High Blood Pressure: Causes, Symptoms, and Effective Treatment Methods

Understanding Hypertension

Hypertension, or high blood pressure, is a serious medical condition where the blood pressure in your arteries is consistently higher than normal. Sustained high blood pressure can damage vital organs such as the heart, kidneys, brain, and eyes, leading to dangerous complications like stroke, heart failure, chronic kidney disease, and blindness. Therefore, understanding the disease, its causes, symptoms, and treatment methods is crucial.

Causes of Hypertension

In many cases, the cause of hypertension is unknown (primary hypertension). However, several risk factors can increase your chances of developing this condition, including:

• Family history: A family history of hypertension.
• Unhealthy lifestyle: A diet high in salt, saturated fats, and low in fruits and vegetables; lack of physical activity; smoking; excessive alcohol consumption.
• Obesity and overweight: High body mass index (BMI).
• Stress: Work and life pressures.
• Age: The risk of hypertension increases with age.
• Other medical conditions: Kidney disease, adrenal gland disease.

Symptoms of Hypertension

Hypertension often has no noticeable symptoms in the early stages. Many people only discover it during routine health checkups or when complications have already arisen. However, some symptoms may appear when blood pressure rises suddenly, such as:

• Severe headache
• Dizziness
• Blurred vision
• Shortness of breath
• Chest pain

Treatment of Hypertension

Treatment for hypertension usually involves lifestyle changes and medication. Lifestyle changes are the most important factor, including:

• Healthy diet: Reduce salt intake, eat plenty of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains.
• Increase physical activity: Exercise regularly for at least 30 minutes a day.
• Lose weight if overweight or obese.
• Stop smoking and limit alcohol consumption.
• Manage stress.

Medication will be prescribed by your doctor depending on the severity of your hypertension and your overall health. Commonly used medications include diuretics, ACE inhibitors, angiotensin II receptor blockers (ARBs), beta-blockers, and calcium channel blockers.

Preventing Hypertension

Preventing hypertension is crucial. By maintaining a healthy lifestyle, you can significantly reduce your risk of developing this condition.