Introduction
High blood pressure, or hypertension, is the force exerted by blood against the walls of blood vessels. Often dubbed the “silent killer,” it can persist undetected for years, leading to cardiovascular complications.
Measurement:
Hypertension is gauged by the volume of blood the heart pumps and the resistance it faces in arteries. It’s denoted in millimeters of mercury (mm Hg) and consists of:
- Systolic Pressure: The top number, representing pressure when the heart beats.
- Diastolic Pressure: The bottom number, indicating pressure between heartbeats.
Stages of Hypertension:
- Normal: 120/80 mm Hg
- Elevated: 120-129/less than 80 mm Hg
- Stage 1: 130-139/80-89 mm Hg
- Stage 2: 140 or above/90 mm Hg or higher
- Hypertension Crisis: 180/120 mm Hg, requiring immediate medical attention.
Causes:
While the exact cause often remains unidentified, several factors can contribute:
- Obesity
- Sedentary lifestyle
- Stress
- Smoking
- Genetic factors
- Age
- High salt intake
- Alcohol consumption
- Chronic kidney disease
- Pregnancy
- Thyroid and adrenal disorders
- Medications and certain recreational drugs
Symptoms:
Hypertension might manifest as:
- Sweating
- Dizziness
- Chest pain
- Nosebleeds
- Confusion
- Fatigue
- Severe headaches
- Vision problems
- Blood in urine
- Shortness of breath
- Irregular heartbeat
- Facial flushing
Complications:
Unchecked hypertension can lead to:
- Cardiovascular Disorders: Including angina, heart attacks, and heart failure.
- Neurological Issues: Such as strokes and cognitive impairments.
- Kidney Diseases: Hypertension is a leading risk factor for chronic kidney disease.
- Pregnancy-Related Hypertension: Including gestational hypertension and preeclampsia.
Diagnosis:
Diagnosis typically involves:
- Physical exams
- Blood pressure monitoring using a sphygmomanometer
- Lab tests like urinalysis and blood tests
- Ambulatory monitoring
- Electrocardiogram (ECG)
- Echocardiogram
Management:
Managing hypertension involves:
- Regular blood pressure monitoring
- Adopting a low-fat, low-salt diet
- Engaging in physical activity
- Quitting smoking
- Limiting alcohol
- Stress and anger management
Treatment:
Various medications can help control hypertension, including:
- ACE inhibitors
- Angiotensin II receptor blockers
- Calcium channel blockers
- Diuretics
- Alpha and beta-blockers
- Vasodilators
- Central-acting agents
It’s crucial to consult with a healthcare professional before starting any medication, especially during pregnancy.
Dr. Waseem’s Approach: Dr. Waseem, a renowned fitness trainer and dietitian, emphasizes treating the root cause. He believes insulin resistance is a primary contributor to hypertension. His recommendations include weight reduction, adopting a therapeutic keto diet, managing lifestyle, increasing potassium intake, replacing white salt with pink salt, stress management, and monitoring glucose levels. Through his ‘Diabetes Reversal Program,’ Dr. Waseem has successfully helped many patients revert to a normal physiological state, proving that with the right approach, hypertension can be managed and even reversed.