What is hypertension and why should you take notice?
Written by:Hypertension, also known as high blood pressure, is more common than you might think. Statistics show that around a third of UK adults have high blood pressure and many may not even realise it. The only way to know if you have it is to have your blood pressure tested.
In this article, Dr Mark Thomas, a consultant specialist in nephrology, hypertension and internal medicine explains more about the condition, what blood pressure readings mean and how he can help you if you have been recently diagnosed.
What is hypertension?
Hypertension, or high blood pressure, is raised blood pressure within your arteries. This is the pressure that the heart generates to pump the blood from the left heart into the arteries of the body.
What do the numbers on blood pressure readings mean?
After your blood pressure is taken, the measurement is expressed in two numbers, like a fraction. For example, a person’s blood pressure might be quoted as 136/82 mm Hg, which means the systolic reading is 136 and the diastolic reading is 82.
- Systolic - this number refers to the peak pressure in your arteries as the heart ejects blood.
- Diastolic - this is the level to which the blood pressure falls as the heart relaxes between beats.
If the numbers are higher than the ideal range, it indicates that your heart is working too hard to pump blood around the body.
Why is it important?
Blood pressure readings are important in determining how healthy your heart is. Having high readings indicate that you might have hypertension in which case you will need to make certain lifestyle adjustments.
Hypertension is a major cause of later heart attack and stroke and medical studies have shown that reduction of blood pressure clearly reduces the risks of these and other serious medical conditions.
Why do I have high blood pressure?
Often high blood pressure is due to various factors, some inherited or genetic, some due to our modern lifestyle.
Common lifestyle factors include:
- lack of exercise
- weight gain
- an unhealthy Westernised or “British” diet
- chronic conditions such as diabetes or kidney problems
How is hypertension diagnosed?
Hypertension can be diagnosed based on readings by a doctor (such as your GP) or by using home blood pressure monitoring. The diagnosis can be confirmed with a 24-hour ambulatory blood pressure monitoring. For this, you will need to wear a monitor that takes regular BP readings when you are awake and asleep over 24 hours.
What are normal blood pressure readings?
Ideal blood pressure is between 90/60mm Hg and 120/80mmHg.
What is a high blood pressure reading?
The UK’s NICE guidelines state that hypertension should be diagnosed if either the systolic or diastolic readings are high, with clinic / GP surgery blood pressure readings averaging 140/90 mmHg or higher. This should be confirmed with average daytime readings on ambulatory monitoring or home readings of 135/85 mmHg or higher.
How is hypertension treated – how can Dr Thomas help me?
Hypertension is treated by making lifestyle changes and/or taking blood pressure-lowering drugs. Healthy lifestyle changes may include eating a healthy diet with less salt, losing weight, exercising more and reducing your alcohol consumption.
Dr Thomas has worked in hypertension for over 30 years. He can advise you on all aspects of your diagnosis, why you might have hypertension and the best treatment for you. Make an appointment with him by going to his Top Doctors profile.
