High blood pressure (hypertension) - causes, symptoms, treatment & prevention
Hypertension (high blood pressure) is a widespread health risk. Causes, symptoms, treatment and natural measures to lower blood pressure at a glance.
Things worth knowing about "High blood pressure (hypertension)"
High blood pressure, also known as hypertension, is a common condition in which blood pressure is permanently too high.
Blood pressure measures the pressure that the blood exerts on the walls of the arteries and is expressed in two values: the systolic (upper) and the diastolic (lower) value. According to the WHO definition, we speak of arterial hypertension from a systolic value of ≥ 140 mmHg and/or a diastolic value of ≥ 90 mmHg. High blood pressure is one of the most common chronic diseases worldwide and is a major risk factor for cardiovascular disease, stroke, kidney damage and dementia. Many sufferers do not notice any symptoms for years - hypertension is therefore considered a "silent killer".
The causes are varied: in around 90-95% of cases, it is primary (essential) hypertension, which is often triggered by unhealthy lifestyle habits, e.g. obesity, lack of exercise. e.g. obesity, lack of exercise, excessive salt consumption, stress, smoking or alcohol consumption. Genetic factors and increasing age also play a role.
There is also secondary hypertension, which can occur as a result of other diseases such as kidney disease, hormonal disorders or the use of certain medications.Hypertension often goes unnoticed for a long time as it does not cause any noticeable symptoms in the early stages. When symptoms do occur, they include headaches, dizziness, nausea, chest pain, difficulty breathing and nosebleeds. It is therefore important to check blood pressure regularly, especially if there are risk factors such as obesity, diabetes or high blood pressure in the family.
Treatment usually consists of a combination of medication and lifestyle changes. Commonly used medications include ACE inhibitors, beta blockers, diuretics and calcium channel blockers, which effectively lower blood pressure. The choice of medication depends on the patient's individual health factors. In addition to drug treatment, a change in lifestyle is important. A healthy diet with little salt and plenty of fruit, vegetables and wholemeal products helps to regulate blood pressure. The DASH diet is particularly recommended, in which sodium is reduced and potassium, magnesium and fibre are increased. Coenzyme Q10,omega-3 fatty acids, secondary plant substances(e.g. flavonoids from berries or beetroot) and vitamin D and have also been shown to help regulate blood pressure.
In addition to diet, regular physical activity plays a key role in lowering blood pressure. Just 30 minutes of moderate exercise five days a week, such as walking, cycling or swimming, can make a big difference. Reducing stress through techniques such as meditation, yoga or targeted breathing exercises also helps to lower blood pressure.
Important features of hypertension:
- Permanently elevated from 140/90 mmHg
- Symptoms often inconspicuous, but high risk of organ damage
- Causes: Lifestyle, age, inheritance, secondary diseases
- Therapy: Medication + Lifestyle changes
- Naturally supportive: Magnesium, Potassium, Omega-3, Flavonoids, Sports, stress reduction
Literature references
- Whelton, P. K. et al. (2018). "2017 ACC/AHA/AAPA/ABC/ACPM/AGS/AphA/ASH/ASPC/NMA/PCNA guideline for the prevention, detection, evaluation, and management of high blood pressure in adults." Journal of the American College of Cardiology.
- He, F. J., & MacGregor, G. A. (2010). "Reducing population salt intake worldwide: from evidence to implementation." Progress in Cardiovascular Diseases.
- Appel, L. J. et al. (1997). "A clinical trial of the effects of dietary patterns on blood pressure." New England Journal of Medicine.
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