Hypertension 101 is another article in a series on high blood pressure. For a complete list of hypertension symptoms, see the article 'High Blood Pressure Symptoms.' A hypertension treatment is also covered in other articles in this series.
Hypertension is the medical term used to describe high blood pressure. The two terms are often used interchangeably, but typically, the term 'high blood pressure' is used when referring to a blood pressure reading consistently above 140/90 mmHg. The term 'pre-hypertension' or 'pre-hypertensive' is used when the systolic (top number) reading is consistently between 120 and 139 or the diastolic (bottom number) reading is consistently between 80 and 89. Those in the pre-hypertension range are more likely to develop high blood pressure.
Essential Hypertension
When the underlying cause of high blood pressure is not determined, it is classified as 'essential hypertension.' It's also referred to as 'primary hypertension.' Of those patients with high blood pressure, 90-95 percent are diagnosed with essential hypertension. The medical expression, 'idiopathic' is also used to describe an illness without an obvious cause.
Secondary Hypertension
When the cause of hypertension is clearly identified or determined, it is diagnosed as secondary hypertension. This diagnosis can be the result of a number of health issues, including:
Medication side effects
Some types of cancers and tumors
Kidney problems
Pregnancy
Pregnancy Hypertension
Hypertension is a common medical problem experienced during pregnancy. This type of hypertension is classified into the four following categories:
Chronic hypertension
Preeclampsia-eclampsia
Preeclampsia superimposed on chronic hypertension
Gestational hypertension
The term 'gestational hypertension' has replaced the older term of 'pregnancy induced hypertension' and is a more accurate description. Preeclampsia and toxemia - disorders of gestational hypertension - are responsible for more than 76,000 maternal deaths and more than 500,000 infant deaths annually.
Hypertension Statistics for the United States
More than 56,000 people were killed by hypertension in the United States in 2006
One-in-three adults has hypertension (about 74.5 million people)
In 2006, of those experiencing hypertension, 77.6% were aware of their condition, only 67.9% were being treated, more than 44% had it under control and over 55% didn't have it under control
The death rate from hypertension between 1996 to 2006 increased 19.5% and the number of deaths went up 48.1%
Patients taking a certain beta-blocker have a 51% greater chance to develop new onset diabetes compared to those taking a calcium channel blocker. Be sure to carefully consider the many adverse side effects when taking high blood pressure medications. Often one medication will cause severe and deadly side effects while trying to control a separate condition.
Adverse Drug Reactions (ADRs) Statistics
More than 2 million serious ADRs occur annually
More than 106,000 deaths are caused annually from ADRs
350,000 ADRs occur among nursing home patients
Mixing prescription and over-the-counter (OTC) drugs can be fatal. OTC drugs that contain alcohol and antihistamine slow the heart rate and suppress breathing, making them deadly when taken with a narcotic drug.
If you suffer from hypertension, eliminating the causes should be your top priority. For everyone else, prevention should be the first concern. And the first step is learning how one tiny toxin that's found in many consumable items can affect your blood pressure and health. Eliminating it from your life will help you take control of both your blood pressure and your health.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/3787741