High Blood Pressure (Hypertension) and Heart Health: What You Need to Know
What is High Blood Pressure and How is Blood Pressure Defined?
As the heart pumps blood throughout our body, it creates a certain pressure on the arteries. This pressure is called “blood pressure” or, as commonly known, “tension.” Blood pressure is evaluated with two main measurements: Systolic (high blood pressure) and diastolic (low blood pressure). The systolic value is the pressure when the heart contracts and sends blood into the vessels. The diastolic value shows the pressure on the vessels when the heart relaxes.
For an adult, the recommended normal systolic blood pressure at rest should be below 120 mmHg, and the diastolic value should be below 80 mmHg. When blood pressure remains above these limits, a diagnosis of “hypertension” or high blood pressure is made. Hypertension often progresses insidiously and can lead to significant health risks in the long term.
What Are the Common Symptoms of High Blood Pressure?
Most of the time, hypertension can progress without any symptoms. However, when blood pressure rises very high or remains elevated for a long time, some warning signs may appear. These include:
Frequent urination at night
Blurred vision or double vision
Swelling in the legs
Shortness of breath
Persistent fatigue and weakness
Ringing in the ears
Nosebleeds
Irregular heartbeat and chest pain
Dizziness and headache
These symptoms may not be seen in every patient and can also occur due to other reasons. If any of these symptoms develop, medical evaluation is recommended.
What Factors Cause High Blood Pressure?
Various genetic and environmental factors play a role in the development of hypertension. Having similar health problems in the family increases the risk. In addition, some lifestyle-related factors also predispose to high blood pressure. The most common causes include:
Excessive consumption of foods high in salt
Being overweight or obese
Kidney diseases and narrowing of the kidney arteries
Conditions that disrupt hormonal balance (for example, thyroid diseases, certain adrenal gland disorders)
Use of certain medical products such as birth control pills, some painkillers, and decongestant medications
Diabetes (diabetes mellitus)
High cholesterol level
Excessive use of alcohol and tobacco products
Pregnancy
Intense stress
Congenital or acquired abnormalities in the vascular structure (e.g., aortic stenosis)
Rarely, use of illegal substances such as cocaine, amphetamines
Hypertension may also develop in association with some health problems. Especially kidney-related diseases and some rare endocrine disorders can be cited as examples.
Precautions and Treatment Methods for Coping with High Blood Pressure
The first step in the treatment of hypertension usually begins with lifestyle changes. These approaches not only lower blood pressure but also improve overall cardiovascular health. The basic methods that can be applied are as follows:
Reducing salt intake and maintaining a balanced diet
Losing excess weight and maintaining a healthy weight
Avoiding foods containing saturated fats such as margarine and butter
Consuming plenty of fresh fruits, vegetables, and foods high in fiber
Completely quitting smoking and alcohol use
Engaging in regular physical activity (for example, at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise per week)
Managing stress
In some cases, lifestyle changes alone may not be sufficient. In such situations, appropriate medication therapy as deemed necessary by your physician is initiated. Medications should be started upon doctor’s recommendation and used regularly. Decisions such as dose changes or discontinuing medication must be made by a healthcare professional; patients should not make changes to their treatment on their own.
Since hypertension is a chronic problem, it requires lifelong regular monitoring and check-ups. Cooperating with your physician plays an important role in preventing long-term complications.
What Can Be Done in Case of Sudden High Blood Pressure?
When sudden increases in blood pressure are noticed, quick and effective methods can help bring the blood pressure down to a safer level. These include:
Washing the patient’s hands, feet, and face with cool tap water
Taking a warm shower
Drinking plenty of fluids
Consuming yogurt or ayran without salt
Drinking water with lemon (the relaxing effect of lemon on blood vessels can be utilized)
Controlled consumption of fruit juices such as pomegranate, grapefruit, or thyme water
Garlic, when used in meals or raw, may have a supportive effect on blood pressure
It should be remembered that these practices may provide temporary benefit and in case of an acute crisis, professional medical assistance must be sought.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Why is high blood pressure dangerous?
Hypertension increases the risk of heart disease, stroke, kidney failure, and certain vascular diseases in the long term. Although it usually does not cause symptoms in the early period, persistently high blood pressure can damage vital organs.
2. Is hypertension a lifelong disease?
Mostly yes. In many patients, hypertension is chronic and requires regular monitoring and treatment. It can be controlled with lifestyle changes and medications.
3. Is there a definitive cure for hypertension?
Some secondary causes of hypertension (for example, hormonal disorders, narrowing of the kidney arteries) can be corrected with treatment. However, in most cases of hypertension, complete elimination of the disease is rare. It can be controlled but is generally a persistent condition.
4. Should I completely avoid salt?
It may not be necessary to cut out salt entirely, but most medical guidelines worldwide do not recommend more than 5-6 grams per day. Salt should be reduced in the diet and processed, overly salty products should be avoided.
5. What can be done at home for high blood pressure?
Reducing salt intake, drinking plenty of fluids, resting in a calm environment, and if necessary, washing hands/face with cold water may help. However, if blood pressure is very high or there are serious complaints, emergency medical help should be sought.
6. My blood pressure is high, should I start medication immediately?
Detecting high blood pressure once is usually not sufficient alone to start medication. It is best to re-evaluate blood pressure at different times, at rest, and consult a doctor.
7. Can hypertension patients exercise?
Regular, mild-to-moderate intensity exercise is generally beneficial for hypertension patients. However, a physician’s opinion should definitely be obtained before starting.
8. Is there a relationship between hypertension and cholesterol?
High blood pressure is often seen together with high cholesterol; when both are present, the risk of heart and vascular diseases increases even more.
9. Is hypertension during pregnancy of special importance?
High blood pressure during pregnancy can pose risks for both the mother and the baby and should be closely monitored. Therefore, if high blood pressure is detected during pregnancy, specialist follow-up should definitely be sought.
10. Are herbal products and natural remedies effective in hypertension?
Some herbal products may have supportive effects on blood pressure, but these do not replace medical treatment. A healthcare professional should always be consulted before using herbal products regularly.
References
World Health Organization (WHO): Hypertension
American Heart Association (AHA): The Facts About High Blood Pressure
European Society of Hypertension (ESH): 2018 ESC/ESH Guidelines for the manag
US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC): High Blood Pressure Basics