Arterial Hypertension

• Blood pressure

  The pressure of blood pushing against the walls of arteries. Arteries carry blood from the heart to other parts of our body.
• Blood pressure

  • Normally rises and falls throughout the day
• Systolic blood pressure


  The first number - Measures the pressure in our arteries when our heart beats 120 systolic and 80 diastolic
• Diastolic blood pressure


  The second number - Measures the pressure in our arteries when our heart rests between beats 120 systolic and 80 diastolic
• Blood pressure reading


  120/80 mmHg
• Blood pressure categories

  • Normal blood pressure (120/80 mm Hg or lower)
  • Elevated blood pressure (120-129 mm Hg systolic, below 80 mm Hg diastolic)
  • Stage 1 hypertension (130-139 mm Hg systolic or 80-89 mm Hg diastolic)
  • Stage 2 hypertension (140 mm Hg or higher systolic or 90 mm Hg or higher diastolic)
• A diagnosis of high blood pressure is usually based on the average of two or more readings taken on separate occasions

  
• Isolated systolic hypertension


  The bottom blood pressure reading is normal (less than 80 mm Hg) but the top number is high
• Types of hypertension

  • Primary (idiopathic, essential)
  • Secondary
• Primary (idiopathic, essential) hypertension


  • Multi-factorial, no distinct cause, cannot be cured, most common form (80-90%)
• Secondary hypertension


  • High blood pressure caused by another condition or disease, positive outlook with treatment, 10-15% of cases
• Causes of secondary hypertension


  • Renal vascular or parenchymal disease
  • Adrenal or thyroid gland disease
  • Aortic coarctation
  • Neurological disorder
• Pathology of hypertension

  1. Increased BP -> inflammation, sclerosis of arteriolar walls -> narrowing of vessels -> decreased blood flow to major organs

  2. Left ventricular overwork -> hypertrophy, CHF

  3. Nephrosclerosis -> renal insufficiency, failure

  4. Coronary atherosclerosis -> AMI

  5. Cerebral atherosclerosis -> CVA

  6. Aortic atherosclerosis -> Aortic aneurysm

  7. Retinal hemorrhage -> Blindness
• High blood pressure usually has no warning signs or symptoms, and many people do not know they have it
• Symptoms of severe high blood pressure


  • Shortness of breath
  • Headaches
  • Nose bleeding
  • Dizziness
  • Flushing
  • Chest pain
  • Changes in vision
  • Blood traces in the urine
• Sign and symptoms of high blood pressure are non-specific
• Causes and risk factors of primary hypertension

  • Genes
  • Smoking
  • Obesity
  • High salt intake
  • Alcohol consumption
  • Stress
  • Lack of exercise
  • Aging
• Causes and risk factors of secondary hypertension

  • Obstructive sleep apnea
  • Heart defects
  • Kidney disease
  • Drugs
  • Adrenal and thyroid conditions
• Genetics

  • Family history plays a significant role in determining an individual's risk of developing hypertension
• Unhealthy diet

  • Consuming a diet high in sodium (salt), saturated fats, and cholesterol can contribute to high blood pressure. A diet low in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains may also increase the risk
• Obesity and physical inactivity

  • Being overweight or obese puts extra strain on the heart and increases the risk of hypertension. Lack of physical activity also contributes to high blood pressure
• Smoking

  • Tobacco smoke contains chemicals that can damage blood vessels and lead to high blood pressure. Smoking also reduces the oxygen supply to the heart, increasing heart rate and blood pressure
• Excessive alcohol consumption

  • Can contribute to high blood pressure
• Stress

  • Chronic stress or frequent episodes of acute stress can temporarily elevate blood pressure and contribute to the development and exacerbation of hypertension
• Certain medications

  • Some medications, such as NSAIDs, decongestants, oral contraceptives, and certain antidepressants, can increase blood pressure
• Underlying medical conditions

  • Kidney disease, diabetes and sleep apnea are some conditions that can lead to high blood pressure
• Age

  • Risk of hypertension increases with age
• Ethnicity

  • Some ethnic groups, such as African Americans, are at higher risk of developing hypertension and its complications
• Pregnancy

  • Can sometimes cause high blood pressure
• High blood pressure

  Can damage arteries, decreasing blood and oxygen flow to the heart, leading to heart disease
• High blood pressure


  Can cause chest pain, heart attack, and heart failure
• Symptoms of heart attack

  • Chest pain that goes and returns
  • Chest pain or pressure
  • Feeling weak, light-headed
  • Pain in jaw, neck or back
  • Breaking into a cold sweat
  • Pain in shoulders and arms
  • Shortness of breath
  • Tiredness, nausea or vomiting
• Symptoms of stroke


  • Sudden numbness or weakness in the limbs
  • Sudden confusion, trouble speaking
  • Sudden vision problem
  • Sudden problems with walking
  • Loss of balance
  • Severe headache with no known cause
• High blood pressure


  Can cause kidney damage and chronic kidney disease
• High blood pressure


  Can cause vision problems like hypertensive retinopathy, optic neuropathy, and choroidopathy
• Peripheral arterial disease (PAD)


  A condition where a build-up of fatty deposits in the arteries restricts blood supply to leg muscles
• Types of high blood pressure during pregnancy

  • Chronic hypertension
  • Gestational hypertension
  • Preeclampsia
• Causes of hypertension during pregnancy

  • Being under age 20 or over age 40
  • Having had gestational hypertension or preeclampsia during past pregnancies
  • Having a family history of gestational hypertension
  • Having diabetes or gestational diabetes
  • Having an immune system disorder, such as lupus
  • Having kidney disease
  • Expecting multiple babies
• Blood pressure measurement


  • Many things can affect a blood pressure reading, including nervousness about having it taken
• Preeclampsia


  A serious form of hypertension that also occurs in the latter half of pregnancy. Untreated preeclampsia can cause serious health problems like kidney, liver and brain damage. Preeclampsia can also cause growth problems for the fetus and increase the risk of stillbirth.