What is Hypertension and What are the Common Symptoms ?

Basically hypertension is high blood pressure that is above normal levels consistently for more than about 6 months. Common symptoms of hypertension are listed below, these are often varied and difficult to diagnose. The only real way to know if you have hypertension is to have you blood pressure checked, most doctors do this as part of a normal examination.

Blood Pressure Levels above 140/90 are considered 'high'.
Systolic is the top number. Diastolic is the bottom number. (see blue info box below)

Hypertension puts a strain on the heart by increasing its need for oxygen making it work harder than normal, over time this also causes the walls of the arteries harden. Hypertension is a major health problem, especially because it has no obvious symptoms. Many people have hypertension without showing any obvious symptoms. If you do not know your blood pressure, you should have it taken.

People with high blood pressure often do not feel sick. In fact, hypertension is often called "the silent killer" because it may cause no symptoms at all for a long time. Your organs and tissues can be damaged by hypertension without you knowing or feeling any 'external' symptoms.

If you have hypertension, then you will have a higher risk for heart disease and other medical problems than people with normal blood pressure. Serious complications can be avoided by getting regular blood pressure checks and treating hypertension as soon as it is diagnosed.

Definitions of blood pressure numbers - Systolic pressure is the force of blood in the arteries as the heart beats. It is shown as the top number in a blood pressure reading. Diastolic pressure is the force of blood in the arteries as the heart relaxes between beats. It's shown as the bottom number in a blood pressure reading. Hypertension is more common in men than women and it's also more common in people over the age of 65 than it is in younger people. Also, hypertension can run in families, and you are more likely to be affected if your close relatives have the condition.

There are two main types of hypertension

If you have hypertension and have no easily identifiable cause you're considered to have primary essential hypertension, while if you have a specific gene or organ directly responsible for your hypertension then you have a secondary hypertension.

The most serious type of hypertension is called Malignant hypertension. This is a particularly severe form of high blood pressure where the pressure level is at least 210/120 mm Hg. It occurs in only about 1 of 200 people who have high blood pressure. This type of hypertension is several times more common among blacks than among whites, among men than among women, and among people in poorer economic groups.

Malignant hypertension may produce a variety of severe symptoms. If untreated, malignant hypertension usually leads to death in 3 to 6 months.

What are the Common Symptoms of Hypertension?

Most people with primary hypertension don't have any obvious symptoms at all, also the possible symptoms of hypertension vary quite a lot from person to person. These symptoms could also be symptoms of other health problems, however here are a few of the more common symptoms of hypertension to look out for.

1. One of the symptoms of hypertension is chronic headaches. When you get chronic headaches that last for days (rather than hours) you should immediately see a doctor and get your blood pressure checked.
2. Dizziness or Vertigo
3. Blurry or double vision.
4. Drowsiness
5. Nausea
6. Shortness of breath. Usually when this occurs people start to get a little concerned. Often by this time though the blood pressure has probably reached high enough levels to be dangerous as this is one of the last symptoms of hypertension you'll experience.
7. Heart palpitations
8. Fatigue - general tiredness
9. A flushed face
10. Nosebleeds
11. A strong need to urinate often (especially during the night)
12. Tinnitus (a ringing or buzzing in the ears)

    If you have any combination of these symptoms, then you should get your blood pressure checked by a doctor.

Secondary Hypertension

If you have hypertension that is caused by another medical condition, it is called secondary hypertension. This can be caused by many of different illnesses. People with kidney disorders often have secondary hypertension. This is because the kidneys regulate the balance of salt and water in the body. If your kidneys cannot get rid of excess salt and water from the body, your blood pressure goes up. Kidney infections, a narrowing of the arteries that carry blood to the kidneys, and other kidney disorders can disturb the salt and water balance. Kidney problems are by no means the only medical condition that can cause secondary hypertension, there many other conditions the 'side' effects of which can cause hypertension. More info is on the 'causes of hypertension page'

HEALTH FACTS - People with uncontrolled high blood pressure / hypertension are:
Three times more likely than people with normal blood pressure to develop coronary heart disease
Six times more likely to develop congestive heart failure
Seven times more likely to have a stroke

Disclaimer: The text on these pages is for your information only. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Please consult your doctor if you have any questions or concerns about your blood pressure.