PARKWAYHEALTH
High blood pressure is known as the silent killer as you can have high blood pressure for years without any symptoms. Learn about its causes and symptoms.
As the name suggests, blood pressure is the measure of the force of blood pushing against the blood vessel walls.
01
What is normal blood pressure
Your blood pressure reading reflects the amount of blood your heart pumps (stroke volume) and the amount of resistance to blood flow in your arteries.
The reading is given in millimeters of mercury (mmHg) and has two numbers. The first number is called the systolic pressure (peak pressure), and the second, diastolic pressure (the trough reading).
According to American guidelines, blood pressure readings fall into several categories:
- Normal blood pressure: Below 120 / 80 mmHg
- Elevated blood pressure: 120 C 129 / 80 mmHg
- Stage 1 hypertension: 130 C 139 / 80 C 89 mmHg
- Stage 2 hypertension: 140 / 90 mmHg
- Hypertension crisis: >180 / 120 mmHg
02
What are the causes of high blood pressure
There are two types of high blood pressure:
Primary (essential) hypertension
Most adults have no identifiable cause of high blood pressure. This type of high blood pressure is known as primary or essential hypertension. It tends to develop gradually over many years.
Secondary hypertension
In some people, their high blood pressure is caused by an underlying condition. This type of high blood pressure is called secondary hypertension. Some of the conditions and medications that can lead to secondary hypertension include:
- Obstructive sleep apnea
- Kidney disease
- Adrenal gland tumors
- Thyroid problems
- Congenital blood vessel defects
- Birth control pills, cold medications, decongestants, pain relievers, and some prescription drugs
- Illegal drugs, such as cocaine and amphetamines
03
What are the risk factors of high blood pressure
High blood pressure, also called hypertension, simply means that the heart is working extra hard to pump blood around the body. This may cause thickening and weakening of the heart muscle over time. It is also associated with hardening of the arteries, resulting in stroke and heart attack.
According to a 2018 article in the American Heart Association, 23.2% (244.5 million) of Chinese adults (age >18 and greater) population have hypertension. Another 41.3% (435.3 million) have pre-hypertension. However, only 46.9% were aware they had high blood pressure. According to the WHO, only 13.8% of patients have their condition under control.
But what are the most common hypertension causes? In 95% of cases, hypertension causes are unknown.
The following are risk factors for high blood pressure.
Kidney disease
Kidney diseases are one of the more common causes associated with high blood pressure.
Diabetes
Diabetes can damage arteries and cause the walls of the blood vessels to harden. That can cause high blood pressure, which if not treated, can increase your chance of developing heart disease, a stroke, and other complications.
Obesity
Body mass index (BMI) is positively correlated with hypertension, especially if more than 25.
Diet
You are what you eat, which is certainly the case for high blood pressure. Consuming processed or pre-packaged foods, or even adding too much salt, will boost your sodium intake
Family history
Sometimes, hypertension runs in the family.
04
What are the symptoms of high blood pressure
Most people with high blood pressure show no signs or symptoms. In some people with severe high blood pressure (a hypertensive crisis), the following might be seen:
- Severe headaches
- Shortness of breath
- Nosebleeds
- Nausea and vomiting
- Severe anxiety
- Confusion and vision problems
- Severe chest pain
- Seizures
- Unresponsiveness
05
How to measure your blood pressure
Blood pressure is best measured at rest in a quiet environment, using a monitor that consists of an inflatable arm cuff and a pressure-measuring gauge.
Your blood pressure reading should be taken at least every two years, starting at age 18. If you are 40 years or older or aged between 18 and 39 with a high risk of high blood pressure, a reading should be taken every year.
Your doctor will likely recommend more frequent readings if you have been diagnosed with high blood pressure or if you have other risk factors for cardiovascular disease.
Visit your doctor for a routine health check-up and get your blood pressure reading taken.
06
How to check your blood pressure at home
You can also monitor your blood pressure at home, especially to confirm if you have high blood pressure, or check if your blood pressure medications are working.
Home blood pressure monitors are widely available and can be purchased from pharmacies and other shops that sell medical devices. When purchasing a monitor, make sure it is a validated device. You can ask your doctor or pharmacist for advice if you are unsure. Also, check that the cuff is the right size for your arm.
Follow these steps to take accurate blood pressure readings at home:
- Dont smoke, drink caffeinated beverages, or exercise within 30 minutes before measuring your blood pressure.
- Be still. Empty your bladder and ensure at least 5 minutes of quiet rest before taking a reading.
- Sit correctly. Sit with your back straight and supported. Place your feet flat on the floor, and your legs should not be crossed. Your arm should be supported on a flat surface, such as a table, with the upper arm at heart level.
Article reviewed by Dr. PJ Chiang, Family Physician at ParkwayHealth Suzhou
For your peace of mind, talk to a family physician today. Tomake an appointment, please contact us at 400-819-6622 (Shanghai) or 0512-67903490(Suzhou), or Click Here for online appointment with Dr. PJ Chiang, Family Physician at ParkwayHealth Suzhou
Copyright: Health Plus an online health and wellness web resource developed by Parkway Singapore https://www.mountelizabeth.com.sg/healthplus/article/5-causes-of-high-blood-pressure
References:
High Blood Pressure. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.healthhub.sg/a-z/diseases-and-conditions/53/highbloodpressure
High Blood Pressure (Hypertension). (2020, January 16) Retrieved December 28, 2020, from https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/high-blood-pressure/symptoms-causes/syc-20373410
Hypertensive Crisis: What are the Symptoms? (2019, January 26) Retrieved December 28, 2020, from https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/high-blood-pressure/expert-answers/hypertensive-crisis/faq-20058491
Monitoring Your Blood Pressure at Home. (2017, November 30) Retrieved December 28, 2020, from https://www.heart.org/en/health-topics/high-blood-pressure/understanding-blood-pressure-readings/monitoring-your-blood-pressure-at-home
Wang Zengwu, et al. Status of Hypertension in China. Circulation, vol. 137, no. 22, American Heart Association, May 2018, pp. 2344C56. ahajournals.org (Atypon), doi:10.1161/CIRCULATIONAHA.117.032380.
Hypertension. https://www.who.int/westernpacific/health-topics/hypertension. Accessed 13 Apr. 2021.
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