What is High Blood Pressure?

High blood pressure is also known as hypertension because of the increased tension in the arteries. The arteries are blood vessels that carry oxygenated blood pumped from the heart to the different organs and systems of the body.

Primarily, the constant equilibrium of the body organs ensures staying away from ailments. However, when something goes wrong like a narrowed vessel or when the heart experiences difficulty pumping, this necessitates further assessment and evaluation of the doctor.

These days, health experts have agreed that there should be a conventional and standardized way of classifying hypertension. Thus, a standard measurement was invented and is now being used worldwide. The following table is the perfect representation:

FIRST STAGE (PRE-HYPERTENSION)

The first stage as can be deemed is classified as Pre-hypertension. This stage has a systolic (upper) reading from 120-139 while the diastolic (lower) reading is from 80-89. Briefly, it is but a short term spike in the blood pressure that is commonly caused by stress or fatigue. This status reverts back to normal even without drugs and can be alleviated by resting or by de-stressing.

In the case of pre-hypertension, patient complain about palpitation, dizziness and headache. Additionally, ECG (electrocardiogram) results will reveal hypertrophy of the heart. Although this is still the beginning phase, individuals should not take their chances; identifying the factors causing the elevated blood pressure should be checked immediately.

SECOND STAGE (HYPERTENSION STAGE 1)

The second stage is deemed as Hypertension Stage 1 characterized by systolic readings between 140 and 159 mm Hg with diastolic readings tagged between 90 and 99 mm Hg. Hypertension Stage 1 is further classified into two phases: labile or borderline hypertension and stable hypertension. The first phase is characterized by a reading that fluctuates between in its normotensive range and hypertensive range while the second phase is described as a condition where the blood pressure remains stable at high figures. The first phase can be regulated with sedative drugs but the second phase already necessitates anti-hypertensive treatment as symptoms like tinnitus, shortness of breath, an increase in heart rate and even the absence of the heart’s rhythm are already evident.

Obviously, this stage will have the doctor prescribing maintenance medications.

THIRD STAGE (HYPERTENSION STAGE 2)

Hypertension Stage 2 or the third stage is further attributed to a systolic reading that is beyond 160 mm Hg and a diastolic reading above 100 mm Hg. This is certainly a very dangerous condition that should warrant concern for both the concerned individual and his doctor. With this, several organs are already compromised and lifestyle changes as well as medication should be urgently made.

High blood pressure is known as the “silent killer”. This is because it is an asymptomatic condition, meaning, the signs and symptoms of high blood pressure is difficult to detect or that it presents no signs and symptoms at all. High blood pressure, when left untreated, can lead to many other severe complications like heart failure, kidney damage, atherosclerosis, arteriosclerosis, eye damage, stroke and heart attack.

The combination of all these complications leads to the development of end-organ failure as a result of chronic or long-term high blood pressure. Though there are a number of causes to hypertension, most of them are preventable with a healthy mix of diet, exercise and other lifestyle changes.

Be informed and protect yourself and the people you care about.