Hypertension – a big problem of the 21st century 13th April 2024 – Tags: , , ,

Some of the most common conditions among patients are cardiovascular diseases. One of them is the hypertension we are discussing. According to statistics conducted by the WHO, there are currently about 1.28 trillion adult patients in the world suffering from this ailment. According to data from the National Health Fund, in 2018. there were 9.9 million adults living with hypertension in Poland. It is worth knowing that this is a condition that we can prevent by making the right life choices. What can we do to reduce the risk of the disease and what is the pathogenesis of this disease?

What is hypertension – causes:

Hypertension is diagnosed when measured with a blood pressure monitor. A measurement representing 140/90 mmHg or higher confirms the condition. In contrast, the normal, optimal blood pressure is <120/80 mmHg. Both figures represent systolic and diastolic values.

Currently, with most cases, it is difficult to determine the exact cause of the onset of hypertension. However, there are many risk factors associated with this disease, which we will discuss in the next section.

We know some of the diseases that can also cause hypertension. These include diseases such as kidney disease, diabetes, chronic kidney infections, sleep apnea, glomerulonephritis, endocrine disorders, lupus and scleroderma.

In addition, there are groups of medications that can increase blood pressure. These include drugs such as hormonal contraception, steroids, NSAIDs, some cough and cold medications, herbal preparations containing licorice, and some of the antidepressants belonging to the SSNRI group.

Heart anterior exterior view
Arterial hypertension is one of the most common cardiovascular diseases among patients.

Risk factors for the onset of the disease:

  • Obesity
  • Lack of physical activity
  • Abuse of alcohol or caffeine
  • Smoking cigarettes
  • High amount of stress
  • Age over 65 years
  • Too much salt intake or too little intake of fruits and vegetables

Changing some habits, can reduce the risk of developing hypertension.

Hamburger_20220502_001
Obesity and poor eating habits may contribute to the development of hypertension.

We can divide hypertension into four categories:

  • Normal blood pressure – lower than 120/80 mm Hg
  • Elevated blood pressure – upper numbers range from 120 to 129 mmHg, and the lower number is less than or equal to 80 mmHg
  • Grade 1 hypertension – the upper numbers range from 130 to 139 mmHg, and the lower number is between 80 and 89 mmHg
  • Degree 2 hypertension – upper numbers values 140 mmHg or higher, lower number values 90 mmHg or higher
Grade_1_hypertension
The photo shows a measurement from a blood pressure monitor. Based on the data on the screen, we can see that the patient probably has stage 2 hypertension.

What can we do to lower our risk of developing high blood pressure?

  • Do at least 150 minutes of physical activity throughout the week, which means 30 minutes a day for 5 days a week
  • Quit smoking
  • Maintaining a healthy diet, including reducing salt intake – the maximum healthy amount of salt intake per day is less than 6g, or about a teaspoon.
  • Maintaining a healthy weight
  • Managing stress
  • Limiting caffeine intake by reducing the amount of coffee or tea you drink
  • Stop drinking alcohol
Running_Man_Kyle_Cassidy
One of the actions we can take to reduce the risk of developing hypertension is to increase physical activity in everyday life.

Sources :

  1. High Blood Pressure
  2. WHO
  3. Gentaur
  4. NHS