Hypertension – A Silent Killer
Hypertension is the most common disorder affecting the heart and blood vessels and is the major cause of heart failure, kidney disease and stroke.
|
Category |
Systolic(mmHg) |
Diastolic(mmHg) |
|
|
Less than 120 |
Less than 80 |
|
Prehypertension |
120 - 139 |
80 – 89 |
|
Stage 1 hypertension |
140 - 159 |
90 - 99 |
|
Stage 2 hypertension |
Greater than 160 |
Greater than 100 |
Types and causes of hypertension
Several disorders cause secondary hypertension
1) Obstruction of renal blood flow or disorders that damage renal tissue may cause the kidneys to secrete excessive amounts of rennin into the blood. The resulting high level of angiotensin causes vasoconstriction, thus increasing systemic vascular resistance.
2) Hyper secretion of aldosterone resulting from tumor of the adrenal cortex stimulates excess reabsorption of salt and water by the kidneys, which increases the volume of body fluids.
3) Hyper secretion of epinephrine and nor epinephrine by a pheochromocytoma increase heart rate and contractility and increase systemic vascular resistance.
Lifestyle changes to reduce hypertension
Following changes are effective in managing hypertension
1) Lose weight
2) Limit alcohol intake
4) Reduce intake of sodium salt
5) Maintain dietary intake of calcium, potassium and magnesium
6) Don’t smoke
7) Manage stress