Chronic hypertension
Blood pressure refers to the force at which the blood pushes against the artery walls. The force is produced with each heartbeat as the blood is pumped from the heart and into the blood vessels. The other factors that affect the blood pressure include the size and the elasticity of the artery walls. Every time there is a contraction and relaxation of the heartbeat the pressure is generated inside the arteries.
The pressure is greatest when blood is pumped out of the heart into the arteries or systole. When the heart relaxes between beats (blood is not moving out of the heart), the pressure falls in the arteries or diastole.
Levels of high blood pressure
The National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI) of the National Institutes of Health (NIH) has determined two levels of high blood pressure for adults:
- Stage 1
140 mm Hg to 159 mm Hg systolic pressure—a higher number
And
90 mm Hg to 99 mm Hg diastolic pressure—lower number
- Stage 2
160 mm Hg or higher systolic pressure
And
100 mm Hg or higher diastolic pressure
Now we will take a look at Chronic Hypertension.
So what exactly is Chronic Hypertension?
Hypertension also called high blood pressure directly increases the risk of coronary heart disease (Heart attack) and stroke (brain attack). With high blood pressure, the arteries may have an increase in the resistance against the flow of blood. This can cause the heart to pump harder for circulating the blood.
Generally, high blood pressure does not show any signs and symptoms. However, one can know if the blood pressure by having it checked regularly by the health care provider.
Orthostatic hypertension
Orthostatic hypertension is a medical condition consisting of a sudden and abrupt increase in blood pressure when a person stands up. Orthostatic hypertension is diagnosed by a rise in systolic blood pressure of 20 mmHg or more when standing.
Resistant hypertension
Resistant hypertension is a condition when the high blood pressure does not respond well to aggressive medical treatment. Hypertension can be called or considered resistant hypertension when all of the following become true.
- Someone is taking three* different blood pressure medications at their maximally tolerated doses.
- One of the blood pressure medications is a diuretic (removes fluid and salt from the body).
- Blood pressure remains above your goal—(usually 130/80 mmHg, although individual goals should be discussed with your doctor)
- If hypertension requires four or more medications to be controlled it is also called resistant hypertension.
Renovascular hypertension
Renovascular hypertension is a condition in which high blood pressure is caused by the kidneys’ hormonal response to the narrowing of the arteries supplying the kidneys. When functioning properly this hormonal axis regulates blood pressure.
- Other names: Renal hypertension
- Symptoms: High BP, kidney dysfunction
- Diagnostic method: Blood and urine test
- Risk factors: Diabetes, High cholesterol
Causes of High blood pressure or chronic hypertension
High blood pressure has many risk factors, including:
- The risk of high blood pressure increases as you age. …
- …
- Family history. …
- Being overweight or obese. …
- Not being physically active. …
- Consuming tobacco and other tobacco products like cigarettes and chew. …
- Too much salt (sodium) in your diet. …
- Too little potassium in your diet. High blood pressure has many risk factors, including:
Other similar causes of Chronic Hypertension include;
- eat too much salt and do not eat enough fruit and vegetables
- do not do enough exercise
- drink too much alcohol or coffee (or other caffeine-based drinks)
- smoke
- do not get much sleep or have disturbed sleep
- are over 65
- have a relative with high blood pressure
- are of black African or black Caribbean descent
- live in a deprived area
Some known health conditions that can result in chronic hypertension include;
- Kidney disease
- Diabetes
- Long-term kidney infections
- glomerulonephritis
- Obstructive sleep apnoea
- Hormone problems
- Lupus
- Scleroderma
So what is the treatment of Chronic Hypertension?
- Eating healthy foods. Eating a heart-healthy diet. …
- Decrease the salt in your diet. Aim to limit sodium to less than 2,300 milligrams (mg) a day or less. …
- Maintain a healthy weight. …
- Increase physical activity. …
- Limit alcohol. …
- Don’t smoke. …
- Manage stress. …
- Monitor your blood pressure at home
For more information on safe type of exercises, you can visit here.
Conclusion
So in this article, we discussed chronic hypertension, what is resistant hypertension, and renovascular hypertension.
Chronic Hypertension occurs when the force at which the blood pushes against the artery walls. The force is produced with each heartbeat as the blood is pumped from the heart and into the blood vessels. The other factors that affect the blood pressure include the size and the elasticity of the artery walls. Every time there is a contraction and relaxation of the heartbeat the pressure is generated inside the arteries
This is a serious condition that can lead to various heart diseases. This condition is also common throughout the world. Some of the main causes of chronic hypertension include, eat too much salt and do not eat enough fruit and vegetables, not getting enough exercise, drinking too much alcohol or coffee (or other caffeine-based drinks), smoke, do not get much sleep, or have disturbed sleep, are over 65, have a relative with high blood pressure, are of black African or black Caribbean descent, live in a deprived area
The good news is that this condition can be managed with proper nutrition, exercising daily, limiting alcohol, quitting tobacco, limiting salt in the diet, taking in more magnesium and potassium in the diet, not eating junk food. Losing extra weight, maintain a healthy weight, managing stress,
Hence, chronic hypertension can affect people of all geographical locations, gender, and people with underlying health conditions. So the treatment and management of these kinds of the condition are very crucial. Neglecting the symptoms and not getting treatment can be life-threatening. Hence, recognize the signs and symptoms and take help or treatment. For more information, you can visit this link
chronic hypertension.
