An Awareness initiative by

Understanding Hypertension
& Blood Pressure

Dr. R.B. Pandit

MD(BOM), FICP, FICN
FICA(USA), FCCP(USA)
 What is Hypertension
Hypertension, also known as high or raised blood pressure, is a condition in which the
blood vessels have persistently raised pressure. Blood is carried from the heart to all
parts of the body in the vessels.

Each time the heart

beats, it pumps blood
into the vessels. Blood
pressure is created by
the force of blood pushing
against the walls of blood
vessels (arteries) as it is
pumped by the heart. The
higher the pressure in
blood vessels the harder
the heart has to work in
order to pump blood.

If left uncontrolled,
hypertension can lead to
a heart attack, an
enlargement of the heart and
eventually heart failure. Blood
vessels may develop bulges
(aneurysms) and weak spots
due to high pressure, making
them more likely to clog and
burst. The pressure in the blood
vessels can also cause blood to
leak out into the brain. This can
cause a stroke. Hypertension
can also lead to kidney failure, blindness, rupture of blood vessels and cognitive
impairment.

How Blood Pressure is measured

Blood pressure is measured in millimeters of mercury (mm Hg) and is recorded as two
numbers usually written one above the other. The upper number is the systolic blood
pressure - the highest pressure in blood vessels when the heart contracts, or beats.
The lower number is the diastolic blood pressure - the lowest pressure in blood vessels
when the heart muscle relaxes. Normal adult blood pressure is dened as a systolic
blood pressure of 120 mm Hg and a diastolic blood pressure of 80 mm Hg.

Hypertension is dened as a systolic blood pressure equal to or above 140 mm Hg

and/or diastolic blood pressure equal to or above 90 mm Hg.

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More than 1 in 3 adults* worldwide have
raised blood pressure – a condition that
causes around half of all deaths from stroke
and heart disease. Complications from
hypertension account for 9.4 million deaths
worldwide every year.

In nearly all high-income countries,

widespread diagnosis and treatment with
low-cost medication have led to a signicant
drop in the proportion of people with raised
blood pressure as well as the average blood
pressure across populations. This has
contributed to a reduction in deaths from
heart disease. For example, the prevalence
of raised blood pressure in the WHO region
of the Americas in 2014 was 18%, as
compared to 31% in 1980.

*
In contrast, low-income countries have the highest prevalence of raised blood
pressure. In the WHO African region, more than 30% of adults in many countries are
estimated to have high blood pressure. This proportion is increasing and the average
blood pressure levels in this region are much higher than global averages.

Many people with high blood pressure in developing countries are not aware of their
disease. Those who are diagnosed may not have access to treatment and may not be
able to successfully control their illness over the long term. It contributes to the
burden of heart disease, stroke and kidney failure and premature mortality and
disability.

DETECTION

TREATMENT

CONTROL

Detection, treatment and control of hypertension is an important health priority

worldwide.

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& Blood Pressure
 Symptoms
Most hypertensive people have no symptoms at all; this is why it is known as the
“silent killer”.
Sometimes hypertension causes symptoms such as headache, shortness of breath,
dizziness, chest pain, palpitations of the heart and nose bleeds. It can be dangerous
to ignore such symptoms, but neither can they be relied upon to signify hypertension.
Hypertension is a serious warning sign that signicant lifestyle changes are required.

Hypertension is divided into primary (essential) and secondary hypertension.

Primary or essential hypertension-
When the underlying cause cannot be determined, this type of high blood pressure is
called "essential hypertension”. It accounts for 90-95% of adult cases of
hypertension. It has been linked to certain risk factors. It may develop as a result of
environmental or genetic causes. Obesity, diabetes, and heart disease also have
genetic components and contribute to hypertension.

Secondary hypertension-
When a direct cause for high blood pressure can be identied, the condition is
described as secondary hypertension.

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Causes of Hypertension :
About 2-10% of high blood pressure cases are due to an underlying condition or
cause such as-

ª Renal parenchymal diseases (2.5-6%),

ª Vascular causes (.2-4%),
ª Endocrine causes (1-2%)
ª Exogenous(administration of steroids, oral contraceptive use),
ª Endogenous( primary hyperaldosteronism, cushing syndrome,pheochromocytoma,
congenital adrenal hyperplasia),
ª Drugs and toxins (alcohol, cocaine, non-steroidal anti-inammatory drugs(NSAID),
nicotine, decongestant containing ephedrine, herbal remedies containing licorice or
ephedrine).
ª Other causes include pregnancy induced hypertension,
ª Obstructive sleep apnea.

Risk Factors :
Risk factors for developing high blood pressure are-

Lack of physical
activity.
Poor diet- consumption
Family history- of food containing too
High blood pressure much salt and fat & not
can run in a family. Hypertension
eating enough fruits and
/High Blood vegetables.
Advanced age- Pressure Overweight and obesity.
Factors Heavy and too much
Risk of high
blood pressure consumption of alcohol.
increases with age. Possible contributing
factors-
poor stress
Gender- High blood management, smoking
pressure is more and second hand smoke,
common in young and sleep apnea.
middle aged men, while higher Pre-hypertension : (blood pressure slightly
proportion of women suffer from higher than normal) increases the risk of
hypertension late in life due to developing hypertension in the future.
post-menopausal changes. Diabetes mellitus-About 60% of people who
have diabetes also have high blood pressure.

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 Blood Pressure Levels :

Normal

At Risk
(Pre - hypertension)

High

Checking blood pressure and adopting a healthy lifestyle is a critical step in preventing
and treating hypertension. Once you are diagnosed with Hypertension or High Blood
Pressure you are suggested not to ignore it and besides adopting a healthy lifestyle
consult a doctor for good care.

Have you checked yours ?

Get yourself checked before complications strike.

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Disclaimer : The content given here is purely informative & educational in nature and should not be
construed as medical advice. Kindly use the content only in consultation with a certied medical or
healthcare professional.