HYPERTENSION: Definition, Stages, Causes, Risk Factors and Dietary Management

Hypertension is another name for high blood pressure. It can severely impact quality of life and it increases the risk of heart disease, stroke, and death. Around 85 million people in the United States (U.S.) have high blood pressure. Hypertension and heart disease are global problems. The World Health Organization (WHO) suggests that the growth of the processed food industry has impacted the amount of salt consumed, and that this plays a role in hypertension. Some types of hypertension can be managed through lifestyle and dietary choices, such as engaging in physical activity, reducing alcohol and tobacco use, and avoiding a high-sodium diet.

Quick Facts About Hypertension You Should Know

Normal blood pressure is 120 over 80 mm of mercury (mmHg), but high blood pressure is higher than 140 over 90 mmHg.

Acute causes of high blood pressure include stress, but it can happen on its own or it can result from a condition, such as kidney disease.

Unmanaged hypertension can lead to a heart attack, stroke, and other problems.

Lifestyle factors are the best way to address high blood pressure.

What is Hypertension? 

Blood pressure is the force exerted by the blood against the walls of the blood vessels.

How great the pressure is depends on the work being done by the heart and the resistance of the blood vessels.Medical guidelines define hypertension as a blood pressure higher than 140 over 90 millimeters of mercury (mmHg).

The systolic reading of 140 mmHg refers to the pressure as the heart pumps blood around the body. The diastolic reading of 90 mmHg refers to the pressure as the heart relaxes and refills with blood.

Stages of Hypertension

If, when taking blood pressure, the reading shows a hypertensive crisis, the person should wait 2 or 3 minutes and then repeat the test.

If the reading is the same or higher, this is a medical emergency; The person should seek immediate attention at the nearest hospital.

Causes of Hypertension

Blood pressure varies throughout the day. It is lower during sleep and higher on awakening.

Occasionally having high blood pressure for a short time is a normal physiological response to many 

situations. Acute stress and intense exercise, for example, can briefly elevate blood pressure in a healthy person; for this reason, a diagnosis of hypertension normally requires several readings that show high blood pressure over time. However, a reading of 180 over 110 mmHg or higher could be a sign of a hypertensive crisis that warrants immediate medical attention

Risk factors

A number of risk factors increase the chances of having hypertension.

Age: Hypertension is more common in people aged over 60 years. With age, blood pressure can increase steadily as the arteries become stiffer and narrower due to plaque build-up.

Ethnicity: Some ethnic groups are more prone to hypertension.

Size and weight: Being overweight or obese is a key risk factor.

Sex: The lifetime risk is the same for males and females, but men are more prone to hypertension at a younger age, while rates tend to be higher rate in women at older ages.

Existing health conditions: Cardiovascular disease, chronic kidney disease, and high cholesterol levels are predictors for hypertension, especially as people get older.

Other contributing factors include:

• physical inactivity
• a salt-rich diet associated with processed and fatty foods
• low potassium in the diet
• alcohol and tobacco use
• certain diseases and medications

A family history of high blood pressure and poorly managed stress also contribute.

Dietary Management

The DASH (Dietary Approach to Stop Hypertension) Diet will help you to maintain a healthy weight and also maintain the blood pressure.

P/S:  Incase of any health Complications: Pls See your physician and dietitian as well.

                                                

                                                                        

 Written by:

 Dtn. Mrs. Blessing Amarachi Nwaegbe and Miss. Amarachi Ruth

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