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Health
Problems of the Elderly |
Hypertension
Blood
pressure is the pressure produced on blood vessels during contraction
and relaxation of the heart. This pressure is usually described in terms
of millimeter Mercury (mmHg). The pressure recorded during contraction
of heart is called "systolic blood pressure" (sBP), and the pressure recorded
during relaxation of heart is called "diastolic blood pressure" (dBP).
sBP
is usually around 120 mmHg and dBP around 80 mmHg, it is commonly recorded
as 120 / 80. Normal blood pressure is not static, it fluctuates throughout
the day, and varies with different levels of exercise and emotions.
Hypertension
Hypertension
is persistent elevation of blood pressure above the normal range. Hypertension
is defined as sBP 140 mmHg or above, and/or dBP 90 mmHg or above. This
standard is applicable to all adults 18 years old and above. Occasional
elevation of blood pressure above the normal range should not be considered
as hypertension, since this can be normal response of the body to stress.
However, if you have doubt, seek medical advice.
Causes of hypertension
-
90% of hypertension has no definite cause and is called "primary hypertension"
probably related to hereditary factors. It usually presents after middle
age.
-
10% of hypertension is secondary to other diseases, such as renal failure.
Symptoms
-
Majority of patients have no symptoms, usually only discovered uring
a routine check up.
-
Some patients may experience headache, dizziness and fatigue.
Consequences of uncontrolled hypertension
Untreated
hypertension can lead to complications like heart failure and ischaemic
heart disease, stroke, and renal failure. Uncontrolled hypertension is
a silent killer. Early diagnosis and proper treatment can effectively
prevent or delay the complications.
Treatment
Anti-hypertensive
drug is an effective treatment for hypertension, but the patient's cooperation
is essential. Patients must take medication as instructed (which is usually
life long), attend regular follow up, and make modifications in life-styles:
-
Quit
smoking
-
Reduce
dietary salt intake
-
Increase
physical activity
-
Reduce
weight
-
Reduce
alcohol consumption
Common myths about hypertension
| Myth |
Fact |
| 1.
Patients with hypertension experience headache and fatigue. |
Most
patients with hypertension have no symptoms at all. Therefore, it
is not reliable to look out for symptoms. |
| 2.
Only anxious people get hypertension. |
Everybody
has certain risk of hypertension. Therefore, everybody should be aware
of their blood pressure, and seek medical advice if in doubt. |
| 3.
There is no need to continue taking medicine after the blood pressure
returns to normal. |
Hypertension
is a chronic disease. It can be controlled with medication, but it
cannot be cured. Therefore, patients need to continue with the treatment
and life-style modifications as advised by their doctor, and attend
regular medical follow up, usually for life. |
Blood
pressure checking It is advisable, especially for those with family history
of hypertension, to check the blood pressure periodically e.g. once a
year or when seeing a doctor.
Related topics
Coronary
Heart Disease
Stroke
Smoking
Obesity
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