High Blood Pressure

Description

An in-depth report on the causes, diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of high blood pressure.

Alternative Names

Beta Blockers; Calcium Channel Blockers; Hypertension

Symptoms

Hypertension has aptly been called the "silent killer" because it usually produces no symptoms. Untreated hypertension increases slowly over the years. It is important, therefore, for anyone with risk factors to have their blood pressure checked regularly and to make appropriate lifestyle changes. Such recommendations are urged for individuals who have overall high-normal blood pressure, mild or above systolic with normal diastolic pressure, or family histories of hypertension, or who are overweight or over age 40.

Symptoms of Malignant Hypertension

In rare cases (fewer than 1% of all hypertensive patients), the blood pressure rises quickly (with diastolic pressure usually rising to 130 mm Hg or higher), resulting in malignant or accelerated hypertension. This is a life-threatening condition and must be treated immediately. People with uncontrolled hypertension or a history of heart failure are at increased risk for this crisis.

People should call a physician immediately if these symptoms occur:

• Drowsiness.
• Confusion.
• Headache.
• Nausea.
• Loss of vision.