Hypertension - The Invisible Disorder

The World Hypertension League declared May 17, World Hypertension Day in order to increase awareness of the dangers lurking in this oftentimes hidden disorder and the importance of its prevention.

Hypertonia, or high blood pressure, is one of the most prevalent disorders of our age.  The biggest danger of hypertension is that it is often symptom free, making diagnosis possible only when serious complications or stroke have developed.   The cause is often unknown; however, there are several factors such as the lack of regular physical activity, a poor diet and smoking that can increase the likelihood of hypertension.  Judit Nagy, MD mentions the most prevalent causes and the manner in which the disorder can be prevented.

„We speak of high blood pressure disorder when the high values measured remain constant and the blood pressure does not return to the normal range.  Thus, in order to diagnose the disorder, it is necessary to take several consecutive measurements to ascertain whether it is, indeed, hypertension.  The disorder can be treated with medication, but, as in many other disorders, prevention also plays a very significant part in this disorder.” said Dr. Nagy.

The most prevalent symptoms of hypertension, among others, is headaches, vision disturbance, nose bleeds or chest pain.  High blood pressure can seriously damage the heart, the kidneys, the brain, and without any forewarning, cause blindness or even heart attacks.  Since most of the time the disorder has no symptoms, regular screenings are extremely important.

Genetic factors play an important part in the development of hypertension, and stress, improper life style, smoking, obesity, large amounts of coffee and alcohol consumption all are further risk factors.  When setting up the diagnosis, it is important to discover any disorders that may be causing the high blood pressure, such as, kidney and thyroid disorders.  If these disorders are diagnosed and treated early, the blood pressure could also be returned to normal.  

Those suffering from high blood pressure, should have a complete life style change and introduce regular physical activity, with the possibility, in the long run, to reduce it to normal.  The cause of hypertension is 90% essential, that is to say, it belongs to the "we don’t know the cause of the disorder group", that is, the consequence of stress and the already listed life style problems.  High blood pressure is a secondary cause in only 10% of the hormone abnormalities and kidney disorders.  Weight loss, the moderation of salt intake, giving up smoking, decreasing alcohol intake, and the regular and gradual introduction of physical activity are the five basic pillars of lowering blood pressure.  If life style change is not possible or is not bringing results, or is significantly high, then medication therapy is necessary.  In the event that the hypertension is the result of such disorders as cardiac or kidney disorder, or diabetes, the double risk factor makes more stringent blood pressure monitoring and the lowering of the blood pressure necessary.  Life style change is advised in these cases as well.

The frequent changes in temperature and the successive changes in weather fronts can also affect the fluctuations in blood pressure.   The sudden cold weather is especially dangerous to hypertension sufferers, since during the cold weather, the blood vessels constrict causing the blood pressure to rise.  The pressure usually returns to normal in the Summer, making it possible, following consultation with the doctor, to lower the daily medication.

Check your blood pressure regularly!  When you do so, however, it is not enough to check it once.  Three consecutive readings are recommended with the average taken into consideration, thus, when taking your blood pressure at home, be sure to take it in each arm at least once.  In the case of the elderly, since their blood pressure rhythm shows a higher value in the early morning hours, it would be wise for them to take their blood pressure medication at the start of their day and only then proceed with their morning hygiene and eating.  The regular yearly monitoring includes, examination by an internist including an ECG, laboratory tests and eye examination.   Keeping a blood pressure diary or a yearly 24-hour blood pressure motoring (ABPM) is also recommended for verifying the proper treatment.

„According to official statistics, 20% of the population is in danger of developing hypertension; however, in our daily work, we treat high blood pressure 90% of the time.  The risk of developing it could be decreased with the proper diet and regular physical activity, making it easy to avoid and not have it embitter our daily life.  Regular screening is recommended to those individuals whose family medical history includes hypertension.” added dr. Nagy.