Preserve Your Health

Blood pressure is defined as the pressure exerted on the walls of the blood vessels by the blood flowing through it. It is an indicator of the compliance of the arteries and also proves valuable to any physician in the diagnosis of a disease. Elevated blood pressure is known as Hypertension. It is a common health problem with devastating consequences at times but often remains asymptomatic till late in life. Hypertension is one of the most important risk factors for coronary artery disease and Cerebrovascular accidents. Hypertension when left uncontrolled may lead to renal failure, aortic dissection and heart failure. It is acknowledged that hypertension is a complex disease with both genetic and environmental determinants. The detrimental effects of hypertension increase proportionately with rise in blood pressure. A sustained diastolic pressure greater than 90mm of Hg or a sustained systolic pressure in excess of 140 mm of Hg constitutes hypertension. There are two classes of hypertension:

Essential Hypertension – Unknown cause, probably genetic

Accelerated Hypertension – Severe hypertension

Gene defects in aldosterone metabolism or mutations in proteins that affect sodium re-absorption can lead to severe forms of hypertension. Stress, smoking, physical inactivity, obesity and heavy consumption of salt are implicated as factors in hypertension.
Treatment modalities consist of –

• Exercising.

• Low salt intake.

• Anti-hypertensive drugs such as Altace, Losar, Propranolol hydrochloride

Hypertension is better prevented than trying to control.