Hypertension
                     HYPERTENSI
ON
Introduction
• Hypertension, also known as high or raised blood 
pressure, is a condition in which the blood vessels have 
persistently raised pressure. Blood is carried from the 
heart to all parts of the body in the vessels. 
Source: www.who.int
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Symptoms
• Most people with high blood pressure have no signs or 
symptoms, even if blood pressure readings reach 
dangerously high levels.
• A few people with high blood pressure may have 
headaches, shortness of breath or nosebleeds, but these 
signs and symptoms aren't specific and usually don't 
occur until high blood pressure has reached a severe or 
life-threatening stage.
Source: www.mayoclinic.org
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Primary (essential) hypertension
• For most adults, there's no identifiable cause of high 
blood pressure. This type of high blood pressure, called 
primary (essential) hypertension, tends to develop 
gradually over many years.
Source: www.mayoclinic.org
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Secondary hypertension
• Some people have high blood pressure caused by an 
underlying condition. 
• This type of high blood pressure, called secondary 
hypertension, tends to appear suddenly and cause higher 
blood pressure than does primary hypertension.
Source: www.mayoclinic.org
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Risk factors
• Age: The risk of high blood pressure increases as you age. 
Until about age 64, high blood pressure is more common 
in men. Women are more likely to develop high blood 
pressure after age 65.
• Race: High blood pressure is particularly common among 
people of African heritage, often developing at an earlier 
age than it does in whites.
Source: www.mayoclinic.org
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Risk factors cont.
• Family history: High blood pressure tends to run in 
families.
• Being overweight or obese: The more you weigh, the 
more blood you need to supply oxygen and nutrients to 
your tissues.
Source: www.mayoclinic.org
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Risk factors cont.
• Stress: High levels of stress can lead to a temporary 
increase in blood pressure. 
• Certain chronic conditions: Certain chronic conditions also 
may increase your risk of high blood pressure, including 
kidney disease, diabetes and sleep apnea.
Source: www.mayoclinic.org
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Complications
• Uncontrolled high blood pressure can lead to 
complications including:
• Heart attack or stroke: High blood pressure can cause 
hardening and thickening of the arteries, which can lead to a 
heart attack, stroke or other complications.
• Aneurysm: Increased blood pressure can cause your blood 
vessels to weaken and bulge, forming an aneurysm. If an 
aneurysm ruptures, it can be life-threatening.
Source: www.mayoclinic.org
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Prevention
• Reducing salt intake (to less than 5g daily)
• Eating more fruit and vegetables
• Being physically active on a regular basis
• Avoiding use of tobacco
• Reducing alcohol consumption
• Limiting the intake of foods high in saturated fats
• Eliminating/reducing trans fats in diet
Source: www.who.int
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Diagnosis
• Since high blood pressure doesn’t have symptoms, your 
healthcare provider will need to check your blood 
pressure with a blood pressure cuff. Providers usually 
check your blood pressure at every annual checkup or 
appointment. 
• If you have high blood pressure readings at two 
appointments or more, your provider may tell you that 
you have high blood pressure.
Source: www.mayoclinic.org
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