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Hypertension is a condition where there is persistently raised pressure (shorten). Blood pressure is created by the force of blood pushing against the walls of blood vessels (arteries) as it is pumped by the heart. The higher the pressure, the harder the heart has to pump (WHO).
High blood pressure [BP], also called hypertension, is blood pressure that is higher than normal. BP is caused by blood pushing against the walls of blood vessels [arteries] as is pumped by the heart. If your BP is consistently above normal, it may result in a diagnosis of high blood pressure or hypertension.
Normal BP measures -take from HT guidelines
Systolic – <140 mmHg
Diastolic -<90 mmHg
Hypertension is a major risk factor for stroke, Myocardial Infarction(MI), Peripheral vascular disease, and chronic kidney disease.
What is systolic and diastolic? Systolic is the pressure developed when heart is contracting. Diastolic is the pressure inside the heart when it is relaxing.
If the blood pressure is higher than 140/90 mmHg is taken as hypertension.
risk factors image from the fact sheet
Hypertension is called a “silent killer”. Most people with hypertension are unaware of the problem because it may have no warning signs or symptoms. For this reason, blood pressure must be measured regularly.
• Morning headaches
• Nosebleeds
• Irregular heart rhythms
• Vision changes, and buzzing in the ears
• Fatigue
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Confusion
• Anxiety
• Chest pain
• Muscle tremors
• Chest pain/ angina.
• Heart attack
• Heart failure
• An irregular heartbeat can lead to sudden death.
• Stroke
• Kidney damage, leading to kidney failure
