Blood Pressure and its Consequences.

High blood pressure occurs when the pressure in the blood vessels is excessively high (140/90 millimeters of mercury or higher).

It is a common condition but can be serious if left untreated. People with high blood pressure may not experience any symptoms.

Blood pressure measurement is the only way to determine whether someone has high blood pressure or not.

Among the factors that increase the risk of developing high blood pressure are:

- Advancing age

- Genetic factors

- Weight gain and obesity

- Lack of physical activity

- High-salt diet

- Excessive alcohol consumption

Individuals with very high blood pressure (usually 180/120 millimeters of mercury or higher) may experience symptoms that include:

- Severe headache

- Chest pain

- Dizziness

- Shortness of breath

- Nausea

- Vomiting

- Blurred vision or other visual changes

- Anxiety

- Confusion

- Ringing in the ears

- Nosebleeds

- Irregular heartbeat

Lifestyle changes can help lower high blood pressure levels. These changes include:

- Following a healthy, low-salt diet

- Weight reduction

- Regular physical exercise

- Quitting smoking

There are several common medications used to treat high blood pressure, such as:

• Angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors: These medications relax blood vessels and protect against kidney damage.
• Examples include enalapril and lisinopril.

- Angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs): These medications relax blood vessels and protect against kidney damage. Examples include losartan and telmisartan.

- Calcium channel blockers: These medications relax blood vessels. Examples include amlodipine and felodipine.

- Diuretics: These medications help eliminate excess water from the body and lower blood pressure levels. Examples include hydrochlorothiazide and chlorthalidone.