What Causes High Blood Pressure? How Is It Monitored?

High blood pressure usually causes no symptoms until it leads to organ damage. Regular measurement is necessary for early diagnosis of the disease.
Hypertension, or high blood pressure, is a common disease in our country. Unfortunately, half of the patients with high blood pressure are unaware of their condition. Because hypertension typically does not cause any complaints. For this reason, it is called the 'silent killer' and, when left uncontrolled, it paves the way for very serious diseases, potentially creating life-threatening dangers...
Emphasizing that hypertension should not be taken lightly, Cardiology Specialist Prof. Dr. Olcay Özveren points out the importance of awareness on this subject and provides vital information.

What is High Blood Pressure (Hypertension)?

Hypertension can be defined as blood pressure levels rising above the values considered normal. The pressure in the vessels when the heart contracts is called systolic blood pressure (the higher number), and the pressure when the heart relaxes is called diastolic blood pressure (the lower number). Blood pressure is evaluated by measuring both pressures together.

What Causes High Blood Pressure?

Risk factors for hypertension are divided into modifiable and non-modifiable factors. The non-modifiable risk factors for hypertension are as follows:

• Age: The risk of developing hypertension increases with age. The risk rises even more, especially beyond the age of 40.
• Gender: Statistics show that hypertension is more common in men, particularly at a young age, while the risk increases in women after menopause.
• Presence of certain diseases: Diabetes, high cholesterol, sleep apnea, thyroid diseases, and kidney diseases are closely associated with hypertension.

The modifiable risk factors for hypertension are related to a person's lifestyle. They can be controlled with necessary precautions and treatment. The modifiable risk factors for hypertension are as follows:

• Excessive salt consumption
•  A diet poor in fiber and consisting of processed foods
• Sedentary lifestyle
• Smoking and alcohol consumption
• Obesity and being overweight
• Stressful life

What Happens in the Body When Blood Pressure Rises?

Hypertension most often does not show symptoms. Therefore, symptoms usually appear only when it remains uncontrolled for a long time or when blood pressure becomes very high. Common hypertension symptoms are as follows:

• Headache felt especially in the nape area in the mornings.
• Palpitations due to the increase in blood pressure.
• High blood pressure can cause fluid accumulation in the lungs, leading to shortness of breath over time.
• Dizziness and ringing in the ears may also be observed.
• One of the most common complaints of hypertension patients is the feeling of weakness and fatigue. Patients feel lacking in energy.

How is High Blood Pressure Diagnosed/Understood?

Questions like "How do we understand if we have hypertension?" or "How does a person know their blood pressure is high?" are a common topic of curiosity among the public. Although hypertension may show some symptoms, it is generally not easily noticed. Because the disease progresses insidiously and does not give symptoms, many people in the society continue their lives unaware of their illness.
According to research, approximately 50% of hypertension patients in Turkey are unaware that they are ill. Therefore, regular blood pressure measurement is very important. Because if not diagnosed early and brought under control, it can lead to complications.

How is Blood Pressure Measured?

Correct blood pressure measurement should be as follows:

• 30 minutes before measurement, do not consume caffeine, smoke, or engage in heavy exercise.
• Be in a comfortable environment and a seated position for blood pressure measurement; rest for a while.
• If measuring at home, make sure the devices used are calibrated beforehand.
• Confirm that there is no difference by measuring from both arms.

How is High Blood Pressure Monitoring Done?

High blood pressure monitoring varies depending on the frequency of measurement, the person's health status, age, and risk factors...

• Hypertension patients: Patients should measure their blood pressure daily or weekly and keep a record, depending on their own condition and their physician's guidance.
• Those at risk of hypertension: People with obesity, diabetes, kidney disease, and a family history of hypertension should measure their blood pressure at least once a month or more frequently as recommended by their doctor.
• Healthy individuals: Healthy individuals between the ages of 18-39 should measure their blood pressure at least every 3-5 years, even if the risk of hypertension is low; healthy individuals over the age of 40 should have their blood pressure measured at least once a year.
• Those over 65: Blood pressure measurement becomes even more important in the elderly. For these individuals, if not directed otherwise by their physician, weekly or monthly measurements will be sufficient. 

What Should Blood Pressure Be?

Normal blood pressure values are considered to be lower than 120 mmHg for systolic (the higher number) and lower than 80 mmHg for diastolic (the lower number) (i.e., 120/80 mmHg and below).

How is High Blood Pressure Treated?

Hypertension is described as the "silent killer" because it often progresses without symptoms. In the long term, it damages many vital organs such as the heart, brain, kidneys, and eyes. Because it progresses insidiously for many years without symptoms, it can cause permanent damage to many organs during this process. Symptoms experienced by the patient, such as palpitations and shortness of breath, also negatively affect daily life. Uncontrolled hypertension can lead to very serious consequences such as cardiac arrest, organ failure, and sudden death. Hypertension treatment lasts a lifetime. Therefore, medications need to be used continuously.