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Hypertension Specialist Northside

With the population growing and people getting older, hypertension is becoming more common in the Brisbane population. Hypertension is characterized by having a blood pressure higher than 130 (systolic) over 80 (diastolic) millimeters of mercury (mmHg). This is the measurement set by the American Heart Association (AHA) in 2017. Hypertension takes place when blood pressure exerted against the wall of the blood vessels cannot be handled by the heart. This can pose serious health conditions, such as stroke and heart attack, if not managed properly.

Hypertension can affect anyone, especially when individuals get older. This condition can be easily detected and be managed, once discovered.

 

What Are the Symptoms of Hypertension?

At the onset, the symptoms may not be evident for some people even if the blood pressure is reaching dangerously high levels.

Others who experience symptoms may encounter the following symptoms but are usually taking place when the blood pressure has reached a life-threatening phase

  • Headaches
  • Shortness of breath
  • Nosebleeds

 

What Causes Hypertension?

It has remained unclear what causes high blood pressure. However, individuals are at an increased risk given the following conditions:

  • Old age (65 years and above)
  • Overweight or obese
  • African or Caribbean descent
  • Have a family history of high blood pressure
  • Taking in too much salt
  • Lack of potassium in the diet
  • Sedentary lifestyle
  • Excessive alcohol or caffeine intake
  • Smoking
  • Lack of sleep
  • Stress

 

Additionally, health researches claim that 1 in every 20 cases of hypertension is brought about by an underlying medical condition or a chronic health condition.

 

Complications of Hypertension?

Being hypertensive for a long period of time may result in atherosclerosis. Atherosclerosis happens when plaques build up in the blood vessels, resulting to obstruction in the flow of blood. As a result, the heart exerts more effort in pumping the blood and delivering it to the different parts of the body.

 

Atherosclerosis can result to the following:

Medicines Available for Hypertension

Once a person has been diagnosed having a high blood pressure, he or she will be prescribed maintenance medications to maintain it at normal levels. The medicines are required to be taken at least once a day.

 

Here are some of the most common hypertension medicines.

  • ACE inhibitors
  • Angiotensin-2 receptor blockers
  • Calcium channel blockers
  • Diuretics
  • Beta-blockers
  • Alpha-blockers
  • Renin inhibitors

 

The prescription will depend on the blood pressure measurement and age of the person diagnosed with hypertension.

Observing a healthy lifestyle by incorporating exercise and balanced diet can greatly help in maintaining low levels of blood pressure. It is also best to regularly see a doctor if the blood pressure has already been determined to exceed the normal levels for maintaining good health condition.

At Ubuntu Medical, we also have WorkCover Doctors.