Essential Hypertension

Essential Hypertension is a medical disorder in which the blood pressure is raised to high levels. It is one of the signs that an individual may have a cerebro-vascular accident(stroke), heart attack, or heart failure. Some patients who have hypertension have been known to have aneurysms as well, and this can lead to serious kidney problems. The level of a person's blood pressure will determine their risk for developing numerous diseases. Because the blood pressure of a patient may vary greatly, a diagnoses for essential hypertension should not be made unless two or more readings have been taken. If an individual has a blood pressure level that is at 120/80 or even 139/89, they are considered to be at the prehypertension level. Prehypertension is not a condition, but is really a category which can help identify patients who are greatly in danger for getting essential hypertension. If a person is affected by diabetes, a blood pressure level which is greater than 130/80 will put them at risk for creating hypertension. There are a number of factors that will determine the risk of a person getting essential hypertension. The age is among the primary factors. Older people have a higher likelihood of developing hypertension compared to those that are young. Individuals who consume excessive amounts of salt are greatly at risk. People who live a sedentary lifestyle and don't get sufficient amounts of exercise may also have a very high risk for getting essential hypertension. The use of cigarettes or large amounts of alcohol will also be involved in a persons risk. In addition to this, obesity, stress, and saturated fat are important factors too. The underlying structures that are connected to these factors and hypertension are well understood by doctors and scientists. There are three common causes that most experts believe is connected to essential hypertension. The first is the failure of kidneys to get rid of excess sodium. The second is a highly active renin that triggers the vasoconstriction of water and sodium. The third cause is believed to be a sympathetic nervous system which is too active, and causes an abnormal amount of stress. Hypertension is really a condition that produces virtually no symptoms. Patients who are at an advanced stage of this disorder may have headaches and their vision may be blurred too. Advanced levels of essential hypertension can also cause kidney failure, and this is one of the most severe symptoms. When a patient is suffering from renal failure, the term "accelerated hypertension" will often be used. While young women don't generally have high levels of blood pressure, many of them will get hypertension while they are pregnant. These women will need to be provided medication, as hypertension can lead to a number of complications with their pregnancy. A diagnosis for essential hypertension will often be made based on the blood pressure levels of the patient. Multiple measurements should be taken, and they will all have to be spaced weeks apart. However, if organ damage has occurred, the diagnosis and treatment may need to be made quickly.