Hypertension

What is hypertension?

The increase in the pressure exerted by the blood against the outside of the blood vessels is simply interpreted as hypertension.

How does the circulatory system work?

In order for them to function, the organs need oxygen and therefore the blood that brings it from the lungs. Oxygenated blood is carried to the tissues by the arteries (arteries) and to the lungs by veins (veins) whose oxygen contains carbon dioxide. This process takes place in a network of vessels of different diameters, called the general circulation. This process naturally requires pumping power. This pump is the heart. The pressure created by this pumping process in the blood vessels is called blood pressure.

What is systolic and diastolic pressure?

The unit of pressure is expressed in mm Hg. The pressure at which the blood is pumped into the arteries by the heart is the systolic pressure. The diastolic pressure is the pressure at the resting moment of the heart after applying this pressure, that is, the heartbeat. Systolic pressure is always considered the more important risk factor.

Over time, if these pressures rise (LDL cholesterol rises and plaques form on the inner wall of the arteries and narrow the arteries), the pressure in the veins rises and thus hypertension develops.

What are normal and risky blood pressures?

According to data from the American Heart Association (AHA):

A normal blood pressure is less than 120 systolic and less than 80 diastolic pressure 12/8). This is Grade 1 Hypertension. Above 140/90 is considered 2nd degree, and 180/120 is considered a hypertension crisis. If not treated promptly, chest pain, fatigue, back pain, visual impairment are signs of an emergency.