ONE THIRD OF THE SOCIETY HAS HYPERTENSION
From the Cardiology Department of Medicana International Samsun Hospital Dr. Lecturer Member Kenan Durna stated that high blood pressure, or hypertension as it is known, does not cause symptoms for years and said, "Hypertension is also known as the "silent enemy" due to the damage it can cause to the kidney, brain, heart and vascular system. "Early diagnosis is of great importance to protect against serious conditions caused by hypertension such as stroke, heart attack and kidney failure," he said.
Dr. Lecturer Member Kenan Durna said that high blood pressure, also known as Hypertension, is long-term high pressure in the body arteries. Stating that blood pressure of 140/90 or above is hypertension, he said, “It is very common, one-third of the population has hypertension. Hypertension is a disorder that can lead to conditions such as cardiovascular diseases, kidney diseases, eye damage and stroke. Although the exact reason is unknown, daily high salt intake (6 g/day), stress, obesity, genetic factors (family history of hypertension), diabetes, sedentary lifestyle, daily insufficient intake of nutrients containing elements such as calcium, overweight, potassium and magnesium. Although consumption is among the causes associated with hypertension, the cause of hypertension cannot be found in 90-95% of the world. Problems with the kidneys, adrenal glands and aortic vessels are among the 5% causes of hypertension.
Hypertension, the “Silent Enemy”
Dr. Lecturer Member Kenan Durna explained the use of the term "silent enemy" for hypertension as follows: "It does not cause any symptoms in half of the patients, and is detected either incidentally or when there is a disorder in any organ, such as a stroke." It can damage the kidney, brain, heart and vascular system, often without causing symptoms for years. Therefore, measuring blood pressure at regular intervals can be lifesaving. In some people, extremely high blood pressure may cause headache, dizziness, shortness of breath, chest pain, and visual disturbances. When these complaints are felt, a doctor should be consulted. Very high blood pressure (malignant hypertension) is found in one in every hundred people. In this case, throbbing headache, nausea, vomiting, visual impairment, dizziness and sometimes kidney failure may occur. This is an emergency and hospitalization must be sought to avoid organ damage.
Blood pressure measurement for diagnosis
When measured by health professionals under appropriate conditions, blood pressure of 140/90 mm Hg and above in at least two measurements indicates that you have hypertension. A detailed physical examination, electrocardiogram, echocardiography, 24-hour blood pressure monitoring and laboratory tests help make this diagnosis. Blood pressure is affected by many factors. Not eating anything for an hour before blood pressure measurement, being at rest, not smoking or drinking coffee provides the ideal measurement.
The Basis of Treatment is Lifestyle Change
The target in hypertension treatment is to reduce blood pressure below 140/90 mm Hg. The ideal is to reduce it below 120\80 mm hg. Lower blood pressure values are targeted in diabetics, patients with kidney failure and organ damage. The basis of treatment is lifestyle change, and if this is not sufficient, the initiation of drug therapy. Most hypertension medications are used alone or in combination. Medications may vary for people with certain diseases. Lifestyle change, regular exercise, weight control, and restriction of salt intake (3 g/day) play a fundamental role in protecting against hypertension. In cases of hypertension that is resistant to all treatments, blood pressure can be controlled by performing surgery on the renal arteries. Early diagnosis is important to prevent serious conditions caused by hypertension such as stroke, heart attack, and kidney failure. Hypertension diagnosed and controlled early does not affect quality of life. Since the cause is unclear, blood pressure can be lowered, but hypertension cannot be eliminated. Therefore, treatment with or without medication should be continued throughout life.
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