Hypertension Treatment In Jaipur

Hypertension, or high blood pressure, is often referred to as a “silent killer” because it usually doesn’t cause noticeable symptoms until it reaches severe or life-threatening levels. Many people with hypertension are unaware of their condition until it’s diagnosed during a routine medical checkup.

However, when hypertension becomes extremely high, some individuals may experience symptoms such as:

• Severe headaches
• Fatigue or confusion
• Vision problems, including blurry or double vision
• Chest pain or palpitations (rapid or irregular heartbeat)
• Difficulty breathing
• Blood in the urine

Hypertension, or high blood pressure, can result from various factors and causes, both modifiable and non-modifiable. Understanding these causes is essential for prevention and management. Here are some common hypertension causes:

Genetics: Family history plays a significant role in hypertension risk. If your parents or close relatives have high blood pressure, you may have a genetic predisposition to the condition.

Unhealthy Lifestyle: Poor lifestyle choices, such as a diet high in salt, saturated fats, and low in fruits and vegetables, as well as lack of physical activity, can contribute to the development of hypertension.

Obesity: Being overweight or obese increases the risk of high blood pressure. Excess body fat can lead to increased resistance in the blood vessels, raising blood pressure.

Sodium Intake: High dietary sodium (salt) intake is a significant factor in hypertension. Excess salt can cause the body to retain fluid and increase blood pressure.

Lack of Physical Activity: Sedentary lifestyles and a lack of regular physical exercise can contribute to high blood pressure.

Stress: Chronic stress and high levels of stress hormones can lead to elevated blood pressure.

Excessive Alcohol Consumption: Consuming alcohol in excess can raise blood pressure and lead to hypertension.

Smoking: Tobacco use and exposure to smoke can damage blood vessels and increase the risk of hypertension.

Medical Conditions: Certain medical conditions, such as kidney disease, diabetes, and hormonal disorders, can contribute to hypertension.

Medications: Some medications, including certain birth control pills, decongestants, and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), can raise blood pressure.

Age: Blood pressure tends to increase with age. As people get older, they are more likely to develop hypertension.

Gender: Men are generally more likely to develop hypertension than premenopausal women. However, the risk becomes similar after menopause.

Factors that heighten the likelihood of having high blood pressure include:

• A family history of high blood pressure, cardiovascular disease, or diabetes among close biological relatives.
• Being aged 55 years or older.
• Having specific medical conditions, such as chronic kidney disease, metabolic syndrome, obstructive sleep apnea, or thyroid disorders.
• Being overweight or obese.
• Insufficient physical activity.
• Consuming foods rich in sodium.
• Smoking or using tobacco products.
• Excessive alcohol consumption.

Diagnosing hypertension (high blood pressure) typically involves a series of tests and measurements to assess a person’s blood pressure and evaluate potential underlying causes or complications. Here are the key aspects of hypertension diagnosis and tests:

Blood Pressure Measurement: The primary step in diagnosing hypertension involves measuring your blood pressure. It’s typically expressed as two numbers: systolic pressure (the higher number) and diastolic pressure (the lower number). Normal blood pressure is generally around 120/80 mm Hg. A diagnosis of hypertension is made when blood pressure readings consistently exceed 130/80 mm Hg.

Multiple Readings: To confirm hypertension, healthcare providers often take multiple blood pressure readings on different occasions, as blood pressure can vary throughout the day and can be influenced by factors like stress and physical activity.

Physical Examination: A physical examination may be conducted to assess overall health, including the heart, kidneys, and blood vessels. Any signs of complications related to hypertension may be identified during this examination.

Laboratory Tests: In some cases, healthcare providers may recommend blood and urine tests to assess kidney function, check for hormonal imbalances, or identify other conditions that may be contributing to hypertension.

Electrocardiogram (ECG or EKG): An ECG may be performed to evaluate the electrical activity of the heart and detect any abnormalities that may be associated with hypertension.

The treatment for hypertension (high blood pressure) aims to lower and manage blood pressure to reduce the risk of complications, such as heart disease, stroke, and kidney problems. Treatment typically involves a combination of lifestyle changes and, if necessary, medication. Here are the primary treatments for hypertension:

Lifestyle Modifications:

• Diet: Adopting a heart-healthy diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and low in sodium (salt) can help lower blood pressure. This approach is known as the DASH (Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension) diet.
• Weight Management: Losing excess weight and maintaining a healthy weight can significantly reduce blood pressure.
• Physical Activity: Engaging in regular aerobic exercise, such as brisk walking, swimming, or cycling, can help lower blood pressure. Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise per week.
• Reducing Sodium: Reducing salt intake is essential, as excess sodium can contribute to high blood pressure. Limiting processed and high-sodium foods is crucial.
• Limiting Alcohol: Moderating alcohol consumption or avoiding it altogether is advisable for individuals with hypertension.
• Stress Management: Practicing stress-reduction techniques like meditation, yoga, or deep breathing exercises can help manage stress-related blood pressure increases.
• Smoking Cessation: Quitting smoking is essential, as tobacco use can raise blood pressure and increase the risk of heart disease.