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Debosmita Ghosh • 24 Jul 2024

High Blood Pressure: Signs, Symptoms, Causes, Risk Factors And More About Hypertension

High Blood Pressure: Signs, Symptoms, Causes, Risk Factors And Ways to Manage Hypertension

High blood pressure, also known as hypertension is a condition which affects the arteries of the body. When an individual has high blood pressure, the force of the blood that is pushing against the walls of the arteries is high. This eventually makes the heart work harder and in the long term can affect heart health. Blood pressure is measured in millimetres of mercury (mm Hg). In general, hypertension is a blood pressure reading of 130/80 millimetres of mercury (mm Hg) or higher.

Types of Blood Pressure

Here, take a look at the different categories of blood pressure, as categorized by the American College of Cardiology and the American Heart Association.
  • Normal blood pressure: Blood pressure is lower than 120/80 mm Hg.
  • Elevated blood pressure: The top number ranges from 120 to 129 mm Hg and the bottom number is below, but not above 80 mm Hg.
  • Stage 1 hypertension: The top number ranges from 130 to 139 mm Hg or the bottom number is between 80 and 89 mm Hg.
  • Stage 2 hypertension: The top number is 140 mm Hg or higher or the bottom number is 90 mm Hg or higher.
When your blood pressure level is higher than 180/120 mm Hg, it is considered to be a hypertensive emergency or crisis and one should seek medical help immediately.
If you have high blood pressure that is untreated, it increases the risk of heart attack, stroke and other health issues.

Signs and Symptoms of High Blood Pressure

This health condition doesn’t usually have any symptoms, even when the blood pressure readings are very high. One might have high blood pressure levels for several years even without having any symptoms. However, some people with high blood pressure might have some symptoms. Here, take a look at some of those symptoms.
  • Headaches
  • Shortness of breath
  • Nosebleeds.
These symptoms usually appear only when the condition has reached an extremely dangerous level.
Also Read: Uncommon Signs of High Blood Pressure

Causes of High Blood Pressure

There are two factors that determine your blood pressure levels; the amount of blood the heart pumps and how hard it is for the blood to move through the arteries. The more blood the heart pumps and the narrower the arteries, the higher the blood pressure. There are two distinct types of blood pressure and each of these has its own cause. The two types are:

Primary hypertension

This is also known as essential hypertension. For most people, there’s no certain cause of high blood pressure. It usually develops over several years, This can also happen due to plaque buildup in the arteries which is also known as atherosclerosis which increases the risk of high blood pressure.

Secondary hypertension

This is a type of high blood pressure which is caused due to an underlying health condition. It happens suddenly unlike primary hypertension. Some of the conditions that cause secondary hypertension are:
  • Adrenal gland tumours
  • Blood vessel problems present at birth which is known as congenital heart defects
  • Cough and cold medicines, some pain relievers, birth control pills, and other prescription drugs
  • Illegal drugs, such as cocaine and amphetamines
  • Kidney disease
  • Obstructive sleep apnea
  • Thyroid problems.

Risk Factors of High Blood Pressure

There are certain factors that tend to increase your risks of high blood pressure. Here, take a look at those risk factors.
  • Age: This is a major factor that can increase your risk of high blood pressure. Men usually develop the condition after 64 years and women after 65 years.
  • Race: The condition is usually seen among Black people.
  • Family history: If you have a family history of high blood pressure, you’re more likely to develop the condition.
  • Obesity or being overweight: When you’re obese or overweight, there are changes in the blood vessels, the kidneys and other parts of the body. These changes increase blood pressure levels.
  • Lack of exercise: When you don’t exercise, it increases your weight which eventually increases your risk of high blood pressure.
  • Tobacco use or vaping: Both of these can increase your blood pressure levels. Tobacco smoking affects the walls of the blood vessels and speeds up the process of hardening the arteries.
  • Excess salt: Increased sodium intake causes the body to retain fluids which eventually leads to high blood pressure.
  • Low potassium levels: Potassium helps balance the amount of salt in the body. When you have low potassium levels in the body, it can lead to high blood pressure.
  • Drinking too much alcohol: Alcohol use has been linked with increased blood pressure, especially in men.
  • Stress: High levels of stress can lead to a temporary increase in blood pressure. However, if you have chronic stress, it can make the high blood pressure chronic.
  • Chronic conditions: Certain conditions like kidney disease, diabetes and sleep apnoea are some of the conditions that can cause high blood pressure.
  • Pregnancy: Some pregnant women tend to have high blood pressure levels.
While high blood pressure is a common condition in adults, kids can develop it too. Children might have high blood pressure when they have kidney or heart problems.

Complications of High Blood Pressure

When you have high blood pressure levels, it can cause several complications. Here, take a look at some of the complications of high blood pressure.
  • Heart attack or stroke
  • Aneurysm
  • Heart failure
  • Kidney problems
  • Eye problems
  • Metabolic syndrome
  • Changes with memory or understanding
  • Dementia.
Also Read: How to Control Hypertension Without Medicine

Ways to Manage High Blood Pressure

Dr Brunda M S, Consultant, Internal Medicine at Aster CMI Hospital, Bangalore shares some ways to manage high blood pressure levels.
  • Dietary Recommendations: Embracing the DASH diet, rich in fruits, vegetables and whole grains can significantly lower blood pressure. Reducing sodium intake and limiting processed foods, red meat, and sugary drinks is also beneficial.
  • Stay Active: Regular exercise, such as brisk walking, swimming, or cycling for at least 30-40 minutes daily, helps manage weight and reduce blood pressure.
  • Avoid Stress: Incorporate relaxation techniques like meditation, yoga, or deep breathing to counterbalance the effects of stress on blood pressure.
  • Lifestyle Changes: Prioritize quality sleep (7-9 hours), limit caffeine intake, avoid alcohol consumption, and abstain from smoking to support overall cardiovascular health.
  • Weight Management: Maintaining a healthy weight is crucial for managing blood pressure.
Also Read: Tips to Control High Blood Pressure
“Consistent blood pressure checks and doctor consultations are essential for tracking progress and making necessary adjustments to your treatment plan. It is advisable to work closely with your healthcare provider to develop a personalized management plan tailored to your specific needs and health conditions,” added Dr Brunda M S.