Think hypertension and you tend to assume that it’s an illness that affects only the elderly. Turns out, that’s a myth and hypertension is increasing common among the youth – all the more reason that you bring yourself up to speed on what it is and how to save yourself from it. Dr. Sucharitha has the lowdown.
1. What exactly is hypertension?
Hypertension is raised blood pressure in the blood vessels.
2. What blood pressure is defined as hypertensive?
A blood pressure of or above 140/90 is defined as hypertension.
Blood pressure above 180/110 is known as hypertensive emergency, which needs immediate intervention.
3. Why is it important to treat hypertension?
It’s important to treat hypertension to prevent cardiovascular disease (CAD) including stroke.
Lowering systolic blood pressure by 10mmHg and diastolic blood pressure by 5mmHg reduces the risk of death due to CAD by 50% and reduces the risk of stroke death by 50 to 60%.
4. Why does hypertension happen in teens and young adults?
For the most part, the reason is unknown but it is believed that it can be a result of environmental or genetic factors.
Genetic factors implies that there’s increased risk if your parents have hypertension due to an alpha adducin gene association.
5. What are the environmental factors?
- obesity and weight gain as the single most important risk factor
- a diet low in calcium, potassium and magnesium
- smoking
- consumption of alcohol
- vitamin D deficiency
- stress
6. How can an ABPM test help?
A single recording of blood pressure at a healthcare centre cannot say if you are hypertensive or not. This is because of factors such as:
- White coat hypertension: where your blood pressure (temporarily) rises on visiting a doctor for a regular check-up
- Episodic hypertension: when you are under stress or in the middle of a physical activity
- Nocturnal dipping: when you are in sleep
So hypertension can be diagnosed accurately and effectively only with 24-hour ambulatory blood pressure monitoring (ABPM).
7. What is secondary hypertension?
Secondary hypertension is hypertension due to some other organs or hormonal defects in your body, such as:
- coarctation (narrowing) of aorta
- endocrinal (hormonal) causes like conns, Liddle’s and pheochromocytoma
- renal causes
- obstructive sleep apnoea syndrome
By establishing and correcting these causes, your hypertension can revert to normal.
7. What is the treatment?
Hypertension cannot be cured, but can be prevented with a healthy lifestyle, a balanced diet and exercise right from a young age. This also prevents other conditions like diabetes and high cholesterol.
If your blood pressure is consistently above 140/90mmHg or your average value on ABPM is above 140/90 mmHg, or there is evidence of target organ damage or increased cardio vascular risk, see a doctor immediately for treatment.
Important note:
Advice not prescriptive. Consult a doctor for diagnosis and treatment if experiencing symptoms.
