The danger regarding hypertension is that at times it can be asymptomatic, meaning the sufferer may not notice any signs as such. Known as a silent killer, this condition is a risk factor for cardiovascular diseases, heart attacks, strokes, and can even affect diabetic patients. This makes it a dangerous condition that affects people of all strata.
According to the World Health Organization, there are 220 million sufferers of hypertension in India, requiring the intervention of a hypertension specialist.
Given these figures, it is imperative that the common person has a basic understanding of this condition. Being aware means that you are able to combat the problem effectively. On that note, let’s take a look at the categories of hypertension and how it can be managed.
What Are the 5 Categories of Hypertension?
High blood pressure is a state of the body when the blood in the various blood vessels exerts consistently high force on the walls of the blood vessels. This is typically due to obesity, diabetes, unhealthy lifestyle choices, among others.
Now, let’s delve into the categories of hypertension.
Primary (Essential) Hypertension
This is the most common type of high blood pressure problem. Most people are unaware that they are suffering from this, as was mentioned above. Primary hypertension goes undiagnosed for a long time.
Since it can go undiagnosed, experts recommend that you get screened for it regularly. The categories of persons recommended for regular screening are:
- Obese people
- Sufferers of diabetes mellitus
- Those with a history of cardiovascular disease
- Current smokers
- Those who are above 60 years of age
Secondary Hypertension
As the name suggests, there exists a primary condition that triggers or exacerbates high blood pressure in a person. Few of these conditions include:
- Aldosteronism
- Obstructive sleep apnea
- Renovascular hypertension
- Renal illness (OSA)
If you are suffering from these conditions, reach out to a hypertension specialist for a thorough diagnosis.
Resistant Hypertension
When drugs are unable to control the patient’s high blood pressure, the condition is known as resistant hypertension. It puts the patient at a high risk for cardiovascular disease, end organ damage and all-cause death.
White Coat Hypertension
Strangely, when you have high blood pressure in the office or doctor’s chambers, and normal readings elsewhere, you are suffering from white coat hypertension!
Gestational Hypertension
Pregnant women can experience high blood pressure. This raises the risk of maternal death or foetal defects. It can occur with or without a preeclampsia diagnosis.
Management of Hypertension
To care for your high blood pressure problems, you need to consult with a hypertension specialist, especially if you are diabetic. They will decide on the drugs post profiling you. Do not attempt self medication.
Apart from keeping your doctor up-to-date about your condition, you can reduce salt intake, quit smoking, lead a healthier life and exercise.
Wrapping Up
For consultation, you can reach out to Dr. Amitabha Saha. He is a reputed specialist in caring for patients with high blood pressure and can guide you through the next step.
Reach out to him today!