypertension are treated. Patients are approached in accordance with the guidelines of the Hellenic Society of Hypertension (EVS), as well as the European Society of Hypertension (EHS).

Services offered at the clinic:

• Cases of primary and secondary arterial hypertension of all ages are diagnosed, treated and counseled. 
• The overall cardiovascular risk is assessed and weighed and instructions are given for its better treatment. 
• There is the possibility of conducting a 24-hour recording of blood pressure. 
• Abpm Holter, laboratory testing and investigation of all cases are performed on a case-by-case basis and as necessary in accordance with the guidelines. 
• Patients are treated with medication, as well as non-pharmaceutical ways. 
• Chronic monitoring of patients with arterial hypertension is carried out.

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, nor do we show specific signs or symptoms, even if blood pressure measurements reach dangerously high levels.

Some people with high blood pressure may have: 

• Headaches
• Dyspnea 
• Nosebleed 

However, the signs of hypertension usually do not appear, until high blood pressure reaches a serious 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 for 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 occurrence of arterial hypertension are the following:

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

Treatment of arterial hypertension

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