High blood pressure

High blood pressure, also referred to as hypertension by your doctors, is a common problem in the world nowadays. If you have high blood pressure, this means that the blood is pushing with too much force against your blood vessels, and this can put you at risk for various heart conditions.

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In terms of numbers, normal hypertension is said to be less than 120 over less than 80 according to the 2017 American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association (ACC/AHA). Elevated blood pressure is 120-129 over less than 80, then stage 1 hypertension 130 to 139 over 80 to 89 and stage 2 hypertension at least 140 over at least 90.

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There are two types of hypertension: primary and secondary hypertension. The causes of primary hypertension remain unclear whereas secondary hypertension is caused by certain underlying conditions such as chronic renal disease, pheochromocytomas or sleep apnea.

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Risk factors

Risk factors for developing hypertension include obesity, smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, physical inactivity, stress, high sodium (can be from food), low potassium, and conditions such as kidney conditions and diabetes, as well as pregnancy.

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Management

As an individual, only you can look after your health. In managing high blood pressure, one can adopt these lifestyle modifications in addition to the medication prescribed by your physician. Lose weight, reduce sodium intake and potassium intake, eat food rich in potassium, exercise and take your medications regularly.

Medication

Hypertension is managed by drugs that target different enzymes and proteins explained as follows:

· Angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors prevent the production of angiotensin II (ANG II) which functions to narrow blood vessels. ACE inhibitors help relax blood vessels to lower blood pressure and they include Enalapril and Captopril.

· ANG II receptor blockers prevent ANG II from binding with receptors in blood vessels preventing the narrowing of blood vessels. These drugs include Metoprolol and Losartan.

· Calcium channel blockers which are drugs that block protein channels that allow calcium to enter blood vessels and heart muscles allowing relaxation of blood vessels. These drugs include Amlodipine and Nifedipine.

· Diuretic drugs aka, “water drugs”, help by getting rid of excess sodium (salt) and water from the blood, reducing the amount of fluid in the blood and therefore reducing blood pressure. These drugs include Indapamide and Chlorothiazide.