fbpx
ABC Medical Center > Hypertension

What is Hypertension?

12:26 - 9 April , 2021

Disease

Constant high blood pressure levels cause the heart to overwork in order to efficiently distribute blood throughout the body. This condition, over the years, can trigger heart disease or a stroke. Therefore, it is important that you talk with your ABC doctor about the ideal blood pressure for you and how often you should check it to prevent it and avoid complications. 

Blood pressure is divided into:

  • Systolic pressure: highest number. Pressure generated by the heart when pumping blood.
  • Diastolic pressure: lowest number. Pressure of the blood vessels between heartbeats.
Classification Systolic Diastolic
Normal < 120 and < 80
Pre-hypertension 120 to 139 and from 80 to 89
Stage 1 hypertension 140 to 159 and from 90 to 99
Stage 2 hypertension 160 or more and 100 or more

High blood pressure can:

  • Produce coronary insufficiency, angina, and arrhythmias.
  • Promote atherosclerosis and the formation of thrombi, causing a myocardial or cerebral infarction. 
  • Soften the walls of the aorta and cause an aneurysm.
  • Damage the kidneys, generating chronic kidney failure. 
  • Intensify the damage in cardiovascular conditions already present.

Signs and symptoms Hypertension

If you experience extreme tiredness, weakness, dizziness, cough, or a decrease in sexual drive or capacity, we recommend that you see your ABC doctor immediately.

Prevention:

If you change your habits it is possible to prevent this disease: 

  • Eat a healthy, low sodium, and low-fat diet.
  • Exercise every day.
  • Avoid smoking, as tobacco raises blood pressure and heart rate.
  • Monitor your glucose level.
  • Lower your cholesterol and avoid being overweight and obesity.
  • Refrain from ingesting alcohol and caffeine.
  • Reduce your level of stress, nervousness, and anxiety.
  • If a family member has suffered from high blood pressure, you should take even more care of your habits.

Diagnosis and treatment Hypertension

It is usually diagnosed with a continuous blood pressure measurement procedure supplemented by a Holter study, electrocardiogram, and laboratory tests. 

Your ABC doctor may also prescribe medication to lower your blood pressure levels. 

At the Cardiovascular Center we offer you a wide range of prevention, diagnosis, timely treatment, and follow-up services to take care of you through a comprehensive and multidisciplinary care model. Come to us, we want to hear your heart.

Related centers and departments

Cardiovascular Center
Radiology and Molecular Imaging
Clinical Laboratory

Fuentes: 

  • sociedad española de cardiología
  • fundación mexicana del corazón
  • texasheart.org
  • mayoclinic.org
  • medigraphic.org
  • Rosas-Peralta M, Palomo-Piñón S, Borrayo-Sánchez G, et al. Consenso de Hipertensión Arterial Sistémica en México. Rev Med Inst Mex Seguro Soc. 2016;54(Suppl: 1):6-51.
  • Arias MA, García HRA, Oliva PM. Riesgo cardiovascular global en pacientes ancianos hipertensos. Rev cubana med. 2014;53(2):178-188.
  • Cintra PL, Isaac RM, Espinosa PO. Comportamiento de la presión arterial y factores de riesgo cardiovasculares en adultos del Consultorio No. 20. Mediciego. 2012;18(2):.

How can we help you? 

    
						
    
												
    

					
    
				
    

				
    
					The dissemination of the content of this material is for informational purposes only and does not replace, under any circumstance or condition, a consultation with a specialist doctor, for which the ABC Medical Center is not responsible for the different use that may be given to it. If you require more information related to the subject, we suggest you contact the specialist doctor you trust directly.