Dr. Angoso, a specialist in Nephrology in Valencia, explains in this article how to control arterial hypertension so that it does not become a major problem. There are patients who require moderate control, but there are also those whose situation is more critical and, therefore, must adopt much more specific measures. That is why Dr. Angoso believes it is important to know how to detect high blood pressure and control it correctly.
Blood pressure is the pressure exerted by the blood on the wall of the arteries. According to the latest recommendations (JNC8) on blood pressure control, high blood pressure is defined as that which is above 140/90 mmHg in non-diabetic patients under 60 years of age. If the patient is over 60 years of age then a high blood pressure is considered if the systolic blood pressure is above 150 mmHg and the diastolic blood pressure is above 90 mmHg.
In diabetic patients and those with renal problems, blood pressure control would be stricter, with blood pressure above 140/80 mmHg being considered abnormal from 18 years of age onwards.
Risk factors for the development of arterial hypertension
The most important risk factors are:
– Sedentary lifestyle
– Alcohol intake
– Obesity
– High salt diet (above 3g/day)
– Habitual intake of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs
– Low vitamin D levels
– Chronic renal insufficiency
– Diabetes Mellitus
– Hyperlipidemia
Symptoms that alert to be suffering arterial hypertension
Arterial hypertension does not produce any symptoms, except in cases where blood pressure is extremely high (systolic blood pressure above 180 mmHg and diastolic blood pressure above 110 mmHg). It is therefore important to perform periodic blood pressure checks, particularly in those patients with a family history or who present any of the factors associated with arterial hypertension.
However, patients with very high blood pressure (above 180 /110 mmHg) may experience severe headaches, fatigue, vision problems, shortness of breath and dark colored urine. If the patient experiences any of these symptoms, together with very high blood pressure, he/she should visit his/her referral hospital.
Treatment of high blood pressure
The initial treatments for arterial hypertension consist of modifying the risk factors. Thus, it is advisable to reduce salt intake, initiate moderate-intensity physical exercise under medical supervision (walking at least 30 minutes a day), lose weight if overweight and moderate alcohol intake.
If despite these measures the patient continues to have elevated blood pressure, then medical treatment with drugs should be considered. There are a wide variety of drugs for the treatment of blood pressure, which should be evaluated on an individual basis by your Nephrology physician.