High blood pressure known as primary hypertension or essential hypertension is caused by a narrowing or hardening of the peripheral arteries. This causes an increased resistance inside these arteries and makes it harder for the blood to be pumped through the body causing the blood pressure to rise. Peripheral arteries are the smaller arteries found mostly in the extremities such as the arms and legs.
Ninety five percent of those who suffer from high blood pressure have primary hypertension and no exact cause is usually pinpointed. It is most often associated with genetics. In other words there is a family history of high blood pressure.
Increased peripheral artery resistance and primary hypertension can also be caused by obesity, lack of exercise, and an over use of salt. The aging process also contributes to the narrowing or hardening of the peripheral arteries.
Approximately five percent of patients with hypertension have what is known as secondary hypertension. This type has an exact cause. Two of the most well known causes of secondary hypertension are chronic kidney disease which causes an accumulation of excess fluid in the system. The other is pregnancy where high blood pressure results in pre-eclampsia and eclampsia which are life threatening to both mother and baby. Once the baby is delivered, the hypertensive crisis is usually over.
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If left untreated, high blood pressure places a toll on the heart and larger arteries. These larger arteries can become narrowed and hardened as well. This can lead to strokes, heart attacks and heart failure.
The tiniest arteries can also be affected by hypertension which can lead to damage in organs such as the eyes, kidneys, and heart.
Hypertension can go for years and not be diagnosed because there are no real symptoms unless damage has been done. It is usually discovered in a routine examination. That is one of the reasons an annual physical is important.
Hypertension is not curable, but it can be treated and controlled with medications, dietary and lifestyle changes and exercise. Medications must be continued unless otherwise directed by a health care practitioner.
There are four main types of medications which can be used to treat hypertension. Depending on the suspected underlying factors one or more of the medications can be used.
- Beta-blockers slow down the heart rate and cause the heart to beat less powerfully.
- Diuretics are used if a build up of fluid is contributing to the hypertension. These drugs stimulate the production of urine and cause frequent urination.
- ACE inhibitors and Angiotensin II antagonists cause the blood vessels to relax. This is due to the fact that Angiotensin II, which is a hormone, is either blocked or production is prevented. Angiotensin II controls the narrowing of blood vessels. It also controls many organs and organ systems such as the kidneys where it prevents the kidneys from excreting excess fluid.
- Calcium-channel blockers also relax the peripheral arteries allowing for a lowered blood flow resistance. They block calcium from entering the muscles as calcium causes the arteries to narrow.
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