Blood pressure is defined as "the pressure exerted by blood circulating in the arteries against the walls of the arteries." When this blood pressure exceeds the normal value, we call it hypertension, or high blood pressure. The value here should be 120-80. If a person's resting blood pressure is above 120-80, we say their blood pressure is beginning to rise. If it consistently rises above 140-90 over the next few days, we diagnose hypertension.
Essential blood pressure accounts for 90 percent of hypertension
If hypertension develops in adulthood, we call it essential (primary) hypertension, meaning the cause is unknown. Primary hypertension, which accounts for 90 percent of hypertension cases, is often seen in adulthood due to multifactorial and mild genetic conditions. Other hypertensions are caused by organ problems. These are called secondary hypertension.
Hypertension can also occur at a young age.
Hypertension, which typically occurs in older adults, can also occur in younger ages. Therefore, it's crucial for people to be aware of this issue. Having their blood pressure measured and monitored regularly is crucial for detecting hypertension, especially when it begins at a young age. Raising awareness of this at a young age, especially for those with a family history of high blood pressure, and monitoring blood pressure levels, helps detect the condition early and prevent related problems. Close blood pressure monitoring is especially important for those with a family history of high blood pressure after the age of 20.
It is very wrong for young patients not to use medication
Avoiding medication for hypertension that appears at a young age is the biggest mistake. There's a misconception: It's as if hypertension is a disease of the elderly, always affecting older adults. Even if blood pressure is high at a young age, people avoid medication. This is profoundly mistaken. The key is to get blood pressure right at the right time. The earlier we treat blood pressure, the more we can prevent related problems. Second, the fewer medications used to treat the condition. With just one medication, we can monitor and treat the condition for a lifetime.
Keeping it under control reduces the risk of disease
Keeping hypertension under control is crucial. If left uncontrolled, hypertension affects all organs, as blood pressure rises in all organs, leading to serious problems, particularly heart disease. Heart attacks, heart failure, and thickening of the heart walls can occur. Secondly, it can trigger many diseases, including eye, kidney, and other peripheral vascular diseases. Therefore, controlling hypertension is crucial.
What should hypertension patients pay most attention to?
If you've been diagnosed with hypertension, it's beneficial to have regular checkups with a doctor. It's important to make lifestyle changes, including a healthy and balanced diet and exercise, and to control any obesity you may have. If you have comorbidities like heart disease, diabetes, or high cholesterol, you should also receive appropriate treatment for these conditions. If you need to take medication for hypertension, you should take it regularly under the supervision of a doctor.
Exercise reduces the need for blood pressure medication
Salt consumption should be monitored in hypertension. When we talk about salt consumption, we don't just mean adding salt to our meals; we also recommend being mindful of processed foods, especially those high in salt. Furthermore, developing an exercise habit in hypertensive individuals is effective in controlling blood pressure and reducing the need for blood pressure medication. Therefore, it's crucial for these individuals to exercise regularly and adjust their eating habits to achieve their ideal weight.
Problems arise with regular use of blood pressure medications
One of the most significant problems observed in patients with hypertension is irregular medication use. Many patients with hypertension require medication. It's crucial to ensure the appropriate medication is prescribed for the patient under the supervision of a doctor. Once the medication is prescribed, it's important to understand that the more consistently the medication is taken, the more effective blood pressure control will be. The more effectively we can control our blood pressure, the more successful the treatment will be.
The biggest problem observed in hypertension patients, both in our country and globally, is the disruption of medication treatment. Regular medication use is problematic. Patients may take their medications for six months or a year, then decide to stop taking them or do so. This can lead to treatment interruptions and limited protection from the negative effects of hypertension. Therefore, if medication is started, it's crucial to continue it regularly. Communication between patient and doctor is also crucial for compliance.
Individual and social awareness is important
Individual and societal awareness is crucial for preventing hypertension. In Türkiye, 30-40 percent of people are unaware of their hypertension. A second important point is that after a hypertension diagnosis, when medication is initiated, patients often fail to monitor their blood pressure, thinking, "I'm already on medication anyway." This also explains why 30-40 percent of patients struggle with effective medication use. We have a problem with both awareness and diagnosis of the disease, and consistent medication use after diagnosis. Overcoming these two challenges is crucial for hypertension control and the management of comorbidities associated with hypertension.
Awareness should begin in childhood
Society needs to be motivated to change lifestyles. Most importantly, regarding comorbidities such as obesity, which often accompany hypertension, early guidance from families on exercise, ideal weight, healthy eating habits, and food choices will help protect children from obesity and hypertension later in life. Those who maintain healthy eating habits and exercise regularly will have a lower risk of developing hypertension, or if there's a genetic predisposition, its onset may be delayed or postponed.
FACULTY OF MEDICINE
Faculty Member of Cardiology Department
Prof. Dr. Muzaffer Murat Değertekin
