Please scan the QR code to download the teleMEDCARE app (iOS and Android users).
Hypertension
What is hypertension?
Hypertension is a condition when you have high blood pressure, expressed as a fraction (greater than 130/80 mm Hg).The top number refers to the amount of pressure (systolic) in your arteries during the contraction of your heart muscle. The bottom number refers to your blood pressure (diastolic) when your heart muscle is between beats.
Hypertension Possible Causes:
Hypertension is often referred to as high blood pressure. While it is not possible to precisely isolate hypertension causes, it has a tendency to build up over the years. However, the following causes contribute to secondary hypertension:
- Smoking
- Obesity
- Sedentary lifestyle
- Excessive alcohol intake
- Stress and ageing
- Family history of high blood pressure
- Diseases like kidney, thyroid, adrenal gland tumour and sleep apnoea
Hypertension Risk Factors:
Those who are obese or indulge in too much alcohol, smoking or have a family history of high blood pressure are at risk of getting high blood pressure or hypertension. Other risk factors are taking excessive salt or too little potassium in your food. If you are under stress your blood pressure may increase temporarily. Chronic diseases like kidney disorder, diabetes and sleep apnoea also put you at risk of hypertension.
Signs & Symptoms of Hypertension:
While some people have no symptoms at all, the following are some typical hypertension symptoms:
- Pounding headache
- Difficulty in breathing
- Chest pain and irregular heartbeat
- Blood in the urine
If hypertension is ignored or not treated, it can lead to a stroke, heart disease or kidney failure.
Hypertension Diagnosis:
Blood pressure is measured by a sphygmomanometer, to note the systolic and diastolic blood pressure.
- To make a definite diagnosis of hypertension, at least three readings of high blood pressure are required.
- Our specialist will commence with obtaining information about your medical history, assess your risk factors and talk about your family history.
- Using a stethoscope our doctor will listen for any abnormal sounds which will indicate whether the problem lies with the valves or the arteries of the heart.
- The specialist may attach a device to your hand to measure the blood pressure over 24 hours.
Other blood tests to measure electrolytes, creatinine levels, lipid profile, blood urea nitrogen, thyroid malfunction, and ultrasound of the kidneys, and CT scan of the abdomen, assist the doctor’s diagnosis. Get all these diagnostics done conveniently at Medcare.
Hypertension Treatment in Dubai & Sharjah:
Consult a specialist in the Internal Medicine Department of Medcare to get the best hypertension treatment suited to your condition.
Blood pressure is known to fluctuate depending on factors such as age, emotions, activity and notably the condition of the heart. Your doctor will measure your blood pressure multiple times, when active and resting, to get a clear picture. Treatment of high blood pressure begins with diet modifications and exercise.
The next step is to lose weight if you are overweight, stop smoking and follow a healthy diet, which includes fruits and vegetables and less salt. Your hypertension medications will work better if you adopt these practices.
Hypertension FAQs:
Hypertension FAQs:
Inclusions:
-
Why is high blood pressure referred to as a ‘silent killer’?
A: You could have high blood pressure without displaying usual signs and not even know that you have it and while undetected it could continue to harm your blood vessels and your heart. This increases your risk of getting a heart attack and stroke, that’s why it’s referred to as a ‘silent killer’.
-
What foods should I avoid and what should I include in my diet for hypertension prevention or management?
A: Please include leafy vegetables like spinach and broccoli in your meals to flush the sodium out of your body. Blueberries, strawberries, and blackberries are a rich source of anthocyanin, oily fish like mackerel and sardines also are full of omega-3 fatty acids, seeds of pumpkin, flax, and sunflower provide magnesium. Beetroot, garlic and pomegranates are good for you. Avoid salt, fatty and preservative laden foods.
-
What is the difference between systolic and diastolic pressure?
A: A blood pressure measurement is always in millimetres of mercury (mm Hg). For example: normal blood pressure is below 120/80 mm Hg. The upper number denotes the pressure in your arteries when your heart beats (systolic pressure). The lower number measures the pressure in your arteries between beats (diastolic pressure).
-
How often should I get my blood pressure checked and how often should I meet the internal medicine specialist?
A: Discuss your treatment plan with your doctor, and ask for the schedule of check-ups and hospital visits. Take care to follow this schedule carefully. Keeping your blood pressure under control is all about diligent management.
-
What are the warning signs of hypertension?
A: Many people don't realise they have high blood pressure for a very long time. However, there are several warning signs of hypertension such as severe and recurring headaches, brain fogging, compromised vision, discomfort or pain in the chest, irregular heartbeat or palpitation, difficulty in breathing, sudden pounding in the ears or chest and traces of blood in the urine.
If you notice a combination of these signs, consult a doctor immediately as unchecked hypertension can lead to severe health issues such as heart diseases, increased risk of stroke, eye problems, and kidney failure.
Wondering if you have hypertension? Book an appointment with a Medcare specialist today for a consultation.
-
Can drinking lots of water lower blood pressure?
A: Drinking a substantial amount of water daily does improve your overall health by keeping the body hydrated and removing impurities from the body. It also has fantastic benefits for those suffering from hypertension.
For instance, when the body is dehydrated, it can cause the capillaries to shut down, increasing the pressure on the capillaries and arteries. This subsequently leads to high blood pressure. The body also retains more sodium when it doesn't get enough water as a way to hold onto it. So, if you drink the recommended 8 to 10 ounces of water every day, you can naturally lower and maintain your blood pressure.
Hypertension is the leading cause of severe health issues. Visit a Medcare specialist today for proper diagnosis and treatment.
-
Does coffee increase blood pressure?
A: Drinking coffee might not be a wise choice for you if you have high blood pressure as it causes a short-term but impactful rise in pressure levels. There are several reasons why coffee increases blood pressure.
For instance, coffee increases the release of adrenaline, which causes your blood pressure to spike. Some doctors also believe that coffee can affect the hormones that keep arteries widened. This leads to more pressure on them, as they are now much narrower than they are supposed to be. Even amongst regular people, those who drink a lot of coffee tend to have higher blood pressure than those who don't.
High blood pressure could lead to severe health issues. Book an appointment with a Medcare specialist today.
-
What is the best treatment for high blood pressure?
A: Generally, medications are prescribed to reduce blood pressure, like diuretics that enables the kidney to flush out more sodium or ACE inhibitors that relax the blood vessels. However, these treatments largely depend on the patient's health and blood pressure levels.
Apart from medication, you can also make lifestyle changes to keep your blood pressure in control. These include maintaining a healthy weight, regular exercising, drinking adequate amounts of water every day, reducing the consumption of alcohol, limiting the amount of salt in the food, etc. Managing your stress is also an essential step to maintain your blood pressure level.
To understand which hypertension treatment is right for you, book an appointment with a Medcare specialist today.
-
Can hypertension be cured?
A: Hypertension is a condition in which the pressure at which the blood flows through the bodies increases. This increase in pressure leads to multiple health issues such as heart diseases, higher chances of getting a stroke, kidney issues, etc.
Since hypertension is not an actual disease, it cannot be cured; however, it can be controlled. There are various ways to keep your blood pressure in check to prevent it from triggering a fatal health problem. Taking the right medication, making lifestyle changes such as reducing alcohol intake, reaching a healthy weight range, limiting the amount of salt in food, etc., can help control your blood pressure, further enabling you to live a healthy life.
Want to know how to manage hypertension successfully? Book an appointment with a Medcare specialist today.
