Information

The overall prevalence of hypertension in adults is about 30-45%. With the aging of the population, a more sedentary lifestyle, and increasing body weight, the prevalence of hypertension is rising worldwide. Complications such as ischemic heart disease, hemorrhagic and ischemic stroke are responsible for a large part of mortality and disability. Unfortunately, hypertension is often combined with other cardiovascular risk factors such as dyslipidemia and impaired glucose tolerance.

Hypertension is a predominantly asymptomatic condition, which is most successfully detected through organized population screening programs. There are two ways of diagnosing arterial hypertension: through office monitoring of blood pressure, i.e. several measurements taken in the doctor's office, and through home monitoring.

Home blood pressure is the average value of all measurements taken with a blood pressure device for a minimum of 3 days, and preferably 7 consecutive days, with measurements taken in the morning and evening, in a quiet room after a 5-minute rest, with the patient in a seated position.

When should we visit a cardiologist?

The purpose of the clinical evaluation by a cardiologist is to establish the diagnosis and degree of hypertension, screen for potential secondary causes of hypertension, identify factors potentially contributing to the development of hypertension (lifestyle, accompanying diseases or family history), identify accompanying diseases, and determine whether there is evidence of organ damage.

Which organs are damaged by hypertension?

Chronically increased filling of the left ventricle of the heart in hypertensive patients can lead to left ventricular hypertrophy, increased risk of arrhythmias, and increased risk of heart failure.

Hypertension is the second most important cause of chronic kidney disease after diabetes mellitus. Its presence also increases the incidence of brain damage, the most dramatic manifestations of which are transient ischemic attack and stroke.

How is it treated?

There are two well-established strategies for lowering blood pressure: lifestyle changes and drug treatment. The recommended target blood pressure value is <140/90 mmHg.

A healthy lifestyle can prevent or delay the onset of hypertension and reduce cardiovascular risk. Effective lifestyle changes can be sufficient to prevent the need for drug therapy in patients with stage I hypertension.

The recommended lifestyle measures that have been proven to lower arterial hypertension are: salt restriction, consumption of vegetables and fruits, maintaining an ideal body weight, as well as regular physical activity. People with hypertension who consume alcohol are advised to limit their consumption.

Studies show that regular aerobic physical activity can be beneficial, both for the prevention and treatment of hypertension, as well as for reducing cardiovascular risk and mortality.

Author: Dr. Sibel Kafalieva, Cardiologist