UACE S101 General Paper – High blood pressure, causes and effects

Definition

High blood pressure occurs when the force of blood pushing against the artery walls is consistently too high. It’s measured in millimeters of mercury (mm Hg). Hypertension is generally defined as a blood pressure reading of 130/80 mm Hg or higher.
Causes of high blood pressure
Exact causes of high blood pressure are not known. Hypertension can be categorized into two types; each type has a different cause.
(a) Primary hypertension (essential hypertension): This type of blood pressure usually takes many years to develop and probably is a result of lifestyle, environment, and age.
– Lifestyle -sedentary lifestyle
– Environment – poor diet, stress
– Age – More common after 50 years of age
(b) Secondary hypertension: High blood pressure caused due to health problem or certain medications.
– Family history may increase the risk for primary hypertension.
– High salt intake or salt sensitivity
– Smoking
– Overweight or obesity
– Lack of physical activity
– Too much of alcohol consumption
– Stress
– Age – above 50 years
– Factors which may cause secondary hypertension include:
– Diabetes
– Kidney problems
– Sleep apnoe
Effects of high blood pressure
Headache
Chest pain
Blurred vision
Nose bleeding
Shortness of breath
Severe anxiety
Uncontrolled high blood pressure may lead to stroke, heart attack, kidney damage and heart failure.

Dr. Bbosa Science