High blood pressure, also known as arterial hypertension, is a condition where the force of blood against the walls of your arteries is consistently high.

This can lead to health complications such as heart disease, stroke, kidney disease, and other conditions. In this article, we’ll cover everything you need to know about arterial hypertension including its causes, symptoms, diagnosis, treatment, and preventive measures.

Causes of Arterial Hypertension

Arterial hypertension can be caused by a combination of factors such as:.

Genetic factors
Lifestyle factors such as physical inactivity, high salt and alcohol intake, smoking, and stress
Medical conditions such as obesity, sleep apnea, kidney disease, and diabetes
Medications such as birth control pills, decongestants, and some antidepressants

Symptoms of Arterial Hypertension

Arterial hypertension can have no symptoms for a long time, which is why it’s often called a “silent killer.” However, as the condition progresses, some symptoms may appear, including:.

Headaches
Dizziness
Blurred or double vision
Shortness of breath
Chest pain

Diagnosis of Arterial Hypertension

Arterial hypertension can be diagnosed by measuring blood pressure using a sphygmomanometer, a device that measures the pressure in your arteries.

Your doctor will ask you to sit quietly for a few minutes before taking your blood pressure, as physical activity and stress can affect the reading.

A diagnosis of arterial hypertension is made when:.

Your systolic blood pressure (the upper number) is consistently higher than 140 mmHg
Your diastolic blood pressure (the lower number) is consistently higher than 90 mmHg

Treatment of Arterial Hypertension

The treatment of arterial hypertension depends on its severity and underlying cause. Some common treatment options include:.

Lifestyle changes such as weight loss, physical activity, dietary changes, and stress management
Medications such as diuretics, ACE inhibitors, calcium channel blockers, and beta blockers
Surgery in rare cases where the hypertension is caused by a specific health condition such as a tumor in the adrenal gland

Preventing Arterial Hypertension

Preventing arterial hypertension involves making healthy lifestyle choices such as:.

Eating a healthy diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains
Limiting salt, alcohol, and caffeine intake
Quitting smoking
Exercising regularly
Reducing stress

Complications of Arterial Hypertension

If left untreated, arterial hypertension can lead to serious health complications such as:.

Heart disease
Stroke
Kidney disease
Vision loss
Sexual dysfunction

Conclusion

Arterial hypertension is a condition that affects millions of people worldwide. It is important to be aware of the causes, symptoms, and treatment options to prevent serious health complications.

By making healthy lifestyle choices such as eating a healthy diet, exercising regularly, and managing stress, you can reduce your risk of developing arterial hypertension and enjoy better overall health.