Every year on May 17th, World Hypertension Day is observed to raise awareness and promote hypertension prevention, detection, and control. The main risk factor for cardiovascular disease is high blood pressure.
High blood pressure is also known as hypertension. Hypertension can cause severe health problems and elevate the risk of heart stroke, disease, and even death.
The force exerted by a person’s blood against the walls of their blood vessels is known as blood pressure. The resistance of the blood vessels and how hard the heart has to work determine the pressure.
Hypertension Stages
Normal: diastolic less than 80 mm Hg and systolic less than 120 mm Hg
Elevated: diastolic less than 80 mm Hg and systolic between 120-129 mm Hg
Stage 1: diastolic between 80-89 mm Hg or systolic between 130-139 mm Hg
Stage 2: diastolic at least 90 mm Hg and systolic at least 140 mm Hg
Primary Versus Secondary Hypertension
Primary Hypertension
- Essential hypertension is another name for primary hypertension. This is the case for the majority of hypertensive adults.
- Despite years of research, no specific cause for hypertension has been identified. Genetics, lifestyle, diet, and age are all thought to play a role.
- Smoking, stress, drinking too much alcohol, eating too much salt, being overweight, and not getting enough exercise are all lifestyle factors.
- Changes in your diet and lifestyle can help you lower your blood pressure and reduce your risk of hypertension complications.
Secondary Hypertension
Secondary hypertension occurs when the cause of your hypertension is known and potentially reversible.
The secondary type of hypertension accounts for only about 5 to 10% of all hypertension cases.
Younger people are more likely to have it. Secondary hypertension affects about 30% of people between the ages of 18 and 40.
Below mentioned are the causes of secondary hypertension:
- The arteries supplying blood to your kidneys narrowing
- Adrenal gland disease
- Birth control pills, stimulants, diet aids, antidepressants, and some over-the-counter medications all have side effects
- hormone abnormalities
- obstructive sleep apnea
- constriction of the aorta
- thyroid abnormalities
Other Types of Hypertension
The following subtypes fall into the primary or secondary hypertension categories:
- Resistant Hypertension
- Malignant Hypertension
- Isolated Hypertension
Resistant Hypertension
High blood pressure that is difficult to control and requires multiple medications is known as resistant hypertension.
When your blood pressure remains above your treatment target despite taking three different types of blood pressure medications, including a diuretic, it is called resistant hypertension.
Resistant hypertension affects an estimated ten percent of people with high blood pressure.
Individuals with resistant hypertension may have secondary hypertension, in which the cause is unknown, prompting their doctor to look for secondary causes.
The majority of people with resistant hypertension can be successfully treated with a combination of medications or by identifying a secondary cause.
Malignant Hypertension
Malignant hypertension is the medical term for high blood pressure that damages your organs. This is a life-threatening situation.
The most severe form of hypertension is malignant hypertension, which is marked by high blood pressure (usually >180 mm Hg systolic or >120-130 mm Hg diastolic) and organ damage.
Malignant hypertension is uncommon, with only 1 to 2 cases per 100,000. In black communities, rates could be higher.
Malignant hypertension is a medical emergency that requires immediate attention. If you think you are having a hypertensive emergency, seek emergency medical help right away.
Isolated Systolic Hypertension
Isolated systolic hypertension is called as a systolic blood pressure difference of more than 140 mm Hg and less than 90 mm Hg.
In older adults, this is the most common type of hypertension. Isolated systolic hypertension affects about 15% of people aged 60 and up, according to reliable sources.
Final Say
We truly hope that you got all the information regarding Hypertension or high blood pressure. It is highly recommended to consult your doctor if you observe the above-mentioned types of hypertension. We also offer more information regarding health, food, mental health, fitness, cycling, etc., which you can read for the betterment of your life.
