Hypertension, also known as high blood pressure, remains one of the largest public health problems around the world. Although one-third of the U.S. population has hypertension, there is still a lack of awareness about the condition and how to prevent and manage it.
HBP can contribute to complications such as heart disease, stroke and kidney failure, and the consequences of these complications can be deadly.
Although a lifelong condition, HBP can actually be managed well, helping to prevent any problems.
Hypertension is diagnosed when blood pressure is found to be at or above 140/90 on three to four separate occasions. In general, people usually do not have any symptoms of HBP unless it is causing damage to vital organs in the body. That is why, once a person is diagnosed, it is extremely important to keep blood pressure below the individual goal set by a physician. By keeping blood pressure in check, the risk of developing complications to the heart, brain and kidney are significantly reduced.
The majority of HBP cases, known as ‘essential hypertension,’ occur when there is no clear cause for the condition. However, there are factors that put an individual at risk for developing hypertension.
Common risk factors for developing HBP
As a person ages, the risk of developing hypertension increases. A family history of HBP increases that risk, as well. Several risk factors that are more significant in the development of hypertension include obesity, smoking, excessive alcohol intake, sedentary lifestyle and stress.
Healthy lifestyle changes
When an individual is diagnosed with HBP, his or her physician will discuss the goal of blood pressure control and work with them to create a plan to manage the condition. Lifestyle and nutritional changes that can be made include:
■ Eating a healthier diet with fewer than 2 grams of salt per day (the DASH diet, high in fruits and vegetables and low in salt)
■ Exercising regularly
■ Quitting smoking
■ Limiting the amount of alcohol consumed
■ Maintaining a healthy weight or losing weight if currently overweight
When medication is necessary
Along with diet and lifestyle changes, many people also require some form of medication to adequately control blood pressure. Taking prescribed medications regularly, along with routine physician follow-up, is very important to ensure that blood pressure is controlled.
Occasionally, there may be other underlying medical conditions that contribute to inadequately controlled blood pressure. When this occurs, physicians will likely recommend additional testing or make a referral to a specialist.
Dr. Fahima Nasreen specializes in nephrology for the Mount Nittany Physician Group.
