Hipertensión: Síntomas, diagnóstico y tratamiento

Overview of High Blood Pressure

High blood pressure, also known as hypertension, is a common condition that affects millions of people worldwide. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), it's estimated that around 1.13 billion people globally have high blood pressure. This condition occurs when the force of blood pushing against the walls of the arteries is consistently too high.

Causes of Hypertension

Several factors contribute to the development of high blood pressure:

• Age: As individuals age, their blood vessels become stiffer, which can lead to increased blood pressure.
• Genetic Factors: Certain genes may predispose an individual to develop hypertension.
• Dietary Habits: Consuming excessive amounts of salt, alcohol, and saturated fats, along with low intake of fruits and vegetables, may increase blood pressure.
• Physical Inactivity: Lack of regular physical activity can contribute to higher blood pressure due to reduced vascular endurance.
• Obesity: Excess body weight, particularly visceral fat (fat surrounding organs), has been linked to raised blood pressure.
• Stress: Chronic stress can cause hormonal changes leading to increased heart rate and constriction of blood vessels, resulting in high blood pressure.

Symptoms of Hypertension

Often referred to as the "silent killer," hypertension typically does not present any noticeable symptoms until complications arise. However, some individuals might experience mild headaches, dizziness, and shortness of breath.

Diagnosis of Hypertension

Blood pressure measurements are essential to diagnose hypertension. Two sets of measurements are taken, each separated by a few minutes. If either measurement is above the normal range (greater than or equal to 130 mmHg systolic or greater than or equal to 80 mmHg diastolic) on both occasions, the person is considered to have hypertension.

Treatment of Hypertension

Treatment strategies involve lifestyle modifications, medication, and sometimes surgery. These approaches aim to reduce risk factors associated with elevated blood pressure while improving overall cardiovascular health:

• Lifestyle Modifications: Maintaining a healthy diet, engaging regularly in aerobic exercises, reducing sodium consumption, limiting alcohol, quitting smoking, and managing stress levels are crucial steps in controlling hypertension.
• Medications: Various drugs like ACE inhibitors, beta blockers, and calcium channel blockers are used to manage blood pressure.
• Surgery: Surgeries such as renal denervation are occasionally employed in severe cases of hypertension where medications fail to produce adequate results.

Prevention of Hypertension

Adopting certain habits can help prevent or manage high blood pressure:

• Healthy Diet: Reducing sodium intake, increasing fruit and vegetable consumption, choosing whole grains over refined products, and minimizing processed foods can improve blood pressure control.
• Exercise Regularly: Engaging in regular physical activity helps maintain optimal blood pressure levels.
• Maintain Appropriate Weight: Losing excess pounds, especially waist circumference, reduces the risk of developing high blood pressure.
• Manage Stress: Employing relaxation techniques, meditation, yoga, or other stress management methods promotes better blood vessel function.