Hypertension: The Oft-Ignored Cause of a Heart Attack

Some people suffering from hypertension do not feel any disturbing symptoms. That is why this dangerous disease is called “the silent killer,” since the process of hypertension itself can affect or harm all body organs.

Commonly, the sufferers don’t even realize that they have hypertension for they never take a checkup on their blood pressure. The normal value of blood pressure for people with normal body weight, height, and physical activity is 120/80 mmHg. In daily activities, the blood pressure is relatively stable and remains within the normal range. Yet, generally the number of blood pressure reading decreases when sleeping, and increases while doing activities or exercises.

Both primary and secondary hypertension are equally dangerous

High blood pressure disease or hypertension is classified into two, namely primary hypertension and secondary hypertension.

Primary hypertension is a condition in which the high blood pressure is caused by an unhealthy lifestyle and several environmental factors. An uncontrolled dietary pattern leading to overweight or even obesity is the initial trigger of high blood pressure disease. Similarly, people living in a very stressful environment or condition are highly exposed to high blood pressure disease, including those with a sedentary lifestyle.

Secondary hypertension is a condition in which the high blood pressure is caused by other diseases, such as heart failure, kidney failure, or damage in the endocrine system of the body. Meanwhile, pregnant mothers generally have their blood pressure increased when the pregnancy reaches 20 weeks. This particularly occurs in overweighted or obese women.

Primary hypertension is the most common type of hypertension. Nevertheless, both primary and secondary hypertension cause nearly similar harm: organ damage and accelerated atherosclerosis (clog in the blood vessels).

The increased blood pressure can be caused by the frequent or continuous use of drugs, such as corticosteroid drugs (cortisone), hormone, or anti-inflammatory drugs. In addition, smoking might also increase the blood pressure due to the nicotine contained within the tobacco. Alcoholic beverages are also considered as a cause of high blood pressure.

Everyone should beware

Something more dangerous than hypertension is its complication. Hypertension accelerates atherosclerosis, causing clot more quickly in the blood vessels. When taking place in the brain, it causes stroke; in the kidney, it causes kidney failure; whereas in the heart it will cause a heart attack or coronary heart disease.

To prevent hypertension from developing into the complications of kidney failure, stroke, heart attack, or erectile dysfunction, it is suggested that the sufferers do regular exercise and change their lifestyle. The sufferers of hypertension must also realize that it is important to return the blood pressure into normal, or as low as possible.

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