Hypertension: Signs And Symptoms

According to the reports published by the American Hearts Association (AHA), for the decade 1996 to 2006, there has been a 19.5 percent increase in the deaths from high blood pressure in America. While this may defy the advance of medical sciences, the actual number of deaths rose by 48.1 percent.
Superficially, it may seem only 2 percent a year but it is actually becoming a major problem these days. With increasing levels of stress and high pressure from work, almost every individual is prone to suffer from hypertension. It may be easy to control if one knows he is ill.

Common Symptoms of Hypertension

One can easily know if he is suffering from hypertension, if he observes any of the following symptoms:
Headache/Drowsiness - The most common symptom in case of increased blood pressure is headache and drowsiness. An increase in the blood pressure causes a sudden rush of blood in the brain. This leads to a severe headache.
Nausea- One may also feel nauseated if he is suffering from hypertension. Nausea may be because of many other factors but prolong feeling of nausea coupled with heavy sweating and perspiration may be a stroke of increased blood pressure
Vomiting - Once blood rushes to the brain, the natural body mechanism kicks in. It results in patient vomiting all his food. This instantly lowers down the blood pressure but still the patient may not feel perfectly fine.
All of the above said symptoms coupled with blurring of vision may be a definite sign of hypertension. However one does not need to worry as Hypertension can be treated.

Treatment of Hypertension

High blood pressure can be checked if a patient follows certain procedures and treatments that are explained as under. They include controls and prohibitions along with certain medications.

Modification of one's routine and lifestyle: After being diagnosed with hypertension, one may need to adapt his lifestyle and incorporate the following changes in his routine.
One needs to reduce weight and have an optimum weight height ratio to stay healthy.

Intake of salts is to be reduced to a level of 1500 mgs/day

A patient will also have to limit his intake of Alcohol and other intoxicating substances. Doctors allow intake of 1-2 drinks a day.

Patients should also exercise regularly for at least half an hour.

Other than this, medication also helps in reducing the impact of hypertension on one's life.

Medication: With the advance of medical sciences, drugs have been developed which can completely take care of high blood pressure. Generally medications are advised to patients who have a deviation of more than 20 mmHg in both upper limits and lower limits of pressure.

There are several types of medicines which range from inhibitors to blockers which speculate the level of enzymes and their impact. The Angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors and Angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs) are common types of medicines while others include alpha and beta blockers.

Among all these medicines, Diuretics are the most commonly prescribed medicines for hypertension. They are believed to be the initial therapy measures for those suffering from high blood pressures. They generally suffice patients suffering from minor deflections in blood pressure. In case a person is not prescribed diuretics, then it might be due to any other existing medical conditions. ACE inhibitors are generally prescribed to diabetic patients.

Another component of drugs for such patients is Hydrochlorothiazide. Depending on the severity of the problem, doctors may combine a medicinal course of more than two medicines or combinations to reduce the blood pressure. These prescriptions can be for a prolonged period of time.