What
is hypertension?--
Increased blood pressure to the extent that it can cause damage to the
organs is called as hypertension.
What
level of blood pressure is said to be hypertension?--
|
Category
|
Systolic
|
Diastolic
|
|
Stage
1 (mild)
|
140--159
|
90--99
|
|
Stage
2 (moderate)
|
160--179
|
100--109
|
|
Stage3
(severe)
|
180--209
|
110--119
|
|
Stage
4 (very severe)
|
>210
|
>120
|
Is
hypertension hereditary?--
Yes, it is known to run in families.
What
is essential hypertension?--
Essential hypertension is the type of hypertension without any
definable cause. This is the age related hypertension. Other type of
hypertension is the secondary type in which there is a definite cause.
This cause if treated hypertension is cured.
Why
is hypertension dangerous?--
Untreated hypertension is associated with many acute as well as long
term complications.
Long term
complications are--
- Ischemic
heart disease-- Due to the hypertension there is load on
the heart .This can result in ischemic heart disease. For a
complete discussion of the same click here.
- Stroke--This
can occur due to both infarct as well as hemorrhage.
- Renal
failure--Long term uncontrolled hypertension can lead to
renal failure.
How
is a patient of hypertension monitored?--
- First &
foremost regular monitoring of blood pressure is very important.
- Secondly a
fundoscopy done regularly to see for retinal changes is useful.
What
level of hypertension is to be treated?--
Any patient with diastolic bp >90 mm Hg or any patient more than 65
years of age having a systolic bp >160 mm should be investigated
& treated.
How
many readings are required before labeling a person hypertensive?--
Ideally at least 3 readings are required before labeling a
person as hypertensive. However if the first reading is >210/120
the person can be labeled as a hypertensive straight away.
Management--
- The first
& the most important thing to understand about hypertension is
that it often does not cause any symptoms. But the damage to the
organs continues. Hence regular treatment & follow up is
necessary.
- Drugs
should not be stopped thinking that there are no symptoms. That
may cause severe rebound hypertension.
- SALT
RESTRICTED DIET--This does not mean complete absence of
salt in food.
- Avoid added
salt in diet.
- Avoid salt
rich foods like pickles, papads etc.
- Exercise--Jogging
,swimming are recommended. Weight lifting has no role.
- Weight
reduction--Very important. Decreasing 4.4 kg in 6 months
has been shown to decrease systolic b.p. by 2.5mmHg.
- Smoking--Giving
up smoking reduces the complications associated with smoking.
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