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Hypertension (high blood pressure) occurs when blood exerts excessive force against the arterial walls. This condition is common in many individuals, yet it may go unnoticed unless symptoms appear. If left untreated, it can lead to complications such as heart attack, stroke and dementia. With early diagnosis and appropriate treatment, these outcomes can be prevented.
What is Hypertension?
Hypertension, or high blood pressure, refers to the excessive force exerted by blood against the arterial walls. When this occurs, the heart must work harder to pump blood throughout the body. Over time, hypertension can damage both the arteries and the heart. If it progresses without intervention, it may lead to serious events such as heart attack or stroke.
Blood pressure (BP) is measured in millimetres of mercury (mmHg) and consists of two values:
- Systolic blood pressure: The upper number, representing the pressure applied to arterial walls when the heart contracts.
- Diastolic blood pressure: The lower number, indicating the pressure between heartbeats when the heart relaxes.
The definition of high blood pressure may vary slightly depending on regional guidelines. Nonetheless, hypertension is highly prevalent and constitutes a major risk factor for cardiovascular disease.
What are the types of hypertension?
Which medical department should be consulted for high blood pressure?
For high blood pressure, patients should first apply to the Department of Internal Medicine (Internal Diseases). If deemed necessary, the patient is referred to Cardiology or other relevant medical specialties.
High blood pressure is classified into types based on its underlying causes. These can be outlined as follows:
- Primary hypertension: The leading contributors include genetic predisposition and advancing age.
- Secondary hypertension: This form indicates the presence of an identifiable cause—such as a medical condition, a medication, or a substance with addictive potential—that elevates blood pressure.
Symptoms of Hypertension
Symptoms of hypertension may develop without being felt. For this reason, many people may live without knowing that they have this condition. When blood pressure is excessively high, the following symptoms may be observed:
- Changes in cognitive functions
- Chest pain
- Dizziness
- Edema
- Heart palpitations
- Urinating less than normal
- Severe headache
- Symptoms of stroke
- Visual changes
What Causes Hypertension?
Hypertension may develop due to multiple factors rather than a single cause. When these factors come together, they lead to an increase in blood pressure. The factors that may cause hypertension can be listed as follows:
- Being over the age of 55
- Genetic predisposition
- Smoking or using tobacco products
- Being overweight
- Consuming foods high in sodium
- Not engaging in sufficient physical activity
- Excessive alcohol consumption
There may also be an underlying condition or a specific cause, such as medication, that leads to high blood pressure. These can be listed as follows:
- Conditions such as obstructive sleep apnea and thyroid disease
- Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)
- Untreated high blood pressure
How is Hypertension Diagnosed?
Specialist physicians also measure blood pressure values during annual check-ups. In this way, it can be determined whether blood pressure is normal or elevated. A diagnosis can be made when blood pressure is found to be high during two separate visits.
What are the different stages of hypertension?
Hypertension has two main stages:
- First stage: This refers to a condition in which the upper (systolic) value is in the 130s or the lower (diastolic) value is in the 80s.
- Second stage: This means that the upper (systolic) value is 140 or higher, and the lower (diastolic) value is 90 or higher.
How is High Blood Pressure Treated?
Hypertension treatment includes medications to lower blood pressure, as well as changes in daily habits. In general, lifestyle modifications are an essential part of treatment for everyone, even for those who are taking medication.
The changes that can be made to treat and lower blood pressure are as follows:
- Maintain a healthy body weight
- Consume nutritious foods
- Reduce sodium intake
- Ensure adequate potassium intake
- Engage in sufficient physical activity
- Quit smoking
- Limit alcohol consumption or stop completely
Frequently Asked Questions About Hypertension
What is the main cause of hypertension?
The most common cause of hypertension is the adoption of an unhealthy lifestyle. Excessive salt consumption, physical inactivity, and excess body weight are particularly influential. Genetic predisposition and age are also important risk factors.
How to bring down blood pressure?
Reducing salt intake, engaging in regular exercise, and losing weight help lower blood pressure. If necessary, blood pressure medications prescribed by a physician should be used regularly.
What are 10 warning signs of hypertension?
The most common symptoms of hypertension are headache, dizziness, palpitations, shortness of breath, and nosebleeds. In addition, blurred vision, tinnitus, chest pain, fatigue, and nausea may also be observed.
Does lack of sleep cause high blood pressure?
Chronic insomnia can raise blood pressure by causing an increase in stress hormones. Regular and high-quality sleep is important for blood pressure control.
What is dangerously high blood pressure?
Having a systolic blood pressure above 180 mmHg and/or a diastolic blood pressure above 120 mmHg is extremely dangerous. This condition requires immediate medical intervention.
Can drinking lots of water lower blood pressure?
Drinking an adequate amount of water supports circulation; however, it does not lower blood pressure on its own. Effective blood pressure control requires healthy nutrition and lifestyle changes alongside proper hydration.
Which medical department should be consulted for high blood pressure?
For high blood pressure, patients should first apply to the Department of Internal Medicine (Internal Diseases). If deemed necessary, the patient is referred to Cardiology or other relevant medical specialties.
