VERIFIED CONTENTAuthor: Klaudia Kierzkowska, graduate of chemistry at the University of Warsaw

Hypertension is a disease of civilization that affects almost every third adult in Poland. However, many people still do not realize that they are struggling with such an ailment. Hypertension develops slowly, initially without any symptoms, and if left untreated, it can lead to serious complications. How to recognize high blood pressure, what to look for?

Hypertension is characterized by high blood pressure in the vascular system. The risk of developing the disease increases with age, however, according to statistics, more and more young people struggle with this ailment.

What is hypertension?

Hypertension is elevated - above normal - blood pressure. When measuring pressure, we read two values ​​- systolic pressure (given as the first) and diastolic pressure (given as the second).

According to the guidelines of the Polish Society of Hypertension, the disease is diagnosed in two measurements performed during two visits to the doctor - the pressure values ​​are equal to or higher than 140/90 mm Hg.

We also talk about hypertension when the average blood pressure values ​​calculated from two measurements that were taken during one visit to the doctor - are greater than or equal to 180/110 mm Hg.

Normal blood pressure is 120/80 mm Hg.

Types of hypertension

There are three types of hypertension:

  1. First degree hypertension -140-159 / 90-99 mm Hg
  2. Second degree hypertension - 160-179 / 100-109 mm Hg
  3. 3rd degree hypertension - over 180/110 mm Hg

In the vast majority of cases, the doctor diagnoses primary arterial hypertension, where unambiguous determination of the cause, as well as its removal, is difficult. In turn, secondary arterial hypertension is most often caused by a disease, one of the symptoms of which is an incorrect blood pressure value.

We also distinguish resistant pressure, which persists despite the simultaneous use of three different antihypertensive drugs. In turn, malignant hypertension quickly leads to the failure of many organs, includingitself is most life-threatening.

Hypertension symptoms

In the initial stage of the disease, hypertension very often does not give any symptoms, especially if its value is not that high. Therefore, it is often referred to as the "silent killer", which can lead to the formation of atherosclerotic plaques causing narrowing of blood vessels, which can lead to a stroke, atherosclerosis or heart attack.

However, many people have little characteristic symptoms, the most common of which are:

  • headache,
  • pressure in the head,
  • dizziness,
  • sleep disorders,
  • nervousness,
  • shortness of breath,
  • palpitations,
  • pressure around the heart,
  • fatigue,
  • nose bleed,
  • hot flashes,
  • sweating,
  • redness on the face.

The above symptoms are often underestimated and associated with exhaustion, stressful work and too fast lifestyle.

With the development of hypertension, patients begin to observe symptoms that are a consequence of damaged organs. It appears:

  • cooling of limbs,
  • swelling of the limbs,
  • vision problems,
  • sensory disturbance,
  • trouble moving.

Although the above symptoms do not have to mean arterial hypertension, they certainly cannot be underestimated, because they can also appear in other types of diseases. Regardless of the type of ailment, the chances of a cure are greatest when the disease is detected as early as possible.

How to recognize hypertension?

The basis for the diagnosis of hypertension is the measurement of pressure both inside and outside the doctor's office.

If the average value, calculated from two measurements taken during two different medical visits, is equal to or greater than 140/90 mmHg, it is a sign that the patient is most likely suffering from hypertension.

An important part of the diagnosis is also a detailed medical interview, during which it should be determined whether the patient is taking any medications, what lifestyle he or she leads, whether he has addictions, or engages in physical activity. It is also important to assess BMI, cognitive functions, and auscultation of the heart and carotid arteries. The doctor usually orders the following tests:

  • blood count,
  • general urine test,
  • lipid profile,
  • glucose level,
  • creatinine,
  • ionogram,
  • liver tests,
  • fundus examination,
  • Resting ECG,
  • ECHO of the heart,
  • Ultrasound Doppler of the jugular vessels.

Do not underestimatehypertension

The diagnosis of arterial hypertension is possible even in the early stages of the disease. However, if left untreated and neglected, it can lead to he alth and life-threatening consequences - atherosclerosis, stroke, heart attack.

Therefore, whenever disturbing symptoms appear, you should consult a doctor and start treatment.

Category:

Cardiology