| What is hypertension? | | | | Eye problems |
| Hypertension is a condition in which the blood pressure | | | | Seizures ('fits') |
| is persistently higher than normal. It is more common in | | | | How do doctors recognise hypertension? |
| men than women, especially from middle age onwards. | | | | The diagnostic test for high blood pressure is simply |
| The pressure of the blood as it flows through the | | | | measuring blood pressure over a period of time to see |
| arteries and veins varies naturally. It is lower when the | | | | if it consistently higher than normal. Other investigations |
| body is at rest and rises during physical exertion. It can | | | | that may be carried out if high blood pressure is |
| also rise temporarily in response to stress. However, if | | | | thought to be a problem are an ECG (an |
| your blood pressure is persistently higher than normal, | | | | electrocardiogram) which measures the electrical |
| even when you are resting or relaxed, you are | | | | activity of the heart, a chest X-ray to see if the heart |
| suffering from hypertension. | | | | is enlarged, blood tests and possibly investigations of |
| What causes hypertension and who is at risk? | | | | the kidneys. |
| The arteries harden and become narrower as a result | | | | What is the treatment for hypertension? |
| of ageing or a high fat diet. This restricts the circulation | | | | Self-care action plan |
| of blood through the body making the heart work | | | | However, as you reach middle age (especially if you |
| harder to keep the blood flowing. This increases blood | | | | lead a sedentary life). The doctor places an inflatable |
| pressure. | | | | band or 'cuff' around your upper arm about level with |
| A number of factors can increase the risk of | | | | your heart and inflates it with a hand-held pump. A |
| hypertension or make the problem worse. These | | | | gauge indicates how much pressure the cuff is |
| include: | | | | exerting. As it tightens around the upper arm, the cuff |
| Lack of exercise | | | | restricts the flow of blood. By allowing the cuff to |
| Stress | | | | deflate slowly, the doctor can tell at what pressure the |
| Smoking | | | | blood starts to flow by feeling and listening with a |
| Obesity | | | | stethoscope for your pulse. |
| Excess alcohol consumption | | | | If your blood pressure is only slightly raised or if there is |
| Sometimes, however, there are specific causes. | | | | no specific cause for hypertension, treatment usually |
| These include: | | | | centres around adopting a more healthy lifestyle. The |
| Kidney problems | | | | doctor may advise you to: |
| Some heart conditions | | | | Give up smoking |
| Complications during pregnancy | | | | Lose weight |
| Certain hormone imbalances | | | | Take more exercise |
| Side effects of drugs such as steroids or | | | | Improve your diet |
| 'hair-restoring' creams | | | | Eat less fatty food |
| What are the common symptoms and complications | | | | Avoid stress |
| of hypertension? | | | | Learn to relax |
| Essential hypertension produces few, if any, specific | | | | Complementary therapy |
| symptoms. It is usually diagnosed by chance when | | | | A variety of complementary treatments are available |
| your blood pressure is measured as part of a routine | | | | for hypertension. However, there is no conclusive |
| health check or during an examination for another | | | | research evidence to prove that any complementary |
| problem or after a stroke or heart attack. | | | | medicines (eg homeopathic medicines and herbal |
| When very severe, hypertension can produce: | | | | remedies) are beneficial and do not have harmful |
| Breathlessness | | | | effects. |
| Headaches | | | | Therapies such as the Alexander technique, |
| Dizziness | | | | reflexology, relaxation and visualisation, yoga and tai chi |
| Symptoms of complications include: | | | | may help promote a sense of well-being and reduce |
| Kidney problems | | | | stress which exacerbates high blood pressure. |