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Symptoms of Hypertension: 

Medical research into the matter has still not been able to ascertain any noticeable high blood pressure symptoms. One of the most noticeable hypertension symptom, though, occurs when a patient’s blood pressure spikes suddenly. While this can vary from case to case, most patients suffering from high blood pressure can display symptoms like headaches, shortness of breath or nosebleeds. 

Diagnosis of Hypertension:  

Measuring blood pressure is the most important way to diagnose hypertension. It should be noted, though, that blood pressure can increase or decrease due to age, heart condition, emotions, activity and the medications you may be prescribed. 

Thus, most doctors will not diagnose you on the basis of a single high reading. In most cases, your doctor will suggest blood pressure measurement at different times of the day, while you are resting comfortably. 

Causes of Hypertension: 

Before delving into the cause of this medical condition, it is important to understand the different types of high blood pressure that a patient can be suffering from. There are two types of high blood pressure. This includes: 

1. Primary Hypertension: There is no identifiable cause of high blood pressure in most adults. For the most part, this high blood pressure type can develop gradually over many years. 

2. Secondary Hypertension: Some patients suffer from high blood pressure due to an underlying condition. This high blood pressure type normally appears suddenly. A number of conditions can be termed as high blood pressure causes, including: 

• Obstructive sleep apnoea
• Kidney problems
• Adrenal gland tumours
• Thyroid problems 
• Congenital defects in blood vessels
• Certain forms of medication, such as birth control pills, cold remedies, decongestants, over-the-counter pain relievers and even some prescription drugs
• Illegal drugs like amphetamines and cocaine. 
• Alcohol abuse or chronic alcohol use

Treatment of High Blood Pressure:

The most effective method of high blood pressure treatment is a change to your lifestyle. Your doctor may prescribe a healthy diet with less salt, regular exercise and maintaining a healthy weight. In addition, you may be required to make other lifestyle differences like giving up on smoking. 

In many cases, such changes may not be enough to control your blood pressure. In such cases, your doctor may also recommend medication to help lower your blood pressure. 

These forms of medication can include: 

1. Diuretics, also called as water pills, which can act on your kidney to help your body get rid of sodium and water, thus helping to reduce blood volume. 
2. Beta Blockers, which will help to reduce the workload on your heart and also open up your blood vessels, causing your heart to beat slower and with less force. 
3. Calcium Channel Blockers, which help to relax the muscles of your blood vessels, or reduce your heart rate. 
4. Renin inhibitors can help to slow down the production of renin, which is an enzyme produced by the kidneys that increases blood pressure. 

The Apollo Clinic Experience:

At Apollo Clinic, our team of specialists work to reduce or delay incidence of high blood pressure. Our expert cardiologists and internalists also work towards minimising complications in patients who are already suffering from hypertension. If you feel that you, or someone you know, may be suffering from high blood pressure, get in touch with one of our experts immediately.