Hypertension is a term so common that one tends to hear it from time to time; usually associated with someone we might know who hasn’t been doing so well lately. The frequency with which we hear this particular term has somewhat caused the general public to adapt a blasé attitude when it comes to the disease.
Hypertension or high blood pressure is also known as a ‘silent killer’. It is a condition that has no obvious symptoms or easily recognizable signs. As such, it largely remains hidden and can quietly cause a considerable amount of damage to a human’s cardiovascular health without the patient even realizing or experiencing any visibly significant changes.
Most doctors and primary health care givers are of the opinion that the real reason why the people appear too unconcerned about Hypertension and its consequences may be because they are not particularly aware of what it is.
Here is a simple, yet extremely vital explanation as to why you should be very concerned with your cardiovascular health and why you shouldn’t ever ignore hypertension.
What is Hypertension?
In medical terms, we can define hypertension as the condition in which the blood pressures rises about the normal ranges. There are some defined thresholds of the pressures with which the blood pumps out of the body and then pumps back when refilled.
While blood pressure varies according to age, sex, and overall health conditions, the average BP for a relatively healthy person should lie within the range of 120 mmHg systolic and 80 mmHg diastolic.
Extreme changes in blood pressures ranges, such that they exceed certain limits are a cause for concern. If the blood pressures rise above 180 mmHg systolic and 110 mmHg diastolic, the patient is said to have suffered from a Hypertension crisis – which is a serious medical emergency requiring immediate attention.
Causes of Hypertension
Hypertension can be caused by a number of different reasons. Some of the common causes of hypertension include:
- Intense exercise
- High levels of stress
- Obesity
- Diabetes
- Cushing Syndrome
- Hyperthyroidism
- Pregnancy
- Sleep Apnea
Why You Should Never Ignore Hypertension?
As explained earlier, hypertension has no obvious signs and symptoms that patients can pin-point to identify a condition. As such, we highly recommend that every single person, especially those that lead an unhealthy lifestyle with unchecked dietary habits, are physically inactive, or above the age of 30, regularly visit and follow up with their primary care doctor to ensure they remain in the best of health.
When unchecked, hypertension has the potential to lead to the following health problems:
- Angina attack
- Heart attack or Myocardial Infarction
- Kidney disease or kidney failure
- Heart failure
- Stroke
- Peripheral Artery Diseaseor Hypertension-related arteriosclerosis
- Loss of Vision
- Sexual dysfunction
To rule out hypertension as a possible condition you might be suffering from, and to ensure a perfect bill of health, visit Dr. Shalin Parikh at irvingprimarycare.comfor a complete check-up. To set up an appointment call 469-262-5762 or visit www.healthonemedicine.com for more information.