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Systemic Hypertension: Understanding and Managing High Blood Pressure

Systemic hypertension, commonly known as high blood pressure, is a condition where the force of blood pushing against the walls of your arteries is consistently too high. While often having no immediate symptoms, it can significantly increase your risk of serious health problems such as heart attack, stroke, heart failure, and kidney disease.

Understanding Blood Pressure

Blood pressure is measured with two numbers:

  • Systolic: The top number represents the pressure in your arteries when your heart beats.
  • Diastolic: The bottom number represents the pressure in your arteries between heartbeats.

What is Considered High Blood Pressure?

  • Elevated: Systolic between 120-129 and diastolic less than 80
  • Stage 1 Hypertension: Systolic between 130-139 or diastolic between 80-89
  • Stage 2 Hypertension: Systolic 140 or higher or diastolic 90 or higher
  • Hypertensive Crisis: Systolic over 180 and/or diastolic over 120

Causes of High Blood Pressure

  • Lifestyle Factors:
    • Unhealthy diet (high in salt, saturated fat, and cholesterol)
    • Lack of physical activity
    • Excessive alcohol consumption
    • Smoking
    • Obesity
  • Medical Conditions:
    • Chronic kidney disease
    • Sleep apnea
    • Diabetes
    • Thyroid disorders
    • Certain medications
  • Genetics:
    • Family history of high blood pressure

Symptoms of High Blood Pressure

Often no symptoms in the early stages. Severe cases may cause:

  • Headaches
  • Nosebleeds
  • Dizziness
  • Fatigue
  • Vision problems

Managing High Blood Pressure

Lifestyle Changes:

  • Dietary changes:
    • Reduce sodium intake
    • Increase potassium intake (fruits, vegetables)
    • Eat a DASH diet (rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and low-fat dairy)
  • Regular exercise: Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic activity per week.
  • Weight management: Maintain a healthy weight.
  • Limit alcohol intake.
  • Quit smoking.

Medications:

  • Diuretics
  • Angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors
  • Angiotensin II receptor blockers (ARBs)
  • Calcium channel blockers
  • Beta-blockers