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The terms high blood pressure and hypertension are used interchangeably for the same condition. Blood pressure that excessively strains artery walls can be categorised as high blood pressure and hypertension. This blog explores how they differ, with an in-depth breakdown of hypertension symptoms, risks, and treatment.
Synopsis
The Silent Killer: Hypertension Symptoms
The onset of hypertension usually doesn’t manifest any symptoms, particularly in the early stages of the condition, even though their blood pressure levels are elevated. That’s why it's important to measure your BP regularly.
Some people with constant high BP readings or during a hypertensive crisis (180/120 mm HG or higher) may experience some hypertension symptoms. However, these symptoms can also be related to other conditions and thus are not ideal for diagnosing hypertension.
Rare symptoms of severe high blood pressure can include:
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Severe headaches
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Nosebleeds
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Severe anxiety
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Nausea or vomiting
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Blurred vision or other vision changes
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Sudden dizziness or fatigue
High Blood Pressure Vs Hypertension: Are They the Same?
High BP and hypertension are two terms that refer to elevated blood pressure.
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This is a more general term and can refer to any elevated blood pressure, whether it's temporary or sustained. It may also refer to blood pressure readings that are slightly higher than normal but not yet classified as hypertension. It can be temporary due to stress, diet, or physical activity, and can sometimes return to normal levels without treatment. |
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Hypertension |
Hypertension is a chronic medical condition and more serious as blood pressure consistently remains elevated over time. It is classified into different stages to gauge its severity. Stage 1 hypertension indicates moderately high blood pressure, while Stage 2 hypertension is more severe and poses significant risks to your heart and overall health. Stage 2 hypertension often requires long-term medical intervention, including lifestyle changes and possibly medication, to manage and prevent long-term damage. |
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Diagnosis of Hypertension |
A diagnosis of hypertension is made when your blood pressure readings consistently exceed 130/80 mm Hg, which indicates chronic high blood pressure that requires long-term management. |
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Risk & Complications |
While elevated blood pressure can sometimes be managed with lifestyle changes, hypertension increases the risk of severe complications if not managed under a doctor’s guidance. |
The Effects of High Blood Pressure on Your Body
Untreated high BP can have numerous side effects on your body. Understanding how elevated blood pressure can impact your health is essential to prevent long-term damage. Here are some of the effects of high blood pressure on the body:
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Heart Damage: Chronic hypertension puts added strain on your heart, which can eventually lead to heart failure, coronary artery disease, or a heart attack.
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Stroke Risk: Prolonged high BP increases the risk of stroke by damaging the blood vessels in the brain and causing blockages or ruptures.
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Kidney Problems: Hypertension is one of the leading causes of kidney disease, as it can damage the blood vessels in your kidneys, leading to kidney failure.
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Vision Problems: High BP can damage the blood vessels in your eyes, causing vision problems or even blindness in extreme cases.
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Aneurysms: Hypertension can weaken the blood vessel walls, causing an aneurysm, a bulging blood vessel that could burst, leading to life-threatening consequences.
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Cognitive Decline: Long-term hypertension has been linked to cognitive impairment and may increase the risk of dementia due to reduced blood flow to the brain.
Managing Hypertension: Treatment and Lifestyle Changes
Managing hypertension involves both medical treatment and lifestyle changes. Early intervention is crucial to controlling hypertension symptoms and reducing the risk of complications. Here are some strategies for hypertension management:
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Medication: Doctors may prescribe medications such as ACE inhibitors, beta-blockers, or diuretics to control blood pressure and reduce strain on your heart.
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Healthy Diet: Eating a balanced diet low in sodium, saturated fats, and processed foods can help manage high BP. The DASH (Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension) diet is recommended.
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Exercise Regularly: Regular physical activity, such as walking, swimming, or cycling, can help maintain a healthy weight and lower blood pressure.
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Reduce Stress: Chronic stress can raise blood pressure. Relaxation techniques like meditation, deep breathing, and yoga can help manage stress.
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Limit Alcohol and Quit Smoking: Reducing alcohol consumption and quitting smoking can significantly lower hypertension and reduce the risk of related complications.
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Monitor Blood Pressure Regularly: Regularly checking your blood pressure at home can help you stay on track with treatment and ensure your medications work effectively.
Conclusion
Understanding high blood pressure and recognising its symptoms is crucial for maintaining good overall health. Hypertension can often be managed through lifestyle changes, with careful monitoring and medical treatment. If you experience any hypertension symptoms, don’t hesitate to consult an experienced cardiologist in Bhubaneswar for a proper diagnosis and treatment plan.
FAQ's
While elevated blood pressure levels can often be managed or controlled with medications and lifestyle changes, hypertension is usually a lifelong condition that requires ongoing treatment.
High blood pressure is defined as a reading above 130/80 mm Hg, but this can vary based on your doctor’s assessment.
Hypertension Stage 2 refers to more severe high blood pressure, where readings are consistently 140/90 mm Hg or higher, requiring more intensive treatment.
Reducing sodium intake, exercising regularly, limiting alcohol, quitting smoking, and eating a heart-healthy diet are all effective ways to control and manage elevated blood pressure levels.
Yes, chronic stress can contribute to rising blood pressure by causing hormonal fluctuations that raise your heart rate and tighten blood vessels.
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