For high blood pressure, the pressure in the vessels is increased. This increases the risk of stroke, vascular diseases and other serious heart condition
Overview
Normal blood pressure values ??are 140/90 mmHg. (Also called arterial hypertension) High blood pressure measuring these values ??are exceeded repeatedly or continuously.
High blood pressure occurs mainly as primary hypertension, high blood pressure that is “in itself”. This means that it is not caused by other diseases. Only about ten to fifteen percent of sufferers are specific diseases, such as kidney, adrenal or thyroid gland is the cause (secondary hypertension). With the treatment of these diseases are often also regulated the elevated blood pressure.
The insidious thing is that high blood pressure often initially makes no complaints. He usually remains undetected once. The consequences for health in the long run, however severe. Constantly high pressure load on the heart. He also narrows the blood vessels, accelerating the hardening of the arteries (atherosclerosis), and thus impairs the blood circulation.
Therefore, high blood pressure leading risk factor for stroke and next of diabetes (diabetes mellitus) and dyslipidaemia a major cause of heart disease such as heart attack and heart failure. The risk for disability and death is significantly increased with high blood pressure with these complications.
Also, kidney and eye diseases are often due to high blood pressure. As a result, it can lead to kidney failure and vision impairment, blindness at worst.
Symptoms: In the course of time, usually occur initially only on general symptoms such as dizziness, headache, palpitations, or stumble, nervousness and insomnia. Other symptoms depend on possible vascular and organ damage. Sudden blurred vision, double vision can also be, for example, a warning sign of stroke, immediately go to the doctor!
Diagnosis: Repeated pressure measurements can confirm the diagnosis. In addition to the heart, the metabolism, the kidneys, the eyes may also be reviewed. Rarely have further investigations are necessary.
Treatment: Many drugs can reduce sound and effective high blood pressure. Is a new catheter therapy, are obliterated in the renal nerves by release of high-frequency current (initially only in difficult to treat hypertension, the procedure is generally not yet adopted). “Universal medicine” is a healthy lifestyle. It depends mainly on two points: a balanced, your metabolism is not onerous, as low-salt diet and regular exercise. Low stress, moderate alcohol consumption and not smoking do the rest. If you are overweight you should lose weight permanently. All this helps to keep blood pressure in the “Green Belt” – a good prerequisite for heart and circulatory stay fit.
Following are answered by our expert Professor Dr. Wolfram Delius common questions about high blood pressure. More to the possible causes, risk factors, diagnosis and treatment you read the relevant chapters of this guide (see Overview chapter above or below bar).
Important Note:
This article contains general information only and should not be used for self diagnosis or treatment. It can not replace a doctor’s visit. The answer individual questions from our experts is not possible.
