These signs and symptoms of high blood pressure can help you save a life
A common condition in which the blood flow force is high against the artery walls is known as high blood pressure. It is determined by the amount of blood that flows in the arteries and the resistance against the flow. If the arteries are narrow and the blood flow has increased, it is what causes the blood pressure to rise.
High blood pressure may eventually lead to health problems, like heart diseases. Hence, why it is important to get regular blood pressure monitoring done. The worst part of it all is that blood pressure has NO signs and symptoms and is known as a “silent killer” by many medical experts.
Due to having no symptoms, high blood pressure often gets diagnosed later in life. This is where the problem has already been elevated. High blood pressure continues to damage your heart and blood vessels risking you to serious problems such as heart stroke and heart attack.
High blood pressure develops gradually, over the years. And nearly everyone goes through it, early detection is important so that you can control it with the help of your doctors.
Symptoms
As we mentioned before, there are no symptoms of high blood pressure. Even if your blood pressure goes up to dangerously high levels, there is a high possibility that you would not be able to notice any signs or symptoms in your body.
- Some very known symptoms can be shortness of breath, nosebleeds, and even headaches but these usually do NOT happen, and even if they do, it is when things have gotten out of control and the rise in blood pressure has gotten to a life-threatening point. Hence, you require an early diagnosis.
Causes
High blood pressure comes in two types.
- Primary (essential) hypertension: Most adults have no identifiable cause for the increase in blood pressure. High blood pressure gradually develops over the year and this is known as primary (essential) hypertension and is likely to just happen.
- Secondary hypertension: it is likely that some people would suffer from high blood pressure due to an underlying cause. This is known as secondary hypertension and is far riskier than primary blood pressure, in which the level of blood pressure is higher. Different medications and medical conditions can lead to having secondary hypertension, and they are as follows:
- Kidney problems
- Obstructive sleep apnea
- Adrenal gland tumors
- Illegal drugs i.e amphetamines and cocaine.
- Birth defects with congenital heart disease
- Thyroid problems
- Medications such as cold remedy decongestants, birth control pills, OTC painkillers, and other prescription medications as well.
When to visit a doctor?
In each routine appointment, the doctors normally check your blood pressure. When you turn 18, it is important to get your blood pressure monitored at least every 2 years. By the time you reach 30, you should get it checked at least once a year. The highest risk of getting hypertension is at the age of 18 to 40 and above.
- In case you get diagnosed with blood pressure, the doctor will suggest you to get regular blood pressure tests done. This is because patients with blood pressure are at a higher risk of blood pressure.
There are publically available blood pressure monitors, as well. These come with a few limitations and are not suitable for some of the public. There are several factors that come in while determining high blood pressure, so it is always a good idea to get your blood pressure checked by a professional. Head towards your nearest Optima Medical Centre to get your blood pressure monitored.
