High blood pressure
Monday, 5. December 2011 - 1:05 am
What is high blood pressure?
Of the disease of “hypertension” about 15 to 20 percent of the world’s adult population are affected. The likelihood of disease increases with age. In Germany, according to the German Hypertension Society, one in five over 40-year-olds affected, representing 12 to 15 million people in Germany.
High blood pressure is also known as high blood pressure or hypertension. It occurs when a blood pressure of 140/90 mm Hg is exceeded (millimeters of mercury pressure = physical unit). As an ideal, a blood pressure of 120/80 mm Hg is, 130/85 mm Hg are optimal nor Even a blood pressure that goes on beyond this optimal threshold, is suspected of causing damage.
High blood pressure should be treated in any case, since he is considered an important risk factor for vascular disease, renal failure and heart attack. Untreated, it is in Western industrialized nations, the most common cause of disability and death. Concerned should seek medical care and therefore comply with the prescribed treatment by their doctor.
symptoms
People who suffer from high blood pressure remarkably, the disease often is not long, because it can run pain-free for decades. And after several years of illness occurring complaints such as headaches, nose bleeds, or ringing in the ears, are nonspecific.
Attention affected are usually only when complications caused by hypertension occur in the form of organ damage. Then shortness of breath, shortness of breath or chest pain can occur due to damage of the heart. Blurred vision or sensitivity disturbances indicate circulatory disorders of the brain. Other symptoms that can occur are sweating, anxiety, convulsions, paralysis and vomiting.
Since blood pressure is often not noticeable because of symptoms makes, you should check your blood pressure at least once a year with your doctor or pharmacist to prevent serious complications from an undetected disease progression.
causes
Blood pressure depends on two factors: the pumping of the heart and the diameter of blood vessels. In particular arteries that carry blood away from the heart, can constrict and expand, as their vessel wall layers are composed of muscle tissue. By the narrowing of the vessels increases the pressure. In older people decreases the elasticity of blood vessels, reducing blood pressure to rise.
More than 80 percent of these patients suffer from primary or essential hypertension. When they can find no organic cause for the elevated blood pressure. In these cases, including genetic predisposition, poor diet, lack of exercise and stress as factors that favor the disease. When risks are obesity, diabetes, elevated cholesterol, smoking and a diet too rich in salt. Usually work together more of the above problems.
Trigger for the secondary high blood pressure under which suffer the remaining ten to 20 percent, are specific organic lesions. The primary cause may lie in a disease of the kidneys, in the regulation of blood pressure play an important role. Also coming disease of the heart and circulatory system, such as vasoconstriction, hormonal imbalances or problems in the central nervous system in question.
When a doctor’s visit?
Get medical attention immediately, you should do if the following symptoms:
- blurred vision
- dizziness
- Impairment of consciousness
- severe shortness of breath
- Tightness in the chest
These symptoms indicate a hypertensive crisis (sudden, extremely severe blood pressure rise) to. It is an emergency that requires immediate medical treatment.
Otherwise, you should let your blood pressure regularly checked by your doctor or pharmacist as high blood pressure often remains undetected for years. You can even measure your blood pressure. Seek advice from your doctor and to proceed to occur in treatment, if several measurements at elevated levels.
Even if the disease can run for long periods without symptoms, it is dangerous. Remember: If left untreated, can cause high blood pressure serious complications and reduce your life expectancy considerably. In western industrialized countries, more people die from the effects of high blood pressure and cancer.
There are some complaints that may indicate the disease and you should clarify your doctor. These include headache, dizziness, nosebleeds, chest pain, shortness of breath and visual impairment.