What Is Hypertension (High Blood Pressure) and What Causes It? Treatment

Hypertension, commonly known as high blood pressure, is a condition where the force of the blood against your artery walls is consistently higher than what is considered normal. A fundamental indicator of this chronic health issue is a blood pressure reading of 140/90 mmHg or higher, measured at different times while you are at rest. Because it is a disease that progresses silently, regular monitoring and early diagnosis are the most important steps in protecting your heart health.

• A normal blood pressure reading is generally around 120/80 mmHg.
• High blood pressure can lead to serious health problems, such as heart attacks and strokes.
• It is often referred to as a "silent threat" because it rarely shows any early symptoms.
• The treatment process involves lifestyle changes and the use of medication under a physician's supervision.
• Reducing salt intake and maintaining an active lifestyle are highly effective preventive measures.

What Is Hypertension (High Blood Pressure)?

Blood pressure is the result of the force your heart creates when pumping blood into your arteries and the resistance your artery walls offer to this flow. Systolic blood pressure (the top number) refers to the pressure when your heart contracts and pumps blood. Diastolic blood pressure (the bottom number) is the resting pressure in the arteries when the heart muscle relaxes. Although ideal blood pressure values can vary slightly from person to person, medically, anything below 120/80 mmHg is considered normal.

The clearest answer to the question "what is hypertension?" is when this pressure remains consistently high, beginning to damage the inner walls of the blood vessels. This condition, which can be seen in one out of every three adults, becomes more common as we age and our blood vessels lose their elasticity. Over time, high pressure disrupts the internal structure of the arteries, paving the way for blockages or ruptures. Therefore, keeping blood pressure consistently within the ideal range is a critical requirement for the healthy functioning of all your organs.

Causes and Risk Factors of High Blood Pressure

The causes of high blood pressure are fundamentally divided into two main categories: primary (essential) and secondary hypertension. Primary hypertension, which accounts for more than ninety percent of cases, does not have a single definitive cause; it develops gradually over the years through a combination of genetic predisposition, aging, and lifestyle factors. Secondary hypertension, on the other hand, appears suddenly due to an underlying medical condition, such as kidney disease, thyroid problems, sleep apnea, or adrenal gland tumors.

Lifestyle and Environmental Factors

Dietary habits have a direct impact on blood pressure. Excessive salt consumption, in particular, causes the body to retain water, increasing the intravascular volume and, consequently, the pressure. For more detailed information on this topic, you can read our article titled The Effects of Salt on Blood Pressure and Overall Health. In addition, excess weight forces the heart to exert more effort to pump blood. A sedentary lifestyle, chronic stress, and heavy smoking and alcohol consumption are also among the most significant risk factors that deteriorate vascular health and pave the way for elevated blood pressure.

What Are the Symptoms of Hypertension?

Hypertension can often progress for years without showing any symptoms. Many people only discover they have high blood pressure during a routine health check-up or when the disease has advanced enough to start damaging organs. However, when blood pressure reaches dangerous levels, the body begins to send out certain warning signals.

While the symptoms of high blood pressure vary from person to person, the most common complaints encountered when blood pressure rises excessively include:

• Severe, throbbing headaches, especially starting at the base of the neck.
• Unexplained and recurrent nosebleeds.
• Ringing, buzzing, or a feeling of fullness in the ears.
• A sensation of tightness in the chest, palpitations, and irregular heart rhythms.
• Fatigue that sets in quicker than normal and shortness of breath during physical activity.
• Blacking out of vision, blurred vision, or dizziness.

How Is Hypertension Diagnosed?

Contrary to popular belief, the disease is not diagnosed with a single measurement. Blood pressure fluctuates throughout the day depending on factors like stress, fatigue, caffeine consumption, or physical activity. In fact, a condition known as "white coat hypertension," where blood pressure rises simply due to the anxiety of seeing a doctor or nurse, is quite common. For this reason, a definitive diagnosis requires multiple measurements taken at different times while the patient is at rest.

Methods and Tests Used in Diagnosis

During the diagnostic process, your physician may first recommend wearing a 24-hour blood pressure Holter monitor. This device stays on your arm throughout the day, taking measurements at specific intervals to create a profile of your blood pressure during all daily activities, including sleep. Additionally, tests such as blood and urine analyses, electrocardiography (ECG), and echocardiography (heart ultrasound) are requested to determine whether high blood pressure has caused damage to target organs like the kidneys, heart, or eyes. This comprehensive evaluation plays a critical role in determining the course of treatment.

Medical Treatment Methods and Home Care

Hypertension treatment is tailored specifically to the patient, taking into account their age, blood pressure readings, and any accompanying health issues like diabetes or heart disease. The primary goal is to bring blood pressure down to safe limits to prevent organ damage. The treatment process is usually successful when lifestyle changes and medication are implemented simultaneously.

Medication and Lifestyle Changes

Your physician may prescribe various blood pressure medications that dilate the blood vessels, help the body eliminate excess fluid and salt, or reduce the heart's workload. It is vital to take these medications regularly at the same time every day. When it comes to home care, the most effective answer to the question of how to lower blood pressure is the DASH diet. This dietary approach, which is low in sodium and high in potassium, calcium, and magnesium, involves consuming plenty of vegetables, fruits, whole grains, and low-fat dairy products.

Brisk walking for at least 150 minutes a week, managing stress, and maintaining weight control are inseparable parts of the treatment. To protect yourself from the effects of seasonal changes, you can also take a look at our content titled 7 Ways to Protect Your Heart and Blood Pressure Against Heat Waves.

Complications and Risk Groups

Uncontrolled high blood pressure eventually leads to the thickening, hardening, and narrowing of the artery walls. This condition is known as atherosclerosis. This damage to the blood vessels sets the stage for serious complications that threaten all the body's organs. Blockage of the coronary arteries feeding the heart can cause a heart attack, while the blockage or rupture of vessels leading to the brain can result in a stroke. Furthermore, damage to the capillaries in the kidneys can lead to chronic kidney failure, and damage to the blood vessels in the retina can cause permanent vision loss.

Individuals with a family history of early-age heart attacks or hypertension, diabetics, those struggling with obesity, and heavy smokers are in the highest risk group. It is of great importance for individuals in this group to undergo a cardiological examination at least once a year and have their blood pressure measured regularly, even if they have no complaints.

When to See a Doctor?

If you regularly measure your blood pressure at home and notice that the readings consistently stay above 140/90 mmHg, you should consult a specialist without delay. Treatment initiated in the early stages prevents irreversible organ damage that could occur in the future. However, certain situations require emergency medical intervention, and you should go directly to the emergency room rather than waiting for an outpatient appointment.

In the event of a sudden spike in blood pressure (for example, if the systolic pressure rises above 180 and the diastolic above 120 mmHg), if you experience any of the following symptoms, immediately call the 112 emergency hotline or go to the nearest hospital's emergency department:

• Pressure, tightness in the chest, or pain radiating to the left arm.
• Impaired speech, inability to articulate words, or difficulty understanding.
• Sudden numbness, tingling, or loss of strength in the face, arm, or leg.
• A severe, sudden-onset headache unlike any you have experienced before.
• Difficulty breathing, a feeling of suffocation, or confusion.

Hypertension Diagnosis and Treatment Process at BHT CLINIC

At BHT CLINIC İstanbul Tema Hastanesi, we serve you with a multidisciplinary approach to protect your cardiovascular health. Patients presenting with complaints of high blood pressure undergo a detailed examination by our specialist physicians. In our advanced technology laboratory and imaging center, the effects of blood pressure on your body are meticulously analyzed, and the most appropriate treatment plan is created for you.

When necessary, our Internal Medicine and Cardiovascular Surgery departments work in coordination to provide comprehensive healthcare. In cases of unexpected sudden blood pressure spikes or emergencies suggesting a heart attack, we are always by your side with our 24/7 uninterrupted emergency service and fully equipped intensive care units. To leave nothing to chance with your health and to get your routine check-ups done, you can reach us via our call center at 0850 811 34 00 or book an online appointment.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does lemon water lower blood pressure?

Although the vitamin C and antioxidants in lemon water are beneficial for vascular health, it is not a medical treatment method that lowers blood pressure on its own. There is a common belief among the public that drinking lemon water instantly returns blood pressure to normal; however, this effect usually does not go beyond creating a temporary feeling of relief. It is absolutely not a substitute for prescribed medication.

Is swallowing garlic good for blood pressure?

Some studies have shown that the allicin in garlic has a mild vasodilatory (blood vessel-widening) effect. However, swallowing a whole clove of garlic or consuming it in excessive amounts is not sufficient to treat high blood pressure. Moreover, excessive garlic consumption can interact with the blood pressure or blood-thinning medications you are using, leading to unwanted side effects.

What should be done during a sudden blood pressure spike?

In the event of a sudden increase in blood pressure, the first thing to do is not to panic and to sit down and rest in a quiet place. Stress and fear will increase blood pressure even further. If you have medication previously prescribed by your doctor, you should take it; however, you should never use sublingual or extra medication without a physician's advice. If your blood pressure is above 180/120 mmHg and is accompanied by complaints such as chest pain or shortness of breath, you must call 112 without delay.

Can high blood pressure be completely cured?

Primary (essential) hypertension is generally not a disease that disappears completely; it is a lifelong chronic condition. However, it can be completely kept under control with regular medication use, a healthy diet, weight control, and exercise. As long as patients follow their doctor's recommendations, they can lead a highly healthy and long life without experiencing any complications related to blood pressure.

This article is for informational purposes only; please consult your physician for diagnosis and treatment.