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Internal Medicine
Hypertension
High blood pressure in the vessels of our body is called Hypertension (High Blood Pressure).
ℹWhat is Hypertension?
It is the condition where the pressure exerted by the blood against the vessel walls is above the limits considered normal (usually 120/80 mmHg).
There are two types of blood pressure:
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Systolic Blood Pressure (High Pressure): The pressure of the blood in the vessel at the moment the heart contracts.
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Diastolic Blood Pressure (Low Pressure): The blood pressure in the vessel when the heart relaxes.
Common Symptoms
Insidious Course
Its most important feature is that it often gives no symptoms and goes unnoticed for a long time. Therefore, it can progress insidiously.
Headache at the Base of the Skull
May occur especially during severe elevations. Mild-to-moderate hypertension usually does not cause headaches.
Blurred Vision
When blood pressure rises significantly, eye vessels can be affected, causing blurred vision.
Easy Fatigability and Shortness of Breath
Can occur in cases where high blood pressure places a serious load on the heart and circulatory system.
Palpitations
Some individuals may feel this distinctly, especially if a rhythm disorder is also present.
Dizziness
May be accompanied by a feeling of lightheadedness.
Tinnitus
May be accompanied by a buzzing or ringing sensation in the ears.
Nosebleeds
May develop due to high blood pressure.
Diagnosis Methods
Ambulatory Blood Pressure Monitoring (ABPM)
Also known as Holter monitoring. Considered the "Gold Standard" in diagnosing hypertension. Performs automatic blood pressure measurements over 24 hours.
Home Blood Pressure Monitoring
Measurements taken by the patient with their own device on a schedule determined by the physician.
ECG (Electrocardiogram)
Shows the electrical activity of the heart to detect cardiac hypertrophy, arrhythmias, and ischemic changes.
Echocardiography
A dynamic Doppler ultrasonography of the heart. It examines the function of the heart muscle, whether there is thickening, and the status of the valves.
Laboratory Analyses
Evaluation of kidney function tests and protein leakage in urinalysis.
Renal Artery Doppler Ultrasonography
Used to determine if there is narrowing in the kidney arteries.
Causes
Age
Advancing age increases the risk of hypertension.
Family History
Having a family history of hypertension.
Excess Weight
Obesity and excess weight raise blood pressure.
Sedentary Life
A sedentary lifestyle increases the risk.
Excessive Salt Consumption
Excessive sodium intake raises blood pressure.
Excessive Alcohol Consumption
Alcohol directly elevates blood pressure.
Treatments
Salt Restriction
Daily salt intake should be limited to 5-6 grams (approximately 1 teaspoon).
DASH Diet
A dietary pattern based on vegetables, fruits, whole grains, and low-fat dairy products. Saturated fats and cholesterol are avoided.
Weight Control
Every 1 kg of excess weight loss can reduce systolic blood pressure by approximately 1 mmHg.
Regular Exercise
Moderate-pace walking for 30-40 minutes at least 5 days a week improves vascular elasticity.
Diuretics
Lower blood pressure by eliminating excess salt and water. Hydrochlorothiazide, Indapamide, Furosemide, Spironolactone.
ACE Inhibitors
Provides vascular relaxation by blocking the production of substances that narrow the vessels. Enalapril, Ramipril, Perindopril, Lisinopril.
Angiotensin II Receptor Blockers (ARBs)
Blocks the binding of substances that narrow the vessels. Olmesartan, Valsartan, Candesartan, Telmisartan, Losartan.
Calcium Channel Blockers
Helps the muscles in the vessel walls relax. Amlodipine, Lercanidipine, Nifedipine, Diltiazem, Verapamil.
Beta-Blockers
Allows the heart to beat slower and with less force. Metoprolol, Nebivolol, Bisoprolol, Carvedilol.