In Spain, around 25% of the population over 40 years of age has hypertension. This fact, according to adult Cardiology specialists, puts them at a higher risk of suffering from cardiovascular diseases.
According to Dr. Palma Gámiz, cardiologist, hypertension is a major inducer of arteriosclerosis, myocardial infarction, cerebral vascular accident, renal failure, intermittent claudication of lower limbs and blindness.
What is arterial hypertension?
Blood circulates through the ducts of the arteries and veins thanks to the heart, which acts as a pump pushing it to a certain pressure. Called blood pressure (BP), it is essential for the blood to be distributed to the different organs and systems of the body.
Arterial hypertension (AHT) occurs when blood pressure exceeds the maximum permissible levels. This situation deteriorates the so-called “target organs”, which are the heart, brain, kidney, large and medium caliber arteries, arterioles, capillaries and retina.
Normal blood pressure
In an adult the maximum values should not be higher than 135/85 mmHg, while the optimal blood pressure would be around 115/75 mmHg.
However, in certain patients these figures are different. For example, in a diabetic the lower the blood pressure the better. However, in the elderly with a cerebral blood supply deficit the optimal levels for maximum blood pressure could be between 140 and 150 mmHg.
Risk factors for arterial hypertension
In 95% of cases the origin of arterial hypertension is unknown, it is called essential arterial hypertension. In the remaining 5%, HT is due to a known cause, such as renal artery stenosis, coarctation of the aorta or endocrine disease.
- Age: Between 40 and 55 years of age, blood pressure tends to rise. In the population over 60 years of age the prevalence of high hypertension exceeds 30%, while in the population over 70 years of age the incidence is 1 in every 2 persons.
- Sex: arterial hypertension is less frequent in women before menopause, but the prevalence is equal to and even exceeds that of men after the age of 60.
- Type of arterial hypertension: We can classify arterial hypertension into three varieties: Isolated diastolic (when only the diastolic blood pressure is elevated, more frequent in young adults). Mixed (when both systolic and diastolic blood pressure are elevated simultaneously, and is more frequent in middle-aged people). Isolated systolic (when only systolic blood pressure is elevated, typical in those over 60 years of age).
- Origin: without knowing why, arterial hypertension is more frequent in individuals of African-American origin.
Treatment of arterial hypertension
To treat arterial hypertension, healthy lifestyle habits should be maintained, such as being at the ideal weight, exercising, following a healthy diet low in salt, not smoking and avoiding stress. In this way, in many cases it is possible to delay the process or facilitate the optimal conditions so that it never occurs.