Lesson 1 - What is Hypertension?

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Unfortunately, there really aren't any symptoms of hypertension in the sense that there are symptoms for other health problems, such as diabetes. For instance, with diabetes, you might experience extreme thirst, frequent urination, blurry eyesight, and so on, prompting you to ask your doctor about it. Instead, hypertension is often left undiagnosed until you have reason to go to your doctor, and find that your blood pressure readings are high on a consistent basis. In short, those with high blood pressure usually do not feel sick. For this reason, hypertension is often called "the silent killer." If left untreated, it can damage the kidneys and raise the chance of stroke, heart attack or other cardiovascular (meaning "heart and vessels") problems. This is why it is so very important that you see your doctor on a regular basis.

Research shows that a number of factors go into the development of hypertension. Both age and family history play a role in the likelihood of developing the condition. However, modifications in lifestyle and behavior are the best way to control hypertension should you get it, as well as to prevent it from developing all together. Everyone, regardless of race, age, sex or family history can help lower his or her chance of developing hypertension by:

• Maintaining a healthy weight, and losing weight if needed
• Regular participation in physical activity
• Following a healthy diet and choosing foods lower in salt
• Drinking alcoholic beverages in moderation (if at all)

We can’t necessarily control our family history, and certainly not our age! But we can control these elements of our lifestyle and behavior in order to live a healthier life, and perhaps decrease our chances of developing this serious condition.

Because hypertension is so common, everyone should have his or her blood pressure tested at least once a year. This should be done at your annual check-up. Having your blood pressure checked is quick, easy and painless. It is usually done with a blood pressure cuff, gauge (or mercury indicator), and stethoscope. Your doctor may take your blood pressure several times in one visit. If your doctor finds a consistently elevated reading, you may be asked to come into the office again within the next couple of months, or, if white-coat hypertension is suspected, your doctor may request that you take your pressure in a non-medical setting. If your blood pressure is consistently above the 140/90 mm Hg measurement, some form of treatment — behavior modifications or perhaps, medication — will be prescribed.

There are certainly different levels of essential hypertension, depending on how elevated your blood pressure actually is. As mentioned, any blood pressure reading over 140/90 mm Hg is considered high. This particular reading is considered Stage 1. There are three more successive stages from there to help classify hypertension patients by severity. To give you an idea of the stage boundaries, Stage 4 hypertension indicates a blood pressure measurement of 210/120 mm Hg and above. Of course, having a reading like this would put you in severe danger.

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