HYPERTENSION - the silent killer

HYPERTENSION

HYPERTENSION also known as  high blood pressure , is a long-term  medical condition in which the blood pressure in the  arteries is persistently elevated.

Risk factors

• Genetics
• Being owerweight
• Not being physically active
• High-salt diet
• Drink alcohol

age over 65 years

Рathogenesis

Activation of neurons:

• sympathetic nuclei of the posterior hypothalamus 
• adrenergic structures of the reticular formation
• of the vasomotor center

Increased hypertensive effects ( Neurogenic or Humoral)

Activation of the synthesis of substances with hypertensive effect 

Arteriole walls             Venule walls              Heart

Increase: 

• general peripheral vascular resistance
• circulating blood volume
• of cardiac blood output

Symptoms

• severe headaches
• chest pain
• dizziness
• difficulty breathing
• nausea
• vomiting

• fainting​
• nosebleeds​
• abnormal heart rhythm ​

Diagnosis

Hypertension is diagnosed on the basis of a persistently high resting blood pressure.

• The systolic blood pressure  is ≥140 mmHg 
• The diastolic blood pressure  is ≥90 mmHg.

Treatment

There are several common blood pressure medicines: 

• ACE inhibitors enalapril and lisinopril 
• Angiotensin-2 receptor blockers (ARBs)  losartan and telmisartan 
• Calcium channel blockers    amlodipine and felodipine 
• Diuretics  hydrochlorothiazide and chlorthalidone 

Prevention

• Eat more vegetables and fruits
• Sit less
• Lose weight if you’re overweight or obese
• Take medicines as prescribed by your doctor
• Keep appointments with your health care professional