High Blood Pressure: Causes, Effect on Heart Health, Prevention, and Treatment

What is Blood pressure (BP) and what causes it to be high?

The blood always exerts force against the walls of arteries as it moves, creating a pressure known as blood pressure. The normal blood pressure level is 120/80, but after the age of 40, blood pressure naturally rises a little bit; however, it should not exceed 130/90.

Fats in the blood can accumulate in the arteries and increase the risk of high blood pressure (hypertension), one of the leading causes of heart disease and death worldwide.

A lipid profile test provides a report card for cholesterol levels and other fats in the blood. It includes total cholesterol, LDL (bad) cholesterol, HDL (good) cholesterol, and triglycerides. High levels of LDL cholesterol and triglycerides (TG), along with low levels of HDL cholesterol, are detrimental to heart health and are major contributors to hypertension.

Reasons for High blood pressure:

1. Narrow Arteries:

Fatty deposits called plaque (atherosclerosis) build up in arteries, narrowing the passage for blood flow. The heart has to pump harder to push blood through these narrowed passages, leading to increased resistance and high blood pressure. Unhealthy fats, like those found in fried foods or processed snacks, can end up in the bloodstream and stick to the walls of the arteries, causing plaque formation.

Sugar or glucose also plays a role in plaque development. Excess glucose in the bloodstream can trigger inflammation in the arterial walls attracting white blood cells and LDL "bad" cholesterol, which oxidizes and forms a sticky mixture that starts building up on the artery walls, initiating plaque formation.

2. Increased Blood Volume:

Conditions such as obesity, excessive salt intake, and certain kidney disorders can lead to an increase in blood volume. With more blood circulating in the vessels, the pressure against the arterial walls raises causing high BP.

3. Stiffening of Arteries:

As we age, the arteries can lose their elasticity and become stiff. Stiffer arteries offer more resistance to blood flow, causing blood pressure to rise.

4. Hormonal Imbalances:

High levels of cortisol, often associated with stress, can lead to increased blood pressure.

Hyperthyroidism (excessive thyroid hormone production T3 and T4) tends to elevate blood pressure.

5. Kidney Function:

Kidneys play a crucial role in regulating blood pressure by controlling fluid balance and sodium potassium levels in the body. Kidney disease or dysfunction can disrupt this balance, leading to hypertension or high blood pressure.

6. Unhealthy Lifestyle Habits:

Poor dietary choices (e.g., high-sodium, high-fat diet), lack of physical activity, excessive alcohol consumption, smoking, and chronic stress can all contribute to the development of high blood pressure over time.

7. Certain Medications:

Some medications, such as

Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (ibuprofen, aspirin, diclofenac) inhibiting prostaglandin production, causing sodium and water retention, leading to an increase in blood volume and blood pressure.

Decongestants (reduces swelling and congestion in the nasal passages) work by narrowing the blood vessels which may increase the blood pressure.

Corticosteroids (treat inflammatory and immune-mediated conditions, including asthma and allergic reactions) can raise blood pressure as a side effect by sodium and water retention.

Symptoms of high blood pressure

Initially, Hypertension may not cause detectable symptoms but gradually over the time can lead to various symptoms:

1) Headaches: Persistent headaches, especially at back of the head more severe in the morning.

2) Dizziness or Light-headedness: due to inadequate blood flow to the brain caused by high blood pressure

3) Vision Changes: Hypertension can affect blood vessels in the eyes, causing blurry vision.

4) Shortness of Breath: As heart has to work hard due to increased pressure in the arteries.

5) Chest Pain: particularly during physical activity or exertion indicating underlying heart problems such as angina or heart attack.

6) Irregular Heartbeat (Arrhythmia): may cause palpitations, fluttering sensations in the chest, or a racing heartbeat.

7) Cognitive Symptoms: such as confusion, memory problems or difficulty concentrating.

Treatment of hypertension

Healthcare providers may prescribe various medicines to individuals based upon their health status and complications such as:

Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme (ACE) Inhibitors:

Stress, Obesity and high salt intake causes excessive production of angiotensin II, a hormone binds to receptors on blood vessels causes them to narrow. ACE inhibitors inhibit production of angiotensin II causing widening of blood vessels and lowers blood pressure. Examples include Lisinopril and Enalapril

Angiotensin II Receptor Blockers (ARB):

ARBs binding to those receptors on blood vessels where angiotensin II binds, thus blocks binding of angiotensin II (known to narrow the blood vessels). This prevents the action of angiotensin II leads to vasodilation and a reduction in blood pressure. Example includes losartan and valsartan. check out details about ARB.

Calcium channels blocker (CCBs):

Calcium channels are located on the cell membrane of heart muscle cells (myocytes) and muscle cells in blood vessels. These channels allow the entry of calcium ions into the cells which promotes muscle contraction and electrical conduction in the heart. CCBs blocks calcium channels in cells lining blood vessels, prevents entry of calcium into the cells. This relaxes and dilates the blood vessels to control the excessive blood pressure. Examples include amlodipine and nifedipine.

Diuretics:

Diuretics (water pills) increase the excretion of sodium and water from the body through urine, which decreases blood volume and consequently lowers blood pressure. Commonly prescribed diuretics include furosemide and Torsemide.

Note: Self medications can be dangerous, so always consult health care providers before consuming any medicine.