What is Hypertension (High Blood Pressure)?
Hypertension, commonly known as high blood pressure, is a condition where the force of blood against the walls of the arteries is consistently too high. This can lead to serious health complications if left untreated. Blood pressure is measured in millimeters of mercury (mm Hg) and is typically recorded as two numbers: systolic pressure (the pressure when the heart beats) over diastolic pressure (the pressure when the heart rests between beats).
Normal blood pressure is usually around 120/80 mm Hg. However, hypertension is diagnosed when blood pressure consistently exceeds 130/80 mm Hg.
Side effects of Hypertension (High Blood Pressure)
If left untreated, hypertension can significantly increase the risk of various health problems, including heart disease, stroke, kidney damage, vision loss, and vascular dementia. It puts added strain on the heart and blood vessels, leading to potential complications such as heart attacks, heart failure, and aneurysms.
How is Hypertension (High Blood Pressure) Diagnosed?
Diagnosing hypertension typically involves multiple blood pressure measurements taken over time. A healthcare professional may use a sphygmomanometer to measure blood pressure, or more advanced methods such as ambulatory blood pressure monitoring or home blood pressure monitoring.
Additionally, they may conduct tests to assess organ damage caused by hypertension, such as urine tests, blood tests, electrocardiograms (ECGs), or echocardiograms.
Potential Treatments of Hypertension (High Blood Pressure)
Treatment for Hypertension aims to lower blood pressure and reduce the risk of complications. In Germany, treatment options may include:
1. Lifestyle Modifications: Adopting a healthy lifestyle can play a significant role in managing hypertension. This includes maintaining a healthy weight, engaging in regular physical activity, following a balanced diet low in sodium and saturated fats, limiting alcohol consumption, and quitting smoking.
2. Medications: Various medications are available to help lower blood pressure. These may include diuretics, ACE inhibitors, angiotensin II receptor blockers (ARBs), calcium channel blockers, beta-blockers, and others. The choice of medication depends on factors such as the severity of hypertension, presence of other medical conditions, and individual response to treatment.
3. Interventional Procedures: In some cases, interventional procedures may be recommended to treat hypertension. These procedures may include renal denervation, where the nerves in the kidneys are disrupted to lower blood pressure, or angioplasty, where narrowed arteries are widened to improve blood flow.
4. Regular Monitoring and Follow-up: Managing hypertension often requires ongoing monitoring and adjustments to treatment. Patients are typically advised to monitor their blood pressure regularly at home and to attend regular follow-up appointments with their healthcare provider to assess treatment effectiveness and make any necessary changes.
👉 Contact us for further information and receive a complimentary consultation.
