Essay: High blood pressure

Blood pressure is the pressure inside arteries, which maintains the existence of compressive strength lead to push the blood through the circulatory system to all parts of the body, even though it was against gravity, expressed in blood pressure by two digits, we say, for example, 130/80 mm Hg column, the lower figure is called (diastolic pressure) and is the highest number (systolic pressure), which is consistent with the measurements of cardiac diastolic and systolic movement.
In things natural conditions for healthy people blood pressure remains normal within a tight swing between day and night and put a person standing or lying area; but the pressure is increasing while doing sporty muscular activity, or during exposure to the emotions and stress, and often back pressure to normal earlier when relax and the demise of the above-mentioned effects.
About high blood pressure:
Blood pressure is the force of blood pushing against the walls of your arteries, which carry blood from your heart to other parts of your body. Blood pressure normally rises and falls throughout the day. But if it stays high for long time, it can damage your heart and lead to health problems. High blood pressure raises your risk for heart disease stroke, which are leading causes of death in the united states.
High blood pressure has no warning signs or symptoms, and many people do not know they have it. The only way to know if you have it is to measure your blood pressure. Then you can take steps to control if it is too high.
Arterial hypertension:
The blood pressure is high if the rate remained above the normal limit in cases of psychological relaxation and convenience, there is a class of patients said their people with high blood pressure swing when blood pressure rises sometimes be normal in most times.
The arterial hypertension disease does not differentiate between segments of society; it affects the young and elderly women and men and affects all races.
The causes of arterial hypertension:
One of the 90% – 95% of cases of high blood pressure are unknown reasons and called cases of primary or primary blood pressure.
Cases of hypertension known cause or called (secondary), which is found in a class of patients ranged between 5% and 10%, and fall under the causes of this kind of pressure many diseases including:
– Multiple reasons such as repeated kidney infections, kidney or urinary tract, or as a result of the presence of kidney stones, or the result of a narrow renal artery.
– Endocrine disorders or hormonal disorders or the use of birth control pills.
– Neurological reasons.
Other reasons such as: a narrow aorta artery or the so-called (the aorta) or polyarteritis nodosa, or as a result of pregnancy or connective tissue disease or high blood calcium.
Learn more about high blood pressure:
1- High blood pressure signs and symptoms.
2- Effects of high blood pressure.
3- Measuring blood pressure.
4- Controlling blood pressure.
Factors that help the occurrence of high blood pressure:
Although a large proportion of patients are under unknown slice the actual cause of high blood pressure, but there are some factors that help the disease to occur, or be associated with him, including:
– Genetics: play an important role in this disease occurs.
– Environment: a big role in high blood pressure.
– Increased salt intake.
– Obesity: health diseases that are dangerous to the heart and arteries factors and works on hardening of the arteries, which in turn causes high blood pressure.
– Alcohol: lead to high blood pressure and failure of the heart muscle and the increased incidence of disorders and a rapid heartbeat.
– Smoking: is one of the serious factors on the heart and raises blood pressure and increases the incidence of stroke, heart disease and stroke.
– Lack of regular physical exercise.
– Diabetes: The high blood pressure is more common in diabetic patients than in normal individuals, (there are almost 60% of diabetic patients with high blood pressure); where is the presence of diabetes, high blood pressure together from serious heart factors are increasing the likelihood of deficiency diseases the coronary arteries of the heart and the high fat content in the blood.
lab tests to see secondary causes of high blood pressure include:
– imaging the kidneys through the colored dye.
– Measurement of certain hormones own level of blood and possibly urine.
– Rays Ultrasonic kidneys and adrenal (renal neighbor).
– CT or MRI of the kidneys and adrenal rays if needed.
– Nuclear rays of the kidneys or adrenal glands or some tumors are expected to be causing the high blood pressure.
Trying to figure out some of the diseases that affect the pattern of blood pressure, such as angina and asthma treatment.
Trying to figure out the predisposing risk factors for atherosclerosis, such as diabetes and high fat and cholesterol and high blood homocysteine, obesity and smoking.
Symptoms of high blood pressure:
The high blood pressure can be located in humans many years without feeling it, so a lot of cases are discovered while examining the patient clinically for another reason, here should be noted that a lot of people believed that headache is one of the main symptoms of high blood pressure; but the truth is that the headaches label only to severe high blood pressure and affecting the nervous system, some patients may complain of having palpitations or dizziness or fatigue or nosebleed or blood in the urine or a sense of blurred vision in appearance. In some patients with hypertension secondary reasons, the complaint may suggest the symptoms of the disease that causes high blood pressure.
High blood pressure signs and symptoms:
High blood pressure is called the “silent killer” because it often has no warning signs or symptoms, and many people do not know they have it.
Rarely, high blood pressure can cause symptoms like headaches or vomiting.
There’s only one way to know whether you have high blood pressure-have a doctor or other health professional measure it. Measuring your blood pressure is quick painless.
Effects of high blood pressure:
High blood pressure can damage your health in many ways, it can seriously hurt important organs like your heart and brain.
Fortunately, you can control your blood pressure to lower your risk for serious health problems.
Effects of high blood pressure on the various organs of the body:
When the doctor examined a patient of hypertension, the important objectives that the looks of it is to try to discover the negative effects of high blood pressure on vital organs in the body and these effects:
– Heart: The presence of high blood pressure for a long time may lead to myocardial hypertrophy causes angina.
– Heart failure, a condition when your heart can’t pump enough blood and oxygen to your other organs.
Decreased blood flow to the heart:
– High blood pressure can harden your arteries, which decreases the flow of blood and oxygen to your heart and lead to heart disease. In addition, decreased blood flow to the heart can cause:
– Chest pian, also called angina.
– Heart attack. Which occurs when the blood supply to your heart is blocked and heart muscle begins to die without enough oxygen. The longer the blood flow is blocked, the greater damage to the heart.
– The brain: High blood pressure can burst or block arteries that supply blood and oxygen to the brain, causing a stroke. Brain cells die during a stroke because they do not get enough oxygen. Stroke can cause serious disabilities in speech, movement, and other basic activities, and a stroke can kill you.
– The kidneys: disturbances in the function of the kidneys and the appearance of protein in the urine and blood may end the occurrence of renal failure.
– Nervous system: the existence of a severe headache behind the head, especially the morning may be accompanied to severe high blood pressure, some patients complain about dizziness or fainting as a result of cerebral hemorrhage, or encephalopathy due to severe rise in blood pressure.
– Eye: The simple blood pressure to rise for a long period of simple changes in retinal blood vessels may occur; but the very high blood pressure dangerous parts of the eye marked changes indicate the presence of a dangerous rise in blood pressure must be remedied and treated quickly may occur.
– Aorta (aortic): As a result of high blood pressure in some patients may develop a ruptured aorta layers which in turn leads to severe chest pain; what leads to very serious complications of the chest, heart, kidneys, limbs and perhaps rapid death.
The discovery of high blood pressure, the first step on the road to prevent it and adjust. Hence, the World Health Organization calls on all adults in the world of the initiative measure their blood pressure. So that through people’s knowledge level of their blood pressure can take the necessary steps to adjust.
In 2000, the estimated number of adults living with high blood pressure globally 972 million people. It is expected to rise to 1.56 billion people by 2025; and for a number of factors, including lifestyle of physical inactivity, and a diet rich in salt and processed foods and fatty acids, alcohol and smoking, and this causes an increase of the disease rate.
Health Survey conducted by the Ministry of Health results that the prevalence of high blood pressure in Saudi Arabia rate (15.1%) of them (17.7%) in males, while the females (12.5%), and the incidence increases with high blood pressure with progress in age; where he scored the highest infection rate in the age group 65 years and over rose by (65.2%), as the survey found that the prevalence of pre-hypertension in males was (46.5%) which is equivalent to (3.04) million, and the ratio of females (34.3%), equivalent to (2.18) million.
High blood pressure in the united states :
– About 70 million: American adults (29%) have high blood pressure-that’s 1 of every 3 adults.
– Only about half (52%) of people with high blood pressure have their condition under control.
– Nearly 1 of 3 American adults has prehypertension-blood pressure numbers that are higher than normal, but not yet in the high blood pressure range.
– High blood pressure costs the nation $46 billion each year. This total includes the cost of health care services, medications to treat high blood pressure, and missed days of work.
Blood pressure levels vary by age:
Women are about as likely as men to develop high blood pressure during their lifetimes. However, for people younger than 45 years old, the condition affects more men than women. For people 65 years old or older, high blood pressure affects more women than men.
Women (%) Men (29%) Age
6.8 11.1 20-34
19.0 25.1 35-44
35.2 37.1 45-54
53.2 54.0 55-64
69.3 64.0 65-74
78.5 66.7 75 and older
32.7 34.1 All
Blood pressure levels vary by race ethnicity:
Blacks develop high blood pressure more often, and at an earlier age, than whites and Hispanics do. More black women than men have high blood pressure.
Women (%) Men (%) Race of ethnic group
45.7 43.0 African Americans
28.9 27.8 Mexican Americans
31.3 33.9 Whites
32.7 34.1 All
Why blood pressure matters:
More than 360,000 American deaths in 2013 included high blood pressure as a primary or contributing cause.
That is almost, 1,000 deaths each day.
High blood pressure increases your risk for dangerous health conditions:
1- First heart attack: about 7 of every 10 people having their first heart attack have high blood pressure.
2- First stroke: about 8 every 10 people having their first stoke have high blood pressure.
3- Kidney diaease: is also a major risk factor for high blood pressure
Although you cannot control all of your risk factors for high blood pressure, you can take steps to prevent or control high blood pressure and its complications.
Ways to treat high blood pressure:
A. Non-pharmacological treatment:
– Avoid obesity and the need to reduce the weight so that should be a BMI between 19 to 24.9 kg / m 2.
– Eat low-fat and unsaturated fat as oil corn, sunflower oil, olive oil and soybean oil.
– Mitigation of salt 2-3 grams a day, equivalent to a teaspoon of salt, and avoid food snacks that contain high amounts of salt.
– Eating dates for non-diabetics, it is an appropriate food for patients with high blood pressure, as well as the poor in sodium and rich in potassium salt and magnesium, which helps to lower blood pressure salts.
– The practice of physical activity granulated regularly for 20-30 minutes three times a week and avoid strenuous exercise such as raising weights or pushing or pulling heavy objects.
– Refrain from smoking or drinking alcoholic beverages or narcotic pills.
– Avoid constipation and treatment of urinary retention, especially when enlarged prostate gland patients.
– Avoid psychological pressure – as much as possible – and take enough deep sleep and try to learn the art of relaxation.
– Avoid exposure to excessive heat such as sauna, as well as to avoid fatigue types.
– Control of the seriousness with which play an important role in hardening of the arteries of patients with coronary heart factors.
B. pharmacological treatment:
The main objective of the treatment of high blood pressure, even if the patient did not complain of any offer is to raise the risk of high blood pressure on the various organs of the body, including the cardiovascular, kidney, brain and eyes.
Factors that determine drug treatment strategy:
– Level of blood pressure and the presence of a family history of high blood pressure.
– Sex (male or female).
– High blood pressure at an early age, or when patients dark or dark-skinned.
– The existence of serious changes in the retina.
– The presence of complications due to high blood pressure for a long time and its impact on vital organs such as the heart, kidneys and brain.
– The presence of other diseases such as asthma and diabetes popular.
Reasons for not responding to pharmacological treatment:
– Description inadequate doses of medication.
– Irregularity in taking the medication.
– Use of drugs for other diseases have done counter to the function of lowering blood pressure medicines.
– Eating foods containing high amounts of salt or contain small amounts of potassium or magnesium.
– The presence of complications accompanies a downturn hypertension, heart and renal failure or renal gland disorders neighbor (the adrenal).
– The existence of cause or causes of secondary high blood pressure have not been discovered yet.
– Alcohol or sleeping pills.
– Overweight and lack of regular physical exercise such as swimming and walking.
measuring blood pressure:
measure your blood pressure regularly. It Is quick and painless, and it is the only way to know whether your pressure is high. You can check your blood pressure at a doctor’s office, at a pharmacy, or at home.
How blood pressure is measured:
blood pressure measuring device mercurial best equipment and the most accurate, and are blood measuring process , by a doctor or other health professional by wrapping a rubber band wrapped with a piece of cloth that is connected with the mercury column on the patient’s arm or on the thigh, and then be inflated to the pressure rises tape rubber for higher pressure existing arteries, and this leads to a halt blood flow to the bottom of the arm or leg and difficult to sense a pulse, then compressed air leaking inside the rubber band we feel a pulse again and hear the speaker in the mid-arm under the rubber band sound of the blood flow in the artery, and be reading on the mercury reading the systolic pressure column, and then continue to air leaking until the sound of the blood flow, and then the reading on the mercury read diastolic pressure column.
The gauge uses a scale called “millimeters of mercury” (mmHg) to measure the pressure in your blood vessels. Another option is to get a blood pressure measurement form the machines available at many pharmacies. There are also home monitoring devices for blood pressure that you can use yourself.
What blood pressure numbers mean:
Blood pressure is measured using two numbers. The first number, called systolic blood pressure, measures the pressure in your blood vessels when your heart beats. The second number, called diastolic blood pressure, measures the pressure in your blood vessels when your heart rests between beats.
If the measurement reads 120 systolic and 80 diastolic, you would say “120 over 80” or write “120/80mmHg.”
The chart below shows normal, at-risk, and high blood pressure levels.
Blood pressure levels
Systolic: less than 120 mmHg diastolic: less than 80mmHg normal
Systolic: 120-139mmHg
Diastolic: 80-89mmHg
At risk (prehypertension)
Systolic: 140 mmHg or higher
Diastolic: 90mmHg or higher High
‘ A blood pressure less than 120/80 mmHg is normal.
‘ A blood pressure of 140/90mmHg more is too high.
‘ Between 120/80 and 140/90 have a condition called prehypertension, which means they are at high risk for high blood pressure
Controlling blood pressure :
You can make changes to your lifestyle that will help you control your blood pressure. Your doctor might prescribe medications that can help you. By controlling your blood pressure, you will lower your risk for the harmful effects of high blood pressure.
‘ Work with your health care team:
Team-based care that includes you, your doctor, and other health care providers can help reduce and control blood pressure.
If you already have high blood pressure, your doctor may prescribe medications and lifestyle changes. Lifestyle changes are just as important as medications. Follow your doctor’s instructions and stay on your medications. Do not stop taking your medications before talking to your doctor or pharmacist.
All drugs may have side effects, so talk to your doctor regularly. As your blood pressure improves, your doctor will check it often.
‘ Make lifestyle changes:
Lifestyle changes can help you control your blood pressure:
1- Diet: eat a healthy diet that is:
– Low in salt (sodium) , total fat , saturated fat, and cholesterol.
– High in fresh fruits and vegetables.
2- Be active. Try taking a brisk 10-minute walk 3 times a day on week.
3- Do not smoke. If you smoke, quit as soon as possible. Visit smokefree.gov for tips on quitting.
These lifestyle changes for blood pressure control are similar to those for preventing high blood pressure.
Talk with your health care team about blood pressure:
1- Since 1999, more people with high blood pressure-especially those 60 years old or older-have become aware of their condition and gotten treatment. Unfortunately, about 1 of 5 U.S. adults with high blood pressure still do not know that they have it.
2- About 7 in 10 U.S. adults with high blood pressure use medications to treat the condition.
3- In 2009, Americans visited their health care providers more than 55 million times to treat high blood pressure.
4- Using team-based care that includes the patient. Primary care provider, and other health care providers is a recommended strategy to reduce and control blood pressure.
fact related to high blood pressure and related conditions:
– High blood pressure
– Pulmonary hypertension
– Heart disease
– Signs and symptoms of a heart attack
– Stroke
– Signs and symptoms of stroke
– High cholesterol
High blood pressure risk factors:
Risk factors include health conditions, your lifestyle, and your family history that can increase your risk for high blood pressure.
Some of the risk factors for high blood pressure cannot be controlled, such as your age or family history. But you can take steps to lower your risk by changing the factors you can control.
i. Learn more about high blood pressure risk factors:
1- Conditions
2- Behavior
3- Family history and other characteristics
ii. Conditions that increase risk for high blood pressure:
Some medical conditions can raise your risk for high blood pressure. If you have one of these conditions, you can take steps to control it and lower your risk.
1. Prehypertension:
– Prehypertension is blood pressure that is slightly higher than normal. Prehypertension increases the risk that you will develop chronic, or long-lasting, high blood pressure in the future.
– If your blood pressure that is slightly higher than normal. Prehypertension increases the risk that you will develop chronic, or long-lasting, high blood pressure in the future.
– If your blood pressure is between 120/80mmHg and 139/89mmHg, you have prehypertension.
2. Diabetes:
– Diabetes mellitus also increases the risk for heart disease. Your body needs glucose (sugar) for energy. Insulin is a hormone made in the pancreas that helps move glucose from the food you eat to your body’s cells. If you have diabetes, your body does not make enough insulin, can not use its own insulin as well as it should, or both. This will increase the blood sugar.
– Diabetes causes sugars to build up in the blood. About 60% of people who have diabetes also have high blood pressure. Talk to your doctor about ways to manage diabetes and control other risk factors.
3. Behaviors that increase risk for high blood pressure:
– Your lifestyle choices can increase your risk for high blood pressure. To reduce your risk, your doctor may recommend changes to your lifestyle.
– The good news in that healthy behaviors can lower your risk for high blood pressure.
4. Unhealthy diet:
– A diet that is too high in sodium and too low in potassium puts you at risk for high blood pressure.
– Eating too much sodium-an element in table salt-increases blood pressure. Most of the sodium we eat comes from processed and restaurant foods. Learn more about sodium and high blood pressure.
– Not eating enough potassium also can increase blood pressure. Potassium is found in bananas, potatoes, beans, and yogurt.
5. Physical inactivity:
– Not getting enough physical activity can make you gain weight, which can lead to high blood pressure.
6. Obesity:
– Obesity is excess body fat. Obesity is linked to higher “bad” cholesterol and triglyceride levels and to lower “good” cholesterol levels. In addition to high blood pressure, obesity can also lead to heart disease and diabetes. Talk to your health care team about a plan to reduce your weight to a healthy level.
7. Too much alcohol:
– Drinking too much alcohol can raise your blood pressure.
1- Women should have no more than 1 drink a day.
2- Men should have no more than 2 drinks a day.
8. Tobacco use:
– Tabacco use increases your risk for high blood pressure. Cigarette smoking can damage the heart and and blood vessels. Also, nicotine raises blood pressure, and carbon monoxide reduces the amount of oxygen that your blood can carry.
9. Family history and other characteristics that increase risk for high blood pressure:
– Family members share genes, behaviors, lifestyle, and environments that can influence their health and their risk for disease. High blood pressure can run in a family, and your risk for high blood pressure can increase based on your age and your race or ethnicity.
10. Genetics and family history:
– When members of a family pass traits from one generation to another through genes, that process is called heredity.
– Genetic factors likely play some role in high blood pressure, heart disease, and other related conditions. However, it is also likely that people with a family history of high blood pressure share common environments and other potential factors that increase their risk.
– The risk for high blood pressure can increase even more when heredity combines with unhealthy lifestyle choices, such as smoking cigarettes and eating an unhealthy diet.
11. Other characteristics:
– Both men and women can have high blood pressure. Some other characteristic that you cannot control-like your age, race, or ethnicity-can affect your risk high blood pressure.
1- Age. Because your blood pressure tends to rise as you get older, your risk for high blood pressure increases with age. About 9 of 10 Americans will develop high blood pressure during their lifetimes.
2- Sex. Women are about as likely as men to develop high blood pressure at some point during their lives.
3- Race or ethnicity. Blacks develop high blood pressure more often than whites, Hispanics, Asians, pacific islanders, American Indians, or Alaska natives. Compared to whites, blacks also develop high blood pressure earlier in life.
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