All about hypertension

High blood pressure is known as the silent killer since it rarely produces obvious symptoms.  The only way usually you know you have it is to have your blood pressure measured.  Around 30% of the population in England have hypertension (NHS). The NHS recommend that you have your blood pressure checked every 5 years.

Hypertension symptoms

There are some symptoms where blood pressure is very high.  These include:

·         A persistent headache
·         Blurred or double vision
·         Nosebleeds
·         Shortness of breath

How is it measured and what do the numbers mean?

Your blood pressure (BP) measures how strongly your blood presses against the walls of your arteries. If it is too high it puts a strain on your arteries and heart and makes it more likely that you will suffer a heart attack, stroke or kidney disease (NHS).

Your BP is measured in millimetres of mercury (mmHg) and is measured in 2 figures.

·         Systolic: the pressure of your blood as your heart pumps out
·         Diastolic: the pressure of your blood when your heart rests in between beats

You are diagnosed as having hypertension when separate readings show you consistently have a BP over 140/90 (NHS).  A blood pressure of 130/80 or below is considered to be normal.  Just because you have had a higher than normal reading does not mean you have hypertension as your pressure fluctuates during the day and will rise when you are anxious (such as being at the doctors!).

You should sit down to take your BP, not be talking, have rested for 5 minutes and emptied your bladder.

Types of hypertension

If there is no specific cause, doctors refer to it as primary hypertension.  In about 10% of cases, hypertension is the result of an underlying condition (in which case you have secondary hypertension).  Common causes include:

·         Kidney disease
·         Diabetes
·         Narrowing of the arteries
·         Hormonal conditions (such as Cushings syndrome where you produce excess steroid hormones)
·         Conditions affecting body tissues such as Lupus
·         Oral contraceptive pill
·         NSAIDS painkillers including Ibuprofen
·         Recreational drugs such as cocaine, amphetamine and crystal meth
·         Some herbal supplements

Risk factors

Your BP can rise as you get older, but you are considered to be at risk if you:

·         Are overweight
·         Have a relative with high blood pressure
·         Are of African or Caribbean descent
·         Eat a lot of salt
·         Don’t eat a lot of fruit and vegetables
·         Don’t do enough exercise
·         Drink a lot of coffee or other caffeinated drinks
·         Drink a lot of alcohol
·         Are over 65

Will I need to take medication?

·         If you pressure is slightly above 130/80 mmHg but your risk of cardiovascular disease is low, you will be able to lower your BP by making lifestyle changes
·         If your pressure is moderately high 140/90mmHg and you are at risk of cardiovascular disease in the next 10 years, your doctor is likely to prescribe medication and lifestyle adjustments
·         If your pressure is very high 180/110mmHg then you will need treatment and further tests (NHS).

References

NHS (2012) High blood pressure (hypertension).  Available at: http://www.nhs.uk/conditions/Blood-pressure-(high)/Pages/Introduction.aspx