Serious Effects of Hypertension

High blood pressure, or hypertension, is a pervasive yet often overlooked condition that poses significant risks to multiple organ systems. Characterized by persistently elevated pressure in the arteries, hypertension damages arterial walls over time, reducing their elasticity and increasing their vulnerability to injury. This damage has far-reaching implications for overall health and underscores the necessity of proactive management.

One of the most concerning consequences of hypertension is its impact on the cardiovascular system. Prolonged high blood pressure accelerates the development of atherosclerosis, a condition where arteries narrow and stiffen due to plaque buildup. This restricted blood flow heightens the risk of coronary heart disease, heart attacks, and heart failure. Moreover, the heart must pump harder to circulate blood, leading to hypertrophy, or thickening of the heart muscle, which can impair its function and eventually cause heart failure. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), hypertension remains one of the leading risk factors for cardiovascular deaths globally.

The brain is another critical organ affected by high blood pressure. Hypertension is a leading cause of ischemic strokes, where blood flow to the brain is blocked by clots, and hemorrhagic strokes, caused by ruptured blood vessels. Cognitive decline and vascular dementia are also linked to prolonged hypertension, as damaged vessels impair the brain's blood supply. Recent studies have highlighted the role of hypertension in accelerating the onset of Alzheimer’s disease, further emphasizing its neurological risks.

In addition to the heart and brain, hypertension significantly affects the eyes and kidneys. The delicate blood vessels in the retina are particularly vulnerable, with damage leading to hypertensive retinopathy, characterized by vision loss or blindness. Similarly, reduced blood flow to the kidneys can cause chronic kidney disease, a severe condition requiring dialysis or transplantation.

Management of high blood pressure is essential to mitigate these risks. Lifestyle changes, such as reducing sodium intake, engaging in regular exercise, and maintaining a healthy weight, are foundational. Medications, including ACE inhibitors and calcium channel blockers, are also effective. With early intervention and consistent care, the complications of hypertension can be largely prevented, ensuring better long-term health outcomes.
Serious Effects of Hypertension

Defining Hypertension: Challenges and Implications for Treatment

Hypertension is a significant public health issue, and the World Health Organization (WHO) has defined it as systolic blood pressure equal to or greater than 160 mmHg, and/or diastolic blood pressure equal to or greater than 95 mmHg. Those with systolic pressure under 160 mmHg but diastolic pressure between 90-94 mmHg, or with systolic pressure between 141-159 mmHg and diastolic pressure under 90 mmHg, are classified as having borderline hypertension. People with blood pressure below these levels are considered 'normotensive.' However, these thresholds are somewhat arbitrary because blood pressure is a continuous variable, meaning there is no clear cut-off between normal and abnormal levels.

Most cases of hypertension fall under the category of 'essential' hypertension, where no specific underlying cause can be identified. This type of hypertension, unlike diseases with distinct causes, reflects a deviation in degree rather than kind—essentially, it is a quantitative problem. This concept can be challenging for doctors, who are trained in binary thinking, where conditions are often classified as present or absent based on clear-cut criteria. Essential hypertension defies this binary categorization, as it presents a spectrum of severity.

The definitions of hypertension are also pragmatic in nature. They are primarily designed to identify individuals who may benefit from specific treatments, whether pharmacologic or non-pharmacologic. For instance, the cut-off points for hypertension are often based on evidence from randomized controlled trials that show treatment benefits for people with blood pressure above certain levels. These benefits must outweigh the potential risks of treatment. However, such definitions can inadvertently exclude a large number of individuals who are still at increased risk due to their elevated blood pressure levels but fall below the threshold for therapeutic intervention. This highlights the need for a more nuanced approach to managing hypertension, one that takes into account the broader spectrum of risk rather than relying solely on rigid cut-offs for treatment eligibility.
Defining Hypertension: Challenges and Implications for Treatment

Calcium Intake: Key to Preventing Osteoporosis and Hypertension in the Elderly

Osteoporosis is a prevalent condition among the elderly, especially women, underscoring the necessity of adequate calcium intake throughout life. Recent research suggests another condition, hypertension, which affects up to 58 million Americans and is especially common among the elderly, may also be linked to insufficient calcium intake. Hypertension, characterized by increased vascular resistance due to a reduced luminal diameter of arteries or arterioles, is a significant health concern. This reduction in diameter is often caused by the excessive contraction of vascular smooth muscle, triggered by intracellular calcium.

The idea that a dietary calcium deficiency could contribute to hypertension may seem counterintuitive at first. However, numerous studies have explored the relationship between hypertension and various dietary factors, including sodium, protein, total calories, fats, alcohol, chloride, potassium, magnesium, and calcium. Among these, the role of sodium has been particularly well-researched, revealing that about 30% to 50% of hypertensive individuals are especially sensitive to excess sodium. This sensitivity has highlighted the heterogeneity of hypertension, suggesting it is a multifaceted disease influenced by various factors.

Calcium’s role in hypertension is linked to its influence on vascular smooth muscle contraction. Adequate calcium levels are necessary to regulate this contraction and prevent excessive narrowing of blood vessels. Insufficient dietary calcium may lead to increased vascular resistance, contributing to the development of hypertension. This connection has prompted researchers to consider dietary calcium as a potential tool for managing blood pressure, particularly in populations at risk for both hypertension and osteoporosis.

Given the dual benefits of calcium for bone health and blood pressure regulation, ensuring adequate calcium intake is vital. This can be achieved through a balanced diet rich in calcium-containing foods like dairy products, leafy greens, and fortified foods, alongside appropriate supplementation if necessary. Addressing calcium intake holistically may help mitigate the risks of both osteoporosis and hypertension, enhancing overall health and quality of life for the elderly.
Calcium Intake: Key to Preventing Osteoporosis and Hypertension in the Elderly

Understanding Hypertension: Causes, Risks, and Management

Hypertension, commonly known as high blood pressure, is a prevalent cardiovascular condition. For a healthy young adult, the normal resting blood pressure is approximately 120/80 mmHg. However, as people age, blood pressure tends to increase; for instance, a typically healthy 50-year-old might have a resting blood pressure around 150/90 mmHg. Hypertension is clinically diagnosed when a person consistently has a blood pressure reading above 160/95 mmHg at rest.

Numerous factors contribute to the development of hypertension. Kidney and hormonal diseases are significant medical contributors. Genetics also play a crucial role, as a family history of high blood pressure increases an individual's risk. Lifestyle factors are equally important. A diet high in sodium chloride (salt) and low in essential minerals like calcium and magnesium can elevate blood pressure. Obesity is a major risk factor, exacerbated by a low intake of potassium and a high consumption of sugars and saturated fats.

Substances such as caffeine, found in tea and coffee, and alcohol can further increase blood pressure levels. Smoking is another critical factor due to its impact on the arteries and overall cardiovascular health. Certain medications, including non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and oral contraceptives, have been linked to increased blood pressure. Environmental toxins like lead and cadmium, as well as specific food allergies, also contribute to the condition.

Moreover, a sedentary lifestyle and chronic stress are significant contributors to hypertension. Regular exercise and stress management techniques are recommended to mitigate these risks. The growing awareness of these factors is crucial for prevention and management, emphasizing the importance of a balanced diet, regular physical activity, and avoiding harmful substances to maintain optimal blood pressure levels and overall cardiovascular health.
Understanding Hypertension: Causes, Risks, and Management

Hypertension: A Comprehensive Overview

Hypertension, characterized by elevated blood pressure levels, stands as a critical medical concern predisposing individuals to severe cardiovascular complications like strokes, heart attacks, and heart failure. Moreover, hypertension intertwines with the development of aneurysms, amplifying the risk of debilitating kidney issues. To accurately diagnose hypertension, it's imperative to conduct multiple blood pressure readings, as levels can fluctuate significantly.

At the threshold of 120/80 to 139/89, individuals enter the prehypertension phase, serving as a crucial marker for heightened risk. Particularly, individuals grappling with diabetes face exacerbated risks at blood pressure levels surpassing 130/80, underlining the intersecting complexities of various health conditions.

Several determinants contribute to the likelihood of developing hypertension, with age emerging as a pivotal factor. Advanced age often correlates with an increased susceptibility to hypertension, warranting vigilant monitoring among elderly populations.

Lifestyle habits wield considerable influence over hypertension risk. Excessive salt consumption, sedentary living devoid of regular exercise, and indulgence in tobacco and alcohol substantially elevate the likelihood of hypertension onset. Furthermore, the ramifications of obesity, stress, and diets rich in saturated fats further compound the risk landscape.

Advancements in medical understanding elucidate the intricate connections between these risk factors and hypertension. Researchers and healthcare practitioners delve deep into the underlying physiological mechanisms, unraveling the multifaceted interplay between lifestyle choices, genetic predispositions, and environmental influences.

In recent years, novel insights and interventions have emerged to combat hypertension. Technological innovations, such as wearable health monitors and telemedicine platforms, facilitate remote monitoring and personalized care, empowering individuals to proactively manage their blood pressure levels. Additionally, targeted lifestyle interventions, including tailored exercise regimens and dietary modifications, offer promising avenues for mitigating hypertension risk and improving overall cardiovascular health.

In conclusion, hypertension stands as a multifaceted health challenge with far-reaching implications. By integrating comprehensive risk assessment strategies, embracing lifestyle modifications, and leveraging cutting-edge medical innovations, we can strive towards a future where hypertension's impact is minimized, fostering healthier communities worldwide.
Hypertension: A Comprehensive Overview

Understanding Hypertension: A Silent Threat

Hypertension, colloquially known as high blood pressure, presents a significant health concern characterized by an elevation in average arterial pressure beyond the accepted norm. Its prevalence, insidious effects, and often inconspicuous symptoms underscore its importance as a public health challenge.

Firstly, hypertension is pervasive, affecting a substantial portion of the population. Its insidious nature renders it particularly concerning as its deleterious effects may remain unnoticed until advanced stages. While symptoms may be absent initially, the repercussions can be severe, extending across various organs. Notably, hypertension serves as a key risk factor for coronary heart disease, cerebrovascular accidents, congestive heart failure, and renal dysfunction. Contrary to a definitive threshold, blood pressure values indicative of hypertension vary with individuals and evolve alongside its pathological consequences.

The diagnosis of hypertension relies on nuanced assessment, considering both systolic and diastolic pressures. Traditionally, diastolic pressure above 90 mmHg or systolic pressure exceeding 140 mmHg are indicative of hypertension. However, clinical outcomes may differ, necessitating a comprehensive evaluation tailored to individual cases. Studies reveal alarming rates of hypertension prevalence, with approximately 25% of the population identified as hypertensive through screening programs. Notably, even with conservative thresholds of 160/95 mmHg, the frequency remains unsettlingly high at 18%. Moreover, hypertension exhibits an age-dependent trend, escalating in prevalence with advancing age.

Primary hypertension constitutes the majority of cases, with idiopathic origins accounting for approximately 90% of instances. Secondary hypertension, stemming from identifiable causes, constitutes the remainder. Renal diseases and renal artery coarctation, often precipitated by atherosclerosis, contribute significantly to secondary hypertension. Additionally, hormonal imbalances such as primary aldosteronism, Cushing's syndrome, and pheochromocytoma manifest as secondary hypertension albeit at a lower frequency.

In conclusion, hypertension represents a pervasive yet often undetectable health hazard. Its multifaceted effects underscore the importance of early detection and management. Screening programs play a pivotal role in identifying at-risk individuals, although vigilance is required even in those with seemingly normal blood pressure readings. By understanding the complexity of hypertension and its varied etiologies, healthcare professionals can implement tailored interventions to mitigate its adverse outcomes and safeguard public health.
Understanding Hypertension: A Silent Threat

Hypertension Management

High blood pressure (hypertension) is a pervasive health concern affecting millions worldwide. It is categorized as either essential (primary) hypertension, which constitutes about 95% of cases, or secondary hypertension, accounting for the remaining 5%. Essential hypertension manifests without a specific identifiable cause, while secondary hypertension stems from abnormalities in organs like the kidneys, adrenal glands, or aortic artery.

While the precise genetic markers for essential hypertension remain elusive, certain risk factors exacerbate its occurrence. These include a high-sodium diet, obesity, sedentary lifestyle, excessive alcohol or coffee consumption, and smoking. Notably, essential hypertension demonstrates a higher prevalence among the Black population, although the genetic underpinnings are yet to be fully understood.

Dubbed "the silent killer," hypertension often remains asymptomatic for years, quietly damaging critical organs until symptoms arise. Chronic, uncontrolled hypertension can lead to severe complications, including heart attacks, strokes, kidney failure, and arterial damage.

Preventive measures, such as heightened public awareness and regular screening programs, are vital for early detection and intervention. Lifestyle modifications, encompassing dietary changes, exercise regimens, and adherence to prescribed medications, form the cornerstone of hypertension management.

Medical intervention typically involves a diverse array of antihypertensive medications. These include ACE inhibitors, ARB drugs, beta-blockers, diuretics, calcium channel blockers, alpha-blockers, and peripheral vasodilators. Combination therapies are often employed, tailored to individual patient needs and medical considerations.

The therapeutic goal for hypertension management is to attain blood pressure levels below 140/85 mm Hg in the general population, with even lower targets for specific high-risk groups such as diabetics, Blacks, and those with chronic kidney diseases. Early screening, diagnosis, and effective control of hypertension significantly mitigate the risk of devastating complications such as strokes, heart attacks, and renal dysfunction.

In conclusion, hypertension poses a significant public health challenge necessitating comprehensive strategies for prevention, early detection, and management. By addressing modifiable risk factors, promoting lifestyle modifications, and implementing appropriate pharmacotherapy, the adverse outcomes associated with hypertension can be substantially minimized, enhancing both individual and population health outcomes.
Hypertension Management

Primary Hypertension Overview

Primary or essential hypertension, marked by a gradual onset and minimal, if any, symptoms, stands as the most prevalent type of high blood pressure.

The origins of primary hypertension are complex, involving a intricate interplay of various factors that influence total peripheral resistance, ultimately giving rise to primary hypertension.

Factors such as heredity, salt intake, stress, sleep disorders/apnea, and obesity may be associated with primary hypertension.

Typically, primary hypertension is initially identified during a routine physical examination, with patients often exhibiting no discernible symptoms.

While some individuals may describe symptoms related to hypertension, including headaches, facial flushing, nosebleeds, nervousness, dizziness, fatigue, palpitations, and chest discomfort, these symptoms and their intensity generally do not correlate well with blood pressure levels.

Primary hypertension remains asymptomatic until complications arise.
Primary Hypertension Overview

Hypertension and diabetes relationship

Diabetes mellitus and hypertension coexist more frequently than reported in classic literature in studies of large populations of developed countries yielding values between 60 to 65% of coexistence.

Having hypertension appears to increase the risk of type 2 diabetes, and having type 2 diabetes increases the risk of hypertension. Both hypertension and diabetes may have some underlying causes in common, and they share some risk factors. They also contribute to a worsening of each other’s symptoms.

The factors involved in this association include:
*The frequency for both diseases increases with age;
*They have the same predisposing factors;
*Hypertension is secondary to the diabetic complications, usually nephropathy in type 1 diabetes;
*Hypertension in type 2 diabetics could appear before, or could be related to, diabetic nephropathy.

Diabetes damages the small blood vessels, causing the walls of the blood vessels to stiffen. This increases pressure, which leads to high blood pressure.”

The combination of high blood pressure and type 2 diabetes can greatly increase the risk of having a heart attack or stroke.

Hypertension contributes to the development and progression of microvascular (retinopathy, nephropathy, and neuropathy) and macrovascular (atherosclerotic) complications of diabetes.

Patients with hypertension often exhibit insulin resistance and are at greater risk of diabetes developing than are normotensive individuals.
Hypertension and diabetes relationship

Relationship Hypertension to Atherosclerosis

Hypertension affects almost one-third of adults including more than 7 million patients in the US and is strongly associated with cardiovascular morbidity and mortality.

Atherosclerosis is the main cause of cardiovascular disease including, coronary heart disease, acute coronary syndrome and stroke.

Hypertension causes premature death and disability by hastening the complications of atherosclerosis, the artery-clogging process that leads to heart attacks and strokes.

Hypertension mean that with each beat, arteries throughout the body swell and stretch more than they would normally. This stretching can injure the endothelium, the delicate lining of all arteries, causing arteries to become stiffer over time.

Epidemiologic studies have shown that hypertension increases the risk of sudden death or of dying from coronary heart disease or stroke. It also increases intermittent claudication.
Relationship Hypertension to Atherosclerosis

Hypertension and obesity relationship

Fat people have higher blood pressure. There is, however, an important confounding factor to be taken into account. There is a tendency to overestimate blood pressure in people with fat arms particularly if the blood pressure cuffs are too small. 

The fatter the arm, the greater the overestimation. However, after correction for arm circumstance, there still remains a positive relationship between body mass index (BMI) and both systolic and diastolic blood pressure. There is a suggestion that BMI exerts its effects mainly on diastolic blood pressure with little independent effect on the systolic pressure, which is mainly related to age. 

The mechanism by which obese people have a high blood pressure is uncertain. It is probable that obese people eat more sodium and less potassium and, therefore, may develop a rise in blood pressure due to dietary factors. 

It is probable also that high blood pressure is more closely correlated with central obesity than with BMI alone. Intravenous glucose tolerance tests have demonstrated that obese people are relatively resistant to insulin, and this concept is now the subject of a great deal of research. 

It has been postulated that insulin resistance leads to a rise in intracellular sodium concentration and to renal retention of salt and water. Thus insulin itself may play some role in the aetiology of essential hypertension, particularly in obese individuals. Since obesity is itself associated with high blood lipids levels, glucose intolerance and high blood pressure, fat people are more prone to coronary heart disease. 

It is possible, however, that after allowing for these factor. BMI alone may not itself be an independent cardiovascular risks factor. This is only a theoretical consideration as most obese people do have the other cardiovascular risk factors and thus have a high risk of death. When people lose weight, their blood pressures tend to fall at a rate of 1 mm Hg/kg reduction of body weight. 

Hypertension and obesity relationship

Alcohol increase the risk of hypertension

Hypertension rarely has any obvious symptoms, meaning it is particularly dangerous and often left untreated. Without treatment, hypertension significantly increases the risk of stroke, heart disease, vascular dementia (dementia caused by not enough blood being able to get to the brain) and chronic kidney disease.

The association between alcohol consumption and elevated blood pressure was first observed among French soldiers in 1915. Today, excessive alcohol consumption is an established risk factor for hypertension and for both hemorrhagic stroke and ischemic stroke.

Consumption of a single alcoholic drink may cause an acute rise in blood pressure that resolves within 2 hours. Clinical studies with small sample sizes of subjects have suggested that alcohol consumption over several days may cause a more sustained rise in blood pressure.

The evidence also clearly shows reducing alcohol consumption lowers blood pressure and reduces the chance of developing hypertension.

Several other biologic effects of alcohol have been suggested to contribute to the decreased incidence of IS in moderate drinkers, including elevated HDL cholesterol, lowered fibrinogen levels, impaired primary hemostasis, better endothelial function, and some anti-inflammatory actions of alcohol.
Alcohol increase the risk of hypertension

Hereditary hypertension

Hypertension is one of the most important risk factors for cardiovascular diseases. It is one of the principal independent risk factors for stroke, myocardial infarction and end-stage renal disease. Both heritable and lifestyle risk factors contribute to elevated BP levels.

Hypertension is a complex multifactorial disorder with genetic, environmental and demographic factors contributing to its prevalence.

The heritability of hypertension is often cited in the range of ≈30% to 60%, with multiple contributory genes; additionally, ethnic and genetic heterogeneity participate in variable clinical presentation and drug response in hypertension.

Genetic epidemiological studies have suggested that several genetic variants increase the risk for hypertension. It is likely that a number of genes rather than a single gene account for the heritability of this complex disorder.

Intermediate traits in physical, physiological/hemodynamic, autonomic/sympathetic, metabolic, inflammatory, oxidative, endothelial, and renal pathways displayed significant heritability, typically exceeding that reported for blood pressure itself.

A family history of hypertension is a risk factor for the person developing hypertension. Having one or more close family members with hypertension before the age of 60 means the person have two times the risk of having it also.

A family history of hypertension has been linked to other risk factors for heart disease and stroke. These factors include high cholesterol, high body fat, and being more sensitive to the effects of salt on raising blood pressure.
Hereditary hypertension

Hypertension Aortic Stenosis

Many studies have shown that aortic stenosis is a worldwide problem in industrialized countries and constitutes a significant health problem. Aortic stenosis is a common valve disease, affecting nearly 5% of elderly individuals.

Its pathology includes processes similar to those in atherosclerosis, including lipid accumulation, inflammation, and calcification. The cardinal symptoms of aortic stenosis include dyspnea and other symptoms of heart failure, angina, and syncope.

Among older patients with aortic stenosis, hypertension is a common comorbidity found in up to 78% of patients. Hypertension is a known predictor of increased cardiovascular morbidity and mortality both in general and hypertension population.

The prevalence of hypertension and of valvular aortic stenosis increase with age, and both hypertension and valvular aortic stenosis cause left ventricular hypertrophy. Both hypertension and valvular aortic stenosis are also associated with an increased incidence of cardiovascular events and mortality. Hypertension is also associated with aortic valve calcification.
Hypertension Aortic Stenosis

Hypertensive arteriosclerosis

Hypertension is a leading identifiable and reversible risk factor for myocardial infarction, heart failure, atrial fibrillation, aortic dissection, peripheral arterial disease, stroke and kidney failure. Hypertension is a known risk factor for arteriosclerosis, and causes both atherosclerosis of medium-large arteries and arteriolosclerosis of the arterioles. It is associated with cardiovascular risk.

When plaque (fatty deposits) clogs the arteries, that’s called atherosclerosis. These deposits are made up of cholesterol, fatty substances, cellular waste products, calcium and fibrin (a clotting material in the blood).

Atherosclerosis lesions take different shapes depending on the anatomic side, age, genetic and physiological status of recipients, also including the so-called risk factors.

Hypertension and atherosclerosis are the two major diseases of the arterial system. They are intimately associated; hypertension begets atherosclerosis, and less frequently, atherosclerosis begets hypertension.

On the one hand, hypertension causes premature death and disability by hastening the complications of atherosclerosis - heart attacks and strokes.
Hypertensive arteriosclerosis          

Children hypertension: etiology and symptoms

Epidemiological studies now report that the prevalence of pediatric hypertension ranges from3% in the general population to up to 25% in obese children.

Hypertension can be rooted from kidney malfunctions, aorta troubles and hormonal problems. High blood pressure can also be genetically passed on to children. If the family have a history of hypertension, it is only sensible to check on the kids’ blood pressure.

High blood pressure in children younger than 6 years old is usually caused by another medical condition. Older children can develop high blood pressure for the same reasons adults do — excess weight, poor nutrition and lack of exercise.

The prevalence of hypertension is much higher among overweight and obese children with estimates of 4% to 14% and 11% to 23% respectively.

It advisable that older kids get their blood pressure checked every two years at a minimum and kids who are overweight are in greater risk of having hypertension. Lifestyle changes, such as eating a heart-healthy diet and exercising more, can help reduce high blood pressure in children.

High blood pressure usually doesn't cause symptoms. However, signs and symptoms that might indicate a high blood pressure emergency (hypertensive crisis) include:
*Headaches
*Seizures
*Vomiting
*Chest pains
*Fast, pounding, or fluttering heart beat (palpitations)
*Shortness of breath

Children hypertension: etiology and symptoms

Teenager with hypertension

Hypertension is one of the most common chronic diseases in children, especially in adolescents. The current prevalence of hypertension in children is estimated to be about 1-5%, with higher rates among minority adolescents1-3.

Primary hypertension (PH) also referred to as essential hypertension, previously considered a disease of adulthood, has now become increasingly common in the pediatric. Risk factors for primary hypertension include overweight and obesity, male sex, older age, high sodium intake, and African American or Latino ancestry.

The prevalence of hypertension is much higher among overweight and obese children with estimates of 4% to 14% and 11% to 23% respectively.

In recent years, it has been increased, mainly due to a rise of obesity, having a significant impact on the level of blood pressure. Obese children are three times more likely to develop hypertension than their non-obese counterparts. The etiology of obesity related hypertension has been linked to sympathetic hyperactivity, insulin resistance and vascular structure changes.

There is evidence that childhood hypertension can lead to adult hypertension. Hypertension is a known risk factor for coronary artery disease (CAD) in adults, and the presence of childhood hypertension may contribute to the early development of CAD.
Teenager with hypertension

Hypertension and its consequences

Most people with high blood pressure actually have no symptoms at all and may not even know they have it. Sometimes high blood pressure can cause symptoms such as headache, shortness of breath, dizziness, chest pain, palpitations of the heart or nose bleeds. If a person is said to suffer from hypertension, this expression means that the average arterial pressure of that person is above the level which is accepted as normal.

The higher the pressure in the blood vessels, the harder the heart has to work in order to pump blood. If left uncontrolled, high blood pressure may lead to enlargement of the heart, a heart attack and, eventually, to heart failure.

The increase in blood pressure is an interesting health problem for three reasons; it is frequently seen, its effects are sometimes destructive and its symptoms are not recognizable even in the later phases of the clinical course.

The risk of cardiovascular morbidity and mortality is directly correlated with blood pressure. Risks of stroke, MI, angina, heart failure, kidney failure or early death from a cardiovascular cause are directly correlated with blood pressure.
Hypertension and its consequences

Hypertension and high blood pressure

If a person is said to suffer from hypertension, this expression means that the average arterial pressure of that person is above the level which is accepted as normal. The increase in blood pressure is an interesting health problem for three reasons; it is frequently seen, its effects are sometimes destructive and its symptoms are not recognizable even in the later phases of the clinical course.

Its effects are common and seen in all organs and it is determined as the only and most important factor of risk for especially both the coronary heart attacks and the cerebrovascular diseases. Also, it may cause direct congestive heart failure and renal inadequacy. There is not a threshold value, high level of which can be regarded as hypertensive and low level, safe for individuals, women and men.

In fact, this value increases gradually as the destructive effects of the blood pressure increases. Therefore, hypertension should be determined subjectively, in a way. Several people agree with the idea that the basic criterion of the diastolic pressure is always to be above 90 mmHg. That the systolic pressure is always 140 mmHg is defined as hypertension, but the clinical results of this, are different from diastolic hypertension for some reasons.

When these criteria are considered to be base, the ratio of people suffering from hypertension to the general population is found to be 25% in a comprehensive scanning program. However, the systolic and the diastolic values which are regarded as limit for adults are considered as 160/95. Even with these values, the frequency rate is frighteningly found to be 18% during this program above. Despite the fact that hypertension tends to be much more severe for young adults, the frequency of hypertension increases with age.

Approximately 90% of hypertension is idiopathic and it is specifically seen as primary (essential) hypertension. 10% of the rest is secondary for most renal diseases and coarctation of the renal artery (renovascular hypertension) which is generally caused by an atheroma plaque. Secondary hypertension develops as a result of primary aldosteronism at a low rate, and some surrenal disorders such as Cushing’s syndrome and feochromositoma.
Hypertension and high blood pressure

Race as risk factors to hypertension

Hypertension is common in all racial groups, although some groups are more prone to hypertension than others. In the United States, Native Americans have about the same, or a somewhat higher, incidence of hypertension than the general population.

Hypertension rates in US Hispanics of Mexican origin are lower than those in whites. In keeping with their higher prevalence for obesity and diabetes, US Hispanics have lower rates of control of hypertension than do whites or blacks.

Compared with white Americans, African Americans have an earlier onset, higher prevalence, and greater rate of stage 2 hypertension. This explains why African Americans also have a greater rate of nonfatal stroke, fatal stroke, death from heart dosases, and end-stage kidney disease.

African Americans have especially high risk for complications because of hypertension - especially renal disease, including lower goal BP reductions and earlier use of combination agents or multidrug regimens.
Race as risk factors to hypertension