Summary about Disease
Blood pressure is the force of your blood pushing against the walls of your arteries. Hypertension, or high blood pressure, is a common condition in which this force is consistently too high. Over time, uncontrolled high blood pressure increases the risk of serious health problems, including heart disease, stroke, kidney disease, and vision loss. Hypotension, or low blood pressure, occurs when blood pressure is significantly lower than normal, which can cause dizziness or fainting.
Symptoms
Hypertension (High Blood Pressure): Often has no symptoms, even at dangerously high levels. Severe hypertension may cause headaches, nosebleeds, shortness of breath, or dizziness, but these are not reliable indicators.
Hypotension (Low Blood Pressure): Dizziness, lightheadedness, fainting, blurred vision, nausea, fatigue, lack of concentration.
Causes
Hypertension (High Blood Pressure):
Primary (Essential) Hypertension: Develops gradually over many years and has no identifiable cause. Factors contributing include genetics, age, race, obesity, lack of physical activity, tobacco use, high-sodium diet, low-potassium diet, high alcohol consumption, stress, and certain chronic conditions.
Secondary Hypertension: Caused by an underlying condition, such as kidney problems, adrenal gland tumors, congenital blood vessel defects, certain medications (e.g., birth control pills, decongestants), illegal drugs, and sleep apnea.
Hypotension (Low Blood Pressure):
Dehydration: Loss of fluids
Heart Problems: Heart failure, heart valve issues, slow heart rate
Endocrine Problems: Hypothyroidism, adrenal insufficiency, low blood sugar
Severe Infection (Sepsis):
Severe Allergic Reaction (Anaphylaxis):
Nutritional Deficiencies: Lack of vitamin B12, folate
Medications: Diuretics, alpha blockers, beta blockers, antidepressants, Parkinson's disease medications, erectile dysfunction drugs
Medicine Used
Hypertension (High Blood Pressure): Diuretics, ACE inhibitors, ARBs, beta-blockers, calcium channel blockers, alpha-blockers, alpha-beta blockers, vasodilators, renin inhibitors.
Hypotension (Low Blood Pressure): Fludrocortisone, midodrine.
Is Communicable
No. Blood pressure (high or low) is not communicable. It cannot be spread from person to person.
Precautions
Hypertension (High Blood Pressure): Regular blood pressure monitoring, healthy diet (low sodium, DASH diet), regular exercise, maintaining a healthy weight, limiting alcohol consumption, quitting smoking, managing stress, taking prescribed medications as directed.
Hypotension (Low Blood Pressure): Increase salt intake (with doctor's advice), drink plenty of water, wear compression stockings, avoid prolonged standing, rise slowly from a sitting or lying position, avoid alcohol, and review medications with your doctor.
How long does an outbreak last?
Blood pressure is not an "outbreak." High or low blood pressure is a chronic condition that requires ongoing management. Hypotension from dehydration or medication can be temporary.
How is it diagnosed?
Hypertension (High Blood Pressure): Blood pressure measurement using a sphygmomanometer. Multiple readings over time are needed for diagnosis. Ambulatory blood pressure monitoring may be used.
Hypotension (Low Blood Pressure): Blood pressure measurement. Tilt table test may be used to assess for orthostatic hypotension (blood pressure drop upon standing). Additional tests may be needed to determine the underlying cause.
Timeline of Symptoms
Hypertension (High Blood Pressure): Often asymptomatic for years. Symptoms, when they appear, usually develop gradually and may indicate a hypertensive crisis.
Hypotension (Low Blood Pressure): Symptoms can be immediate (e.g., upon standing) or develop gradually. The timeline depends on the underlying cause.
Important Considerations
Regular blood pressure monitoring is crucial, especially for those with risk factors.
Lifestyle modifications play a significant role in managing blood pressure.
Medication adherence is essential for those prescribed blood pressure medications.
Blood pressure goals may vary depending on individual health conditions.
Consult a healthcare professional for diagnosis and management of blood pressure issues.