Symptoms and Causes of High Blood Pressure
Blood pressure (BP) is the force exerted by moving blood against blood vessel walls. The heart's action of pumping blood through the circulatory system is mostly responsible for this pressure. The pressure in a brachial artery, where it is most frequently measured, is the pressure that is meant when the word "blood pressure" is used without a qualifier.
Systolic pressure, or the highest pressure during one pulse, is typically stated as the ratio of diastolic pressure, or the lowest pressure between two heartbeats, in blood pressure measurements. It is expressed in kilopascals (kPa) or millimeters of mercury (mmHg) above the ambient air pressure.
Along with respiratory rate, heart rate, oxygen saturation, and body temperature, blood pressure is one of the vital indicators that medical practitioners consider when assessing a patient's health.
Adults typically have a resting blood pressure of 120/80 mmHg, which is defined as having a systolic pressure of 16 kPa and a diastolic pressure of 11 kPa. Since 1975, the age-standardized global average blood pressure has roughly been 127/79 mmHg for males and 122/77 mmHg for women; however, these average values conceal widely divergent regional trends.
Historically, a healthcare professional would use an aneroid gauge or a mercury-tube sphygmomanometer to compress the artery in one arm closer to the heart while auscultating (listening) for noises in the artery.
The gold standard for accuracy for non-invasive blood pressure measurements in clinics is still usually regarded as auscultation. Although affordability, convenience of use, and application to ambulatory blood pressure or home blood pressure measures have also had an impact on this trend, semi-automated approaches have grown more popular, partly due to worries about potential mercury poisoning.
Modern devices verified to international standards achieve an average difference between two standardized reading techniques of 5 mm Hg or less and a standard deviation of less than 8 mm Hg. Early automated replacements to mercury-tube sphygmomanometers were sometimes substantially incorrect.
The majority of these semi-automated techniques detect blood pressure utilizing oscillometry (the measurement of minute oscillations of intra-cuff pressure accompanying changes in pulse volume caused by heartbeats by a pressure transducer in the device's cuff).
Blood volume, arterial stiffness, cardiac output, systemic vascular resistance, and the patient's circumstances, emotional state, activity level, and overall health or disease condition all have an impact on blood pressure. Baroreceptors, which function via the brain to alter the neurological and endocrine systems, control blood pressure in the short term.
Blood pressure that is regularly too high or too low is referred to as hypertension, whereas normal blood pressure is referred to as normotension. Both hypertension and hypotension have several underlying causes and can manifest gradually over time or suddenly.
Long-term hypertension raises the risk of various illnesses, such as renal failure, heart disease, and stroke. More people with long-term hypotension have long-term hypertension.
High blood pressure
Overview of the primary effects of chronic high blood pressure
Arterial hypertension may have negative long-term implications and can be a sign of additional issues. It may occasionally present an urgent issue, such as in a hypertensive emergency when blood pressure exceeds 180/120 mmHg.
The artery walls are mechanically stressed by arterial pressure levels. Higher pressures increase the burden on the heart and accelerate the development of atheroma, an abnormal tissue growth inside the walls of arteries. The cardiac muscle tends to thicken, grow, and weaken over time the greater the pressure, the more stress that is there, and the more atheroma tend to advance.
Chronic hypertension is the main cause of chronic kidney failure and one of the risk factors for strokes, heart attacks, heart failure, and arterial aneurysms. A little increase in arterial pressure already shortens life expectancy. A person can only expect to live for a few years if their mean arterial pressure is really high, 50% or higher than usual.
High pulse pressure, which is the difference between systolic and diastolic pressures, as well as high systolic pressure are risk factors. Because of the increasing gap between systolic and diastolic pressures, it appears that in some circumstances a reduction in high diastolic pressure may actually increase risk.
Isolated systolic hypertension occurs when the systolic blood pressure is high (>140 mmHg) but the diastolic blood pressure is normal (90 mmHg), and it might be dangerous. According to the 2017 American Heart Association blood pressure standards, "stage one hypertension" is defined as having a systolic blood pressure of 130-139 mmHg and a diastolic blood pressure of 80-89 mmHg.
A shift in diastolic pressure may be related to a change in the degree of heart valve regurgitation in people who have it. Aortic and mitral regurgitation severity rose with increasing diastolic blood pressure, but severity reduced with decreasing diastolic blood pressure, according to a study of individuals with heart valve regurgitation that compared data taken two weeks apart for each individual.
Why does blood pressure rise?
Usually, high blood pressure comes on gradually. Unhealthy lifestyle decisions, such as not engaging in adequate regular physical activity, might contribute to it. The risk of getting high blood pressure can also be increased by specific medical diseases like diabetes and obesity.
Low blood pressure
Hypotension is a term for low blood pressure. If it results in symptoms or indications such as lightheadedness, fainting, or in severe cases circulatory shock, it is a medical problem.
Low arterial pressure has a variety of root causes.
Sepsis
Blood loss from hemorrhaging
cardiovascular shock
Hypotension with a neural basis (or reflex syncope)
Hazardous dosages of blood pressure medication are among the toxins.
anomalies in hormones, such as Addison's disease
eating disorders, especially bulimia and anorexia nervosa
Heart Attack and Heart Disease
By making your arteries less elastic, high blood pressure can damage them, which reduces the flow of blood and oxygen to your heart and increases the risk of heart disease. Insufficient cardiac blood flow can also result in:
Angina is a term for chest discomfort.
A heart attack occurs when your heart's blood supply is cut off and the heart muscle starts to deteriorate from a lack of oxygen. The more time the blood flow is restricted, the more harm the heart sustains.
When you have heart failure, your heart is unable to adequately pump blood and oxygen to your other organs.
How can I tell if my blood pressure is high?
Only a doctor or other qualified healthcare provider can determine if you have high blood pressure. Your blood pressure may be quickly and painlessly measured.
SMBP monitoring, also known as self-measured blood pressure (SMP) monitoring, is something you should discuss with your medical team.
The reason why high blood pressure is known as the "silent killer" is because it frequently has no symptoms or warning indications and many individuals are unaware they have it.
What can I do to lower my blood pressure or control it?
Making lifestyle adjustments can help many people with high blood pressure get their levels down to a healthy range or maintain them there. Discuss these things with your medical team.
getting at least 150 minutes (or 30 minutes per day, five days a week) of exercise per week
not a smoker
maintaining a balanced diet and abstaining from alcohol and sodium (salt)
maintaining a healthy weight.
controlling stress
Study up on methods for controlling and preventing high blood pressure.
Some persons with high blood pressure need to take medication to regulate their blood pressure in addition to adopting beneficial lifestyle changes. Find out more about blood pressure medications.
If you believe you have high blood pressure or if you have been informed you have high blood pressure but it is not under control, speak with your healthcare team immediately away.
You may help defend yourself against heart disease and stroke, generally referred to as cardiovascular disease (CVD), by taking steps to decrease your blood pressure.
Teens and Children with High Blood Pressure
Too many children and teenagers suffer from excessive blood pressure.
(hypertension) and other heart disease and stroke risk factors. According to research using the 2017 American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) Clinical Practice Guideline, 1 in 25 adolescents between the ages of 12 and 19 have hypertension, and 1 in 10 have high blood pressure (formerly known as "prehypertension"). Youth with obesity are more likely to have high blood pressure.
Youthful hypertension is associated with health issues later in life. The good news is that you can both avoid and control high blood pressure.
How can parents help?
Beginning at age 3, request that your doctor take your child's blood pressure. Lowering children's blood pressure and lowering their risk for cardiovascular disease later in life can be accomplished by encouraging them to maintain a healthy weight, consume wholesome meals, and engage in regular physical exercise. The following advice can assist your child in maintaining a healthy weight and normal blood pressure:
Food and Beverages
meals low in calories and heavy in added sugars and solid fats should be substituted with nutrient-dense meals like fruits and vegetables.
Consider including more fresh produce in your meals and snacks.
Offer foods with a reduced sodium (salt) content. Blood pressure is boosted by sodium. Nearly 9 out of 10 American kids consume more salt than is advised.
Physical exercise
Assist your youngster in getting the required amount of exercise each day.
Numerous age-appropriate activities are available.
Optimal Weight
Keep track of your child's development. Learn how to assess obesity Eat wholesome meals and snacks, and engage in the recommended level of physical exercise each day.
Utilize the tools provided by Parents for Healthy Schools to help create a healthy learning environment.
Having High Blood Pressure While Pregnant
Some pregnant women experience elevated blood pressure.
Due to this, there may be pregnancy-related issues for both the mother and the unborn child. Problems during and following delivery might also be brought on by high blood pressure. It's wonderful to know that high blood pressure may be controlled and prevented.
Women between the ages of 20 and 44 in the United States experience high blood pressure in 1 in every 12 to 17 pregnancies.
Pregnancy-related high blood pressure has become more widespread. You and your child are more likely to remain healthy if your blood pressure is well-controlled, though.
The most crucial step is to discuss any blood pressure issues with your medical team so you can obtain the proper care and manage your blood pressure before becoming pregnant. It's critical to receive therapy for high blood pressure before, during, and after pregnancy.
persistent hypertension
Chronic hypertension is high blood pressure that exists before becoming pregnant or before to 20 weeks of gestation.1 Preeclampsia can also develop in the second or third trimester of pregnancy in women who have persistent hypertension.1
Pregnancy Hypertension
This disorder develops when a woman just has high blood pressure during pregnancy, without any additional cardiac or renal issues, protein in the urine, or any other abnormalities. Usually, it is discovered after 20 weeks of pregnancy or just before birth. After giving delivery, gestational hypertension normally subsides. However, certain pregnant women with gestational hypertension are more likely to later develop chronic hypertension.
Preeclampsia/Eclampsia
After 20 weeks of pregnancy, preeclampsia occurs when a woman who has previously experienced normal blood pressure suddenly experiences high blood pressure, protein in the urine, or other issues. Preeclampsia can also occur in women who have persistent hypertension.
In the US, preeclampsia affects roughly 1 in every 25 pregnancies. Seizures can occur in some preeclamptic female patients. It is a medical emergency and is referred to as eclampsia.
Preeclampsia signs and symptoms
having a persistent headache
visual changes, such as cloudy vision, seeing spots, or experiencing changes in eyesight
discomfort in the upper stomach
nausea or diarrhea
Increasing facial or hand swelling
Unexpected weight increase
difficulty breathing
If I have high blood pressure before, during, or after pregnancy, what should I do?
It's crucial to periodically see your healthcare provider, especially during pregnancy, because some women with preeclampsia show no symptoms at all.
Ahead of Pregnancy
Make a pregnancy plan and discuss the following with your doctor or healthcare team.
whatever medical conditions you have or have had, as well as any medications you take. Consult your doctor if you want to become pregnant.7 You may identify medications that are safe to use while pregnant with the assistance of your doctor or medical staff.
How to maintain a healthy weight with a balanced diet and frequent exercise.1,7
While Pregnant
Receive frequent and early prenatal care. Attend each visit you have with a physician or other healthcare provider.
Discuss any medications you take with your doctor, including which ones are secure. Without first seeing your doctor, never stop or start taking any medication, including over-the-counter medications.
Use a home blood pressure monitor to check your blood pressure at home. If your blood pressure is higher than usual or if you exhibit preeclampsia symptoms, call your doctor right once. Consult your physician or insurance provider about purchasing a home monitor.
Continue making good eating choices and maintaining a healthy weight.
after giving birth
Take note of how you are feeling after giving delivery. After giving birth, you are more likely to experience a stroke and other complications if you had high blood pressure throughout your pregnancy. Immediately notify your doctor if you get preeclampsia symptoms following delivery. You could require immediate medical attention.
Which actions put you at risk for high blood pressure?
Diabetes
Nearly six out of ten individuals with diabetes also have excessive blood pressure.1 Diabetes raises the risk of heart disease and causes blood sugars to accumulate.
Consult your doctor for advice on how to manage your diabetes and other risk factors.
Alcohol Abuse Drinking excessive amounts of alcohol can cause blood pressure to increase.
Men and women should each limit their alcohol consumption to two drinks each day.
Use of Tobacco
High blood pressure is more likely if you smoke. Smoking can harm blood vessels and the heart. Smoking tobacco produces carbon monoxide, which limits the quantity of oxygen your blood can transport while also raising blood pressure.
unsound diet
You run the risk of developing high blood pressure if your diet contains too much salt and too little potassium.
Sodium, a component of table salt, raises blood pressure when consumed in excess. The majority of the salt we consume comes from restaurants and processed meals. Find out more about salt and hypertension.
Blood pressure might also rise if you don't consume enough potassium, a mineral that is essential for the functioning of your body. Numerous foods include potassium; high-potassium foods include bananas, potatoes, beans, and yogurt.
Active inactivity
Regular exercise maintains the health and strength of your heart and blood vessels, which may help decrease your blood pressure. Maintaining a healthy weight will help decrease your blood pressure, and regular exercise can do the same.
Obesity
The definition of obesity is having too much body fat. Your heart has to work harder to pump blood and oxygen throughout your body if you are obese or overweight. Over time, this may put extra strain on your heart and blood vessels.
Obesity is linked to higher "bad" cholesterol and triglyceride levels and lower "good" cholesterol levels. Learn about cholesterol.
In addition to raising blood pressure, obesity can also result in diabetes and heart disease. With your medical team, go over a plan for reaching a healthy weight.
What additional elements put me at risk for high blood pressure?
Family members have similar genes, habits, ways of life, and circumstances that might affect their health and illness risk. Your chance of having high blood pressure might rise with age, race, and ethnicity. High blood pressure can run in families.
What negative effects do blood pressure medications have?
Blood pressure medications often have no negative effects. Mild side effects that some people experience include nausea, vomiting, headaches, leg or foot edema, and dizziness.2
Nasal decongestants are one example of an over-the-counter drug that can increase blood pressure and interact with blood pressure medications.3 Any medications or dietary supplements you are taking should be disclosed to your doctor.
Every drug carries some danger. Consult your doctor about the best blood pressure medications for you, their advantages, disadvantages, and side effects, as well as any additional medical issues you may be experiencing.
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