Diagnosis and Treatment of Blood Pressure Problems

What is “hypertension,” or high blood pressure?

Blood pressure is the pressure the heart creates on the vessel walls as it pumps blood, and it is expressed in millimeters of mercury (mm Hg). When this pressure is above the desired values, the condition is defined as hypertension.

Blood pressure consists of two different values: systolic pressure (popularly known as the “top number”), the pressure created when the heart pumps blood, and diastolic pressure (the “bottom number”), the pressure during the period when the heart rests between beats. Blood pressure is generally considered high (hypertension) at 140/90 mm Hg or above. Some values below this threshold may also be classified as elevated blood pressure under current guidelines and may require follow-up. The target values appropriate for each person are set by their doctor.

Is hypertension a common disease?

Yes, 20% of the population has hypertension; this rate is about 40% in the 45–54 age group and about 50% in the 55–64 age group. For this reason, people of all ages should have their blood pressure checked at least once a year.

How can I tell whether I have hypertension?

You can measure your blood pressure yourself, but try to learn how to measure it properly from a doctor or a training program. Electronic wrist and upper-arm blood pressure monitors can also be used, but to check their reliability it is advisable to compare their readings with those taken with a mercury sphygmomanometer. Mercury devices give the most accurate results.

If your blood pressure readings are high, you should see your doctor. When high blood pressure cannot be confirmed, a BLOOD PRESSURE HOLTER (a 24-hour blood pressure monitor) fitted at the center you visit is very helpful in clarifying whether you have hypertension or, if you do, in showing the differences between daytime and nighttime blood pressure and the effectiveness of any medication you are taking.

Can hypertension be treated?

Yes, it can. However, hypertension treatment is lifelong. The medications used lower blood pressure to normal levels, but if treatment is stopped, blood pressure will return to its previous values. For this reason, treatment should not be interrupted, and you should see your doctor for a check-up at least once a year.

In some special cases, hypertension may be due to a kidney disease or excess hormone production. In these cases, treating the kidney disease or hormonal disorder may normalize blood pressure, or at least make it easier to control with fewer medications.

What harm can hypertension cause?

Hypertension can cause brain hemorrhage and stroke, vision loss in the eyes, heart failure and heart attack, kidney failure, and narrowing of blood vessels throughout the body. If blood pressure is kept within normal limits, patients with hypertension are protected from these conditions.