by Terri Serrato

Created on: June 07, 2008   Last Updated: June 09, 2008

Hypertension, or high blood pressure, is a medical condition in which the pressure required to pump blood through the body is elevated over normal levels. Even mild hypertension has been found to shorten life expectancy, unless treated. Hypertension also can cause strokes, heart attacks, and aneurysms.

Many people with hypertension have no identifiable symptoms, but for some people symptoms include severe headaches, dizziness, confusion, nausea and vomiting, and visual disturbances. Swelling in the feet and ankles are also common, recognizable symptoms. Family physicians should diagnose the condition and can discuss the best treatment for your form of high blood pressure.

The cause of primary hypertension (PHT) is unknown in many patients. However, suspected triggers are smoking, too much salt intake, lack of physical activity, obesity, alcohol consumption of more than 2 servings per day, and genetics. Secondary hypertension has known causes in other health-related issues, such as chronic kidney disease, or thyroid or adrenal gland disorders.

Primary pulmonary hypertension is a rare condition which occurs when the blood pressure from the heart, through the lungs, into the pulmonary artery becomes high for an unknown reason. This cannot be measured with a blood pressure cuff on the arm, as the blood pressure pumped through the body is not related to the blood pressure passing from the heart into the lungs. Low oxygen levels have been known to aggravate pulmonary hypertension, so supplemental oxygen may be prescribed. Secondary pulmonary hypertension has the same effect but the cause is related to another health disorder, so it is "secondary" to the other health issue.

Treatments are primarily focused on the particular symptoms of the patient. Options vary greatly, ranging from medication to changes in diet and exercise to surgery. Recent studies have shown that Folic Acid, a B-vitamin, may reduce hypertension for women. Medications may include blood thinners, medications which dilate veins (or open them wider), and diuretics. Surgery may be required to unblock veins which have attracted calcium deposits. Specific symptoms should be discussed with the primary physician to develop treatment plans.

Knowledge of the latest research on is a tremendous resource for controlling symptoms. Most physicians have informative literature in their offices about hypertension symptoms and treatments and can answer most questions about the condition. Many hospitals have also begun conducting public awareness classes to help share the latest research and help people change their diet and lifestyles to reduce their chances of suffering permanent damage from hypertension.

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