What is Hypertension?
Blood pressure is the amount of force blood places against the walls of the arteries as the heart contracts and is measured with two values. The systolic pressure (SBP) or top number, is the maximum pressure accumulated when the heart is beating. The diastolic pressure (DBP) or bottom number is the pressure when the heart is at rest between contractions. When one or both of these numbers becomes too high it can can lead to many serious health problems including stroke, coronary artery disease and kidney disease. According to the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) guidelines, for adults 18 years of age and older, normal blood pressure is considered to be <120 systolic and <80 diastolic. Stage 1 hypertension occurs at a systolic pressure of 140-159 or a diastolic pressure betwen 90-99. Stage 2 hypertension is classified with systolic pressure 160 or higher or diastolic pressure of 100 or greater.
Signs and Symptoms
High blood pressure increases the risk of many serious health problems including heart disease and stroke, the top two leading causes of death among Americans. Hypertension is often referred to as the “silent killer” due to the lack of signs and symptoms associated with the disease. Although usually asymptomatic, advanced cases of hypertension can produce the following symptoms:
Complications of High Blood Pressure
Hypertension by itself, if left untreated, can lead to the development of many fatal health conditions including heart attack, stroke and kidney disease. The most common complications are cardiovascular diseases that affect the heart and blood vessels. When blood supply is suddenly blocked or hindered a heart attack ensues. Stoke is the result of the the blood flow to the brain being cut off. Embolisms, clots or air bubbles within a blood vessel as well as aneurysms, the rupturing of a blood vessel, are all common in individuals who do not seek treatment. High blood pressure can also result in poorly functioning kidneys. This can lead to a number of symptoms including:
Raised blood pressure can also lead to gradual organ damage which can be very serious and in some cases irreversible. Hypertension is also one of the primary causes of atherosclerosis, especially in those who are obese. Atherosclerosis is a condition in which fatty deposits such as plaque accumulate in the walls of the arteries. Overtime these deposits can thicken and calcify causing a narrowing of the arteries. This can restrict blood flow to many of the vital organs of the body and result in blood clots and potentially more fatal conditions such as stroke.
High blood pressure increases the risk of many serious health problems including heart disease and stroke, the top two leading causes of death among Americans. Hypertension is often referred to as the “silent killer” due to the lack of signs and symptoms associated with the disease. Although usually asymptomatic, advanced cases of hypertension can produce the following symptoms:
- severe headache
- confusion
- nausea
- visual disturbances
- seizure
Complications of High Blood Pressure
Hypertension by itself, if left untreated, can lead to the development of many fatal health conditions including heart attack, stroke and kidney disease. The most common complications are cardiovascular diseases that affect the heart and blood vessels. When blood supply is suddenly blocked or hindered a heart attack ensues. Stoke is the result of the the blood flow to the brain being cut off. Embolisms, clots or air bubbles within a blood vessel as well as aneurysms, the rupturing of a blood vessel, are all common in individuals who do not seek treatment. High blood pressure can also result in poorly functioning kidneys. This can lead to a number of symptoms including:
- tiredness
- swollen ankles
- blood in the urine
- shortness of breath
- itchy skin
Raised blood pressure can also lead to gradual organ damage which can be very serious and in some cases irreversible. Hypertension is also one of the primary causes of atherosclerosis, especially in those who are obese. Atherosclerosis is a condition in which fatty deposits such as plaque accumulate in the walls of the arteries. Overtime these deposits can thicken and calcify causing a narrowing of the arteries. This can restrict blood flow to many of the vital organs of the body and result in blood clots and potentially more fatal conditions such as stroke.
Obesity and Hypertension
When obesity and hypertension occur together, the risk of developing Metabolic Syndrome is increased. Metabolic Syndrome is a cluster of conditions, including increased blood pressure, high blood sugar levels, excess fat around the waist ("abdominal obesity"), high triglyceride levels, and abnormal cholesterol levels, that can all occur together and increase your risk of heart disease, stroke, or diabetes. When two or more of these conditions occur together, one's risk of developing Metabolic Syndrome increases greatly.
A majority of people with metabolic syndrome are overweight and lead a sedentary lifestyle. Lifestyle modification is the preferred treatment of metabolic syndrome. Weight reduction usually requires a multifaceted program that includes diet and exercise. Often times, medications are useful. Additionally, an increased awareness of what these conditions are, specifically hypertension and obesity, and information about how to live with and improve these conditions is also a helpful part of the treatment plan.
When obesity and hypertension occur together, the risk of developing Metabolic Syndrome is increased. Metabolic Syndrome is a cluster of conditions, including increased blood pressure, high blood sugar levels, excess fat around the waist ("abdominal obesity"), high triglyceride levels, and abnormal cholesterol levels, that can all occur together and increase your risk of heart disease, stroke, or diabetes. When two or more of these conditions occur together, one's risk of developing Metabolic Syndrome increases greatly.
A majority of people with metabolic syndrome are overweight and lead a sedentary lifestyle. Lifestyle modification is the preferred treatment of metabolic syndrome. Weight reduction usually requires a multifaceted program that includes diet and exercise. Often times, medications are useful. Additionally, an increased awareness of what these conditions are, specifically hypertension and obesity, and information about how to live with and improve these conditions is also a helpful part of the treatment plan.