header Health Insurance

Know the Causes and Symptoms of Hypertension (High Blood Pressure)

By Juhi Walia
30 September 2022, 1:16 PM

The common reason behind the increasing necessity of health insurance plans is our way of living and consumption which has made us susceptible to a lot of diseases. Among many such medical issues, hypertension, more popularly known as high blood pressure, is on the rise today. Almost every family has a couple of patients suffering from hypertension. It might often lead to serious and often irreversible heart ailments. Therefore, when you buy health insurance, be it for individuals or a family floater health insurance, it must cover hypertension. Though the elder ones are the general victims, anyone can suffer from it.

What is Hypertension? 

In plain and simple terms, hypertension means high blood pressure. The general limit of blood pressure for the body is 120/80 mm of Hg. When the systole and diastole reach the limits of 140/90 mm of Hg, it is considered to be high blood pressure. The case becomes extremely severe if the limits transgress 180/120 mm of Hg. This might be extremely dangerous and result in a sudden stroke or heart attack.

In hypertension, the force of the blood flow on the walls of the artery is way more than what should be the ideal case. The most problematic part is there are no direct symptoms that can help you identify hypertension except occasional sweating and chest pain or a throbbing head. But they might be often quite misleading. Therefore, the minutest discomforts must be noted and consulted with the doctor. Lack of treatment might result in fatal situations.

What Causes Hypertension?

There might be various causes of hypertension starting from lifestyle choices to other allied diseases. Since lifestyle choices play a strong role, having health insurance that covers hypertension and related is always ideal.

1. Obesity and excess fat are often seen as some of the most fertile grounds for hypertension. In these cases, the toxoids affect the blood flow causing this condition. Moreover, it distorts the metabolism rate. A total lack of physical labour or exercise usually intensifies the situation. 

2. An imbalanced diet with excessive salt concentration can lead to hypertension.

3. Alcohol, caffeine, or smoking stimulate the body more than necessary and can hence lead to hypertension.

4. Lack of sleep, and anger management issues might also be causing hypertension.

5. People over the age of 65 or those that have a family history of hypertension are more likely to have it. This is why the family floater health insurance plans help a lot in this case.

6. Aside from that, various diseases like diabetes, kidney troubles, etc, and pills like steroids, antidepressants, etc can also cause it. 

What are the Symptoms of Hypertension?

It is a bit difficult to label what are the symptoms of hypertension because those might be symptoms of a number of unrelated issues. Hence, there is no set formula. However, since the fear of a fatal stroke or heart attack always looms, it is always better to take care of the most trivial of symptoms. Therefore, a preventive health check-up is a good way to keep track of things.

1. Severe pain in the chest with an increased rate of heartbeats, palpitation, irregular heartbeats, a throbbing neck or ear region along with profuse sweating is the most important symptom of a severe high blood pressure fit. This can make breathing potentially different.

2. Headaches with a constant feeling of being worn out should also be noted.

3. There might be nasal or urinary bleeding. There might be problems in vision as well.

4. There can also be trouble sleeping and a continuous feeling of dizziness. 

What Complications Can Hypertension Lead to?

Hypertension is practically dangerous because of all that it can lead to. While applying for any health insurance, it is crucial to check that the provider covers all these ailments.

1. Heart attacks might happen because continuous high blood pressure can thicken the walls of the arteries making it difficult for the blood flow to go through. There might also be attacks when the heart fails to produce the pressure needed to pump the blood in the arteries.

It can also make the blood vessels structurally very weak because of the stress. In case of a rupture or tear in any such vessel, saving the life might become difficult.

2. There can be dementia, memory loss, and loss in perception due to the unavailability of enough oxygenated blood carried to the brain.

3. It might also lead to metabolic syndrome which makes you extremely prone to diabetes and strokes.

4. Vision can be impaired if the blood vessels of the eye get torn or cannot function properly.

5. Thinned arteries or veins in kidneys can be a threat to the entire body. 

When Should You Visit a Doctor for Hypertension?

Hypertension might be a dangerous thing if not taken care of. So, with the most prominent symptoms like profuse sweating, chest pain, etc, it is always advisable that medical help be consulted. Having health insurance for heart patients is extremely beneficial here.

It might be easily mitigated with proper pills. If, even then, a feeling of being worn out continues, the doctor must again be consulted.

Moreover, if you have a sphygmomanometer at home and can check the pattern in blood pressure, you should see a doctor whenever there is a rise in blood pressure. Prevention is always better than cure.

Preventive Measures for Hypertension

Preventive measures for hypertension are quite simple and easy to follow.

  • To begin with, a balanced diet and drinking lots of water are always beneficial.
  • Caffeine, alcohol, tobacco, and such other stimulants that increase the blood flow must be consumed as little as possible.
  • Regular exercise and having a sound sleep of 8 hours are also crucial. 

Final Take

Hypertension is one of the commonest health issues that people suffer from today. The graver issue is that it is extremely difficult to trace it. However, since it is usual in people after a certain age, regular check-ups and maintaining preventive measures are always ideal. It is also beneficial to have health insurance that covers it and the allied treatments, especially surgery in case of a heart attack which might be quite costly.

Read more -

FAQs

1. Why is age a risk factor for hypertension?

This is simply in lieu of the fact that with age, there is a general tendency for blood pressure to increase. In certain cases, the heart or cardiac muscles become weaker, and the brains also become less elastic. So, the risk of having hypertension increases.

2. Can stress raise blood pressure?

Stress might not cover prolonged hypertension but it does increase the blood pressure momentarily. This is because when stressed, the body produces various hormones which might prompt the heart to beat faster and make the walls of the blood vessels thicker.

3. What organ system is involved in hypertension?

The circulatory system is involved in hypertension which includes the heart, and the blood vessels- chiefly arteries. But since insufficient blood can be dangerous not only for cardiac issues but also for any other organs, the brain and kidneys also become seriously implicated. 

4. What should be avoided during hypertension?

During hypertension, the heart is already under much pressure for reasons previously discussed. So, foods that are difficult to be assimilated into the blood flow must be avoided- like excess fats, salts, and sugars. These can increase blood pressure even more.

5. Which is the best medicine for high blood pressure?

The best cure for hypertension is any angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor because it relaxes the blood vessels, reducing blood pressure. Some medicines containing this are perindopril, enalapril, etc.

Health Insurance banner
Health Insurance

Plans starting at only ₹7/day*

Enter your details to buy Health Insurance
By proceeding, I agree to the Terms & Conditions