Hypertension

Hypertension, also known as high blood pressure, is a medical condition where a person’s blood pressure is chronically elevated.  Blood pressure is the force of blood against artery walls and is recorded as the pressure when the heart beats (systolic) and when it relaxes (diastolic).  There is no universally agreed definition of hypertension although blood pressure is described by the Mayo clinic as, "normal if it's below 120/80 mmHg.” 

Hypertension is the most common cause of cardiac failure in many societies and a major risk factor for atherosclerosis (narrowing of the blood vessels).  It is classified as either primary hypertension, for which there is no discernible cause, or secondary hypertension, which is a result of a pre-existing condition.  These are further described as essential or malignant hypertension depending on the progression of the illness.  All are equally serious consequences if not managed properly.

It has been well document that people with the symptoms of childhood diabetes or type 2 diabetes have a higher rate of hypertension symptoms than would be expected in the general population. Regardless of the anti-hypertensive agent that is used a reduction in blood the patients blood pressure helps to prevent many diabetic complications.

Essential Hypertension: This is also known as benign hypertension or primary hypertension.  Usually, essential hypertension is discovered only during routine medical examination by a general practitioner and has no specific medical cause.  This type of hypertension progressively worsens over time exhibiting gradual organ damage.

Hypertension:  Malignant hypertension is a serious condition necessitating prompt treatment to reduce organ damage or the risk of sudden death from cerebral hemorrhage.  Characteristic features of malignant hypertension is chronically raised blood pressure, progressive organ failure especially kidneys and the eyes.

Secondary hypertension results from damage to specific organs.  These primarily are the kidney and lung.  However, various diseases of the eye, heart, and liver also cause different forms of secondary hypertension with specific symptoms and effects.

Long standing hypertension produces generalized disease of small blood vessels in addition to narrowing of blood vessels.  The kidneys, lungs, and eyes possess very small arteries and therefore very susceptible to damage due to hypertension.  Hypertension can be controlled by maintaining healthy body weight, regular exercise, a healthy diet low in salt, and use of alcohol in moderation.

Hypertension