Explain hypertension.

Hypertension, also known as high blood pressure, is a condition in which the force of blood against the walls of the arteries is consistently too high. This can lead to serious health complications such as heart disease, stroke, and kidney damage. Hypertension is often referred to as the "silent killer" because it typically does not cause noticeable symptoms until it has reached a severe or life-threatening stage. Risk factors for hypertension include genetics, age, obesity, lack of physical activity, excessive salt intake, and chronic stress. Treatment for hypertension typically involves lifestyle changes such as maintaining a healthy diet, exercising regularly, reducing stress, and taking medication as prescribed by a healthcare provider. Regular monitoring of blood pressure is important to prevent and manage hypertension.

Hypertension (High Blood Pressure)

Hypertension refers to a persistently elevated blood pressure, defined as blood pressure readings consistently above 130/80 mmHg.

Causes of Hypertension:

- Primary (Essential) Hypertension: No identifiable underlying cause accounts for 90-95% of cases.
- Secondary Hypertension: Caused by an underlying medical condition, such as:
- Kidney disease
- Thyroid disorders
- Adrenal gland tumors
- Aortic coarctation (narrowing of the aorta)

Risk Factors for Hypertension:

- Unmodifiable Factors: Age, family history
- Modifiable Factors:
- Obesity
- Unhealthy diet (high in salt, low in fruits and vegetables)
- Physical inactivity
- Smoking
- Excessive alcohol intake
- Stress

Effects of Hypertension:

Sustained high blood pressure can damage blood vessels and organs, leading to serious complications, including:

- Cardiovascular Disease: Heart attack, stroke, heart failure
- Kidney Disease: Kidney failure
- Stroke: Hemorrhagic or ischemic stroke
- Eye Damage: Vision loss, blindness
- Cognitive Impairment: Dementia, Alzheimer's disease

Symptoms of Hypertension:

- Most cases of hypertension do not have any noticeable symptoms.
- Some people may experience:
- Headaches
- Nosebleeds
- Chest pain
- Shortness of breath
- Fatigue

Diagnosis of Hypertension:

Hypertension is diagnosed through regular blood pressure measurements, usually at a doctor's office or pharmacy. A diagnosis requires multiple elevated readings on separate occasions.

Treatment of Hypertension:

- Lifestyle Modifications:
- Weight loss
- Healthy diet
- Regular exercise
- Stress management
- Medications:
- Diuretics
- ACE inhibitors
- Angiotensin II receptor blockers
- Beta-blockers
- Calcium channel blockers
- Other Treatments:
- Renal artery ablation (for secondary hypertension due to renal artery narrowing)
- Hyperbaric oxygen therapy (experimental treatment)