HYPERTENSION AND IT'S CAUSES

HYPERTENSION – PART 1

Hypertension is reversible, but many confuse it with blood pressure. In villages, it's often called "Pressure." Blood pressure is simply the force blood exerts on vessels as it flows from the heart.

Formula:

Blood pressure = Cardiac output × Peripheral resistance

Cardiac output: Blood volume pumped by the heart.

Peripheral resistance: Vessel diameter.

Normal Range:

Systolic: 110-120 mmHg

Diastolic: 80-89 mmHg

A single high reading doesn’t mean hypertension—it requires multiple checks over time. Factors like lifestyle, stress, diet, smoking, and alcohol influence blood pressure.

Hypertension isn't exclusive to obese people; lean individuals can also develop it. If readings remain high over several tests, kidney, liver, adrenal, and thyroid functions should be assessed before diagnosis. However, shortcuts often lead to early prescriptions.

Genetics play a minor role (2-5%), while epigenetics—lifestyle choices—matter most. Hypertension isn’t inherited directly; bad habits are. Proper examination, history, and investigations are necessary for an accurate diagnosis.

HYPERTENSION – PART 2

Hypertension is dangerous in pregnancy, especially in preeclampsia, which involves high blood pressure and seizures, risking both mother and baby. It can be prevented and reversed by maintaining good health from puberty, as pregnancy exposes underlying health issues.

Diet & Pregnancy:

Poor diets before conception lead to deficiencies and cravings during pregnancy.

Sugar addiction causes cravings for unhealthy foods, while essential nutrients like eggs and vegetables aren’t craved due to lack of addictive properties.

Excess sugar harms the kidneys, affecting blood pressure regulation and other functions.

Kidney & Blood Pressure Regulation:

The adrenal hormone Aldosterone controls blood pressure by regulating sodium and water balance.

Erythropoietin stimulates red blood cell production; kidney issues can lead to anemia.

Only a small percentage of hypertension cases in pregnancy result from the baby’s weight pressing on vessels—most stem from poor pre-pregnancy diets

PART 3 CONTINUES......STAY TUNED