No fixed figures can be given for normal level of blood pressure,this dependes of age and activity of the individuals and environment(urban or rural life).
However hypertension can be based on the fallowing levels in mm Hg:
- recommended maximum level 140/90(specially in pregnancy)
-bordline level inbetween 140/90 and 160/95.
The two reading most be taken separately.
Hypertension is clasified in two types:
1.Primary hypertension
2.Secundary hypertension
1.PRIMARY HYPERTENSION:
No particular cause can be accused.
Risk factors:
-genetic factor:reported familial and racial tendency to hypertension suggest genetic contribution.
-foetal factors:impaired foetal health due to undernutrition and other adverse conditions.
-obesity:associated with increased systolic and diastolic pressure.
-common salt:sodium chloride content of diet play a role(hight potassium diet can protect against adverse effect of hight sodium intake).
-alcohol:elevate pressure.
-stress,worry,anxiety and psychological disorders cause only temporary,not persisting elevation of blood pressure in normotensives.
-others:hormonal,disorders and insulin resistance.
2.SECUNDARY HYPERTENSION:
Some pathological conditions are associated with hypertension:
-renal hypertension:over 80%of secundary hypertension.Renal disease may cause secundary hypertension through:sodium and water retantion,elevation of plasma renin.
-endocrine hypertention
-cardiovascular causes
-drugs:estrogen,steroids,vasopressin and others.
-collagen disease.
Hypertension in Pregnancy:
Though heart output increase in pregnancy,yet there is relatively more decline in peripheral vessel ressistance,and so blood pressure of healthy pregnants is usually lower than normal level.
The hypertension is detected on regular health of the pregnant:
-in the first half of the pregnancy:it and is usually perexisting(preconceptional)
-in the second half of pregnancy:induced hypertension that usually resolves after delivery.
Primary hypertension appears usually at 25-55 years,uncommon below 20,and secondary hypertension may appear at any age.Females are usually more affected,specially over 40 years,and they are less exposed to the risk of complications..
More then one family member may show essential hypertension,likely related to hereditary factor.
Busy,noisy,sophisticated urban life may show somewhat higher blood pressure.Cigarette smoking,alcohol intake and uncontrol dietary fat,calories,common salt and sugar are risk factors.
Uncontrolled hypertension is usually asymptomic,may be for years.
Uncomplicated cases may sometimes complain of headache,transient dizzines,and maybe palpitations.
Uncontrolled hypertension may cause serious sequeles and complications:cardiovascular,renal,ophthalmic and others
Early diagnosis and proper management are the main control measures.
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