Blood pressure is the force of blood that is pushing up against the walls of the blood vessels in our body. If the pressure is too high, the heart has to work harder to pump, and this could lead to damage of organs in the body like the kidneys and the brain. This leads to diseases such as heart attack, stroke, heart failure and renal failure.
Hypertension or high blood pressure is a condition in which the blood pressure is higher than the normal values we have determined for us as human beings. This value is 120/80 mmHg. The first number is called the systolic pressure and the second number the diastolic pressure.
Physicians believe that a very high percentage of adults in Nigeria have hypertension. Sadly, as high as 75% may not even realize they have the silent killer. Hypertension is often referred to as the silent killer because it has no symptoms. It does not give any advertisement until it does harm. Unfortunately, many specialists like neurosurgeons, cardiac physicians and nephrologists see people with organ failures caused by poorly controlled hypertension.
What causes hypertension?
Though the exact causes of hypertension are usually unknown, several factors have been associated with the condition. These include:
Smoking
Obesity or being overweight
Diabetes
Sedentary lifestyle
High levels of salt intake (sodium sensitivity)
Insufficient levels of calcium, potassium and magnesium in the body.
Vitamin D deficiency
Alcohol consumption
Stress
Ageing
Medicines such as birth control pills
Heredity
Chronic kidney disease
Adrenal and thyroid problems or tumours
We know that hypertension can be inherited in families but other causes such as kidney damage is important. Let us stress on this particular point. Kidneys can be damaged due to drugs especially native concoctions and herbs/potions that many people are wont to take. There seems to be an increase in the number of young Nigerians with high blood pressure and this has been linked to increased intake of salt and fatty foods, obesity, lack of exercise and inadequate intake of vegetables and fruits among this generation.
The problem with high blood pressure is that it sneaks up on you. Doctors in Ibadan studied many autopsies and discovered that the majority of their patients died from complications of hypertension. “Two autopsies studies have also shown that hypertension is the commonest underlying cause of sudden natural deaths. It has no signs; by the time it gives you symptoms such as headaches, anxiety, visual problems and chest pains, it would have done damage to an important part of the body.”
What are the symptoms of hypertension?
Extremely high blood pressure may lead to some symptoms, however, and these include:
Severe headaches
Fatigue
Dizziness
Nausea
Problems with vision
Chest pains
Breathing problems
Irregular heartbeat
Blood in the urine
Herein lies a major problem. Some people will say that they know when their blood pressure is high. Sadly though, by the time you are getting symptoms like headaches, fatigue, tiredness, difficulty with sleep, chest pains and general ill health, it has done damage or is doing harm to a vital organ.
How is hypertension diagnosed?
Hypertension may be diagnosed by a health professional who measures blood pressure with a device called a sphygmomanometer – the device with the arm cuff, dial, pump, and valve. The systolic and diastolic numbers will be recorded and compared to a chart of values. If the pressure is greater than 140/90, you will be considered to have hypertension.
A high blood pressure measurement, however, may be spurious or the result of stress at the time of the exam. To perform a more thorough diagnosis, physicians usually conduct a physical exam and ask for the medical history of you and your family. Doctors will need to know if you have any of the risk factors for hypertension, such as smoking, high cholesterol, or diabetes.
If hypertension seems reasonable, tests such as electrocardiograms (EKG) and echocardiograms will be used to measure the electrical activity of the heart and to assess the physical structure of the heart. Additional blood tests will also be required to identify possible causes of secondary hypertension and to measure renal function, electrolyte levels, sugar levels, and cholesterol levels.
How is hypertension treated?
The main goal of treatment for hypertension is to lower blood pressure to less than 140/90 – or even lower in some groups such as people with diabetes, and people with chronic kidney diseases. Treating hypertension is important for reducing the risk of stroke, heart attack and heart failure.
High blood pressure may be treated medically, by changing lifestyle factors, or a combination of the two. Important lifestyle changes include losing weight, quitting smoking, eating a healthful diet, reducing sodium intake, exercising regularly, and limiting alcohol consumption.
Medical options to treat hypertension include several medications which may be used alone or in combination, and some are only used in combination. Also, some of these drugs are preferred to others depending on the characteristics of the patient (diabetic, pregnant, etc.). If blood pressure is successfully lowered, it is wise to have frequent checkups and to take preventive measures to avoid a relapse of hypertension.
How can hypertension be prevented?
Hypertension is best prevented by adjusting your lifestyle so that proper diet and exercise are key components. It is important to maintain a healthy weight, reduce salt intake, reduce alcohol intake, and reduce stress.
To prevent severe health challenges such as stroke, heart attack, and kidney failure that may be caused by high blood pressure, it is important to screen, diagnose, treat, and control hypertension in its earliest stages. This can also be accomplished by increasing public awareness and increasing the frequency of screenings for the condition.
Exams and Tests
Your health care provider will check your blood pressure several times before diagnosing you with high blood pressure. It is normal for your blood pressure to be different depending on the time of day.
Blood pressure readings taken at home may be a better measure of your current blood pressure than those taken at your doctor’s office. Make sure you get a good quality, well-fitting home device. It should have the proper sized cuff and a digital readout. Practice with your health care provider or nurse to make sure you are taking your blood pressure correctly.
Your doctor will perform a physical exam to look for signs of heart disease, damage to the eyes, and other changes in your body. Tests may be done to look for:
High cholesterol levels
Heart disease, such as an echocardiogram or electrocardiogram
Kidney disease, such as a basic metabolic panel and urinalysis or ultrasound of the kidneys
Know your numbers
It is vitally important to know and record your blood pressure regularly. Everyone must have an idea of what the numbers mean, their importance and what to do if the blood pressure is high. We would advise that every adult should do regular checks and record the numbers in a diary. That way it allows your doctor or nurse to appreciate how your blood pressure behaves on a regular and long term basis.