What Is Hypertension?
Posted on November 28, 2008, under Health.
Blood pressure (BP) is a pressure generated in the peripheral channels (arteries) during contraction of and relaxation of heart muscles (systolic and diastolic).Clinically, BP is measured by an instrument knows as Sphygmomanometer.It is measured at the level of the blood channel in the forearm and expressed as mm Hg systolic (upper) and diastolic (lower) BP.The average normal blood pressure is 120/80 in an adult.
When the pressure is higher than the upper limit of the normal range, it is termed as hypertension.It affects both systolic and diastolic blood pressure it is referred as systolic hypertension.
How to control hypertension?
There are various mechanisms responsible for regulation of BP such as neuro hormonal mechanisms.These are mediated by chemicals such as rennin and angiotensin which reduces the diameter of the arteries.There is aldosterone which retains salt and water.Catecholamines such as adrenaline and noradrenalin are the primary source of rennin and aldesterone which increase the arterial resistance consequently increasing the blood pressure.
Is there a fluctuation in BP during daily activities?
Yes.Blood pressure may be elevated with anxiety, hostility, anger and exercise or through excessive consumption of tea, coffee and tobacco, and also during sexual activity.
How common is Hypertension in India?
Hypertension is a common health problem, with 24% of people suffering after the age of 30, 50% after the age of 55 and 60% after the age of 65.Nearly 60% of people are usually unaware that they are suffering from BP and discover it during check-up.Hypertension has no symptoms in the early stages and is thus known as a silent killer.
What are the common causes?
Some of the common causes are negative stress, excessive consumption of salt, alcohol, fat rich diet, smoking, obesity, lack of exercise, oral contraceptive pills, environmental and uncontrolled diabetes.
