What is Blood Pressure and Hypertension?
Blood pressure (tension) is the pressure created in the vessel walls when the heart pumps blood into the body. This pressure is necessary for the health of arteries and for organs to be sufficiently supplied with blood. Hypertension is the condition where this blood pressure is continuously above what is normally accepted.
Hypertension is often called the "silent danger" because it can damage vessels, the heart, brain, and kidneys for years without causing noticeable complaints. Therefore, regularly measuring blood pressure is of great importance.
Causes and Risk Factors of Hypertension
In the majority of hypertension cases (%90-95), a specific underlying cause cannot be identified; this condition is called "Essential (Primary) Hypertension." Multiple factors play a role in its development. The main risk factors are:
- Genetic Predisposition: Having a family history of hypertension increases risk.
- Age: With aging, decreased vessel elasticity can raise blood pressure.
- Overweight and Obesity: An increase in body mass causes the heart to work harder, raising blood pressure.
- High Salt Intake: Excessive sodium consumption leads to fluid retention in the body, increasing blood pressure.
- Sedentary Lifestyle: Lack of regular physical activity increases risk.
- Cigarette and Alcohol Use: Smoking damages vessels, while excessive alcohol consumption also raises blood pressure.
- Stress: Intense and continuous stress can negatively affect blood pressure.
- Certain Diseases: Conditions such as kidney diseases, thyroid problems, and diabetes can also cause hypertension (Secondary Hypertension).
What Are the Symptoms?
Hypertension usually does not cause any symptoms. When symptoms appear, it often means that blood pressure has reached dangerous levels. Possible symptoms include:
- Headaches starting at the base of the skull
- Dizziness
- Palpitations
- Shortness of breath
- Blurred vision
- Nasal bleeding
- Frequent urination
Since these symptoms are not always observed, the absence of symptoms does not mean hypertension is not present.
Diagnosis and Treatment Approach
The diagnosis of hypertension is made when multiple blood pressure measurements taken at regular intervals consistently show high values. The doctor may request home measurements or 24-hour blood pressure monitoring (holter) to confirm the diagnosis.
The primary goal of treatment is to lower blood pressure to target values, reducing the risk of heart attacks, strokes, kidney failure, and other organ damage. Treatment consists of two main components:
- Lifestyle Changes: Healthy diet restricting salt (such as the DASH diet), regular exercise, maintaining an ideal weight, quitting smoking, and limiting alcohol form the foundation of treatment.
- Medication: In cases where lifestyle changes are insufficient or blood pressure is very high, antihypertensive medications prescribed by a doctor are used. Medication treatment usually lasts a lifetime, and adhering strictly to the plan set by the doctor is critically important.
Hypertension is a serious condition requiring personalized treatment and regular medical follow-up.
This content has been translated using artificial intelligence technology.