What is "hypertension"?
Hypertension is when the pressure in your blood pressure is too high. It is common but can be serious if not treated. People with high blood pressure may not feel symptoms.The only way to know is to get your blood pressure checked, life style changes like eating a healthydiet, quitting tobacco and being more active can help lower blood pressure, some people may still need to take medicine. Hypertension if diagnosed early, when it is measured on two different days, the systolic & dystolic blood pressure on both days.
Cognitive behavioural therapy & othr evidence based therpay help patients with hypertension in making adjustments in their lifestyle. These therapists will collaborate with patients to determine objectives and will offer direction and intervention to assist patients in making the behavioural and cognitive adjustments required to achieve the goals. Health psychologist at TalktoAngel will help you in controlling BP by nurturing & developing specialised coping skills like relaxation, mindfulness, goal setting, bettter problem solving.
Types of hypertension
There are two main types of hypertension, primary (essential) hypertension, and secondary hypertension.
Primary (essential) hypertension: This is the most common type of hypertension, accounting for about 90-95% of cases. It develops gradually over time, often with no apparent cause, and tends to run in families. Risk factors for primary hypertension include age, race, obesity, smoking, stress, and a diet high in sodium.
Secondary hypertension: This type of hypertension is caused by an underlying condition or factor, such as kidney disease, hormonal disorders, medications, or other medical conditions. Secondary hypertension typically develops suddenly and may be more severe than primary hypertension.
There are also different stages of hypertension, based on the level of blood pressure readings. These stages include:
Normal blood pressure: A systolic pressure below 120 mm Hg and a diastolic pressure below 80 mm Hg.
Elevated blood pressure: A systolic pressure between 120-129 mm Hg and a diastolic pressure below 80 mm Hg.
Stage 1 Hypertension: A systolic pressure between 130-139 mm Hg or a diastolic pressure between 80-89 mm Hg.
Stage 2 Hypertension: A systolic pressure of 140 mm Hg or higher or a diastolic pressure of 90 mm Hg or higher.
Signs & Symptoms of hypertension
Anxiety
Low Mood
Insomnia
Cognitive Impairment
Irritability
Social Withdrawal
Hypertension or fluctuating BP be it Low or High, can significantly impact on an individual's mental health and well-being. Signs and symptoms of mental health issues that may be associated with hypertension are:
1. Anxiety: Hypertension can cause feelings of anxiety and nervousness, which can exacerbate existing anxiety disorders.
2. Depression: Individuals with hypertension may experience depression, which can manifest as persistent feelings of sadness, hopelessness, and a lack of interest in activities they once enjoyed.
3. Insomnia: Hypertension can cause sleep disturbances, including difficulty falling asleep, staying asleep, or waking up too early.
4. Cognitive impairment: High blood pressure can affect cognitive functioning, leading to problems with memory, attention, and decision-making.
5. Irritability: Hypertension can cause individuals to feel irritable and short-tempered, leading to conflicts with others.
6. Social withdrawal: Individuals with hypertension may withdraw from social activities and become isolated, which can exacerbate feelings of depression and anxiety.
7. Poor concentration: High blood pressure can interfere with concentration, making it difficult for individuals to focus on tasks and follow through with plans.
Myths & Facts about hypertension
Fact :
Hypertension can affect people of any age, including children. While the risk of developing hypertension increases with age, lifestyle factors such as poor diet, lack of exercise, and stress can increase the risk of hypertension in younger people.
Fact :
While stress can contribute to hypertension, there are many other factors that can cause high blood pressure, such as poor diet, lack of exercise, and genetics.
Fact :
Hypertension is a serious health condition that can lead to a variety of complications, including heart attack, stroke, kidney disease, and vision loss. It's important to manage hypertension through lifestyle changes and/or medication to prevent these complications.
Fact :
While medication can help manage hypertension, it cannot cure it. Hypertension is a chronic condition that requires ongoing management through lifestyle changes and/or medication.
Fact :
While genetics can play a role in hypertension, many cases of hypertension are preventable through lifestyle changes such as eating a healthy diet, exercising regularly, reducing stress, and limiting alcohol and caffeine intake. Maintaining a healthy weight and not smoking can also help prevent hypertension.
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Online Counselling
Causes, Issues and challenges of hypertension
Hypertension, or high blood pressure, can have several different causes, including:
Genetics: Some individuals may have a genetic predisposition to high blood pressure, which can be passed down through families. People with a family history of high blood pressure are more likely to develop it themselves.
Lifestyle factors: Certain behaviors and habits can contribute to high blood pressure, including:
- Poor diet (high salt, low potassium, low calcium)
- Lack of exercise
- Smoking
Age: As individuals age, their blood vessels become less elastic. The risk of hypertension increases with age, especially after the age of 60. Their arteries stiffen and become more narrow, which increases blood pressure.
Chronic conditions: Certain chronic conditions such as the following can also contribute to the development of hypertension.
- Kidney disease
- Adrenal gland tumors
- Obstructive sleep apnea
- Thyroid problems
- Congenital defects in blood vessels
Environmental Factors:
- Chronic stress can elevate blood pressure over time.
- Exposure to environmental toxins may also be a factor.
Gradual Damage to Blood Vessels: Over many decades, the repeated pressure of high blood flow can damage and stiffen the inner layers of blood vessels, especially small arteries. This damage further elevates blood pressure.
Medications: Certain medications, such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), birth control pills, and some prescription drugs used to treat other conditions, can also contribute to the development of hypertension.
The combination of these risk factors and processes that accumulate slowly over decades can lead to a gradual rise in blood pressure that eventually reaches hypertension levels. However, in most cases of hypertension, the underlying cause is considered "multifactorial" rather than due to any single identifiable factor. The causes of hypertension are complex and include both genetic and non-genetic factors that act together over a lifetime to damage the blood vessels and elevate blood pressure. Lifestyle changes and online counselling for stress remain the first-line intervention to help manage hypertension and reduce the risk of complications.
Hypertension is a serious condition that can lead to health problems such as heart disease, stroke, and kidney failure if left untreated. It is a common medical condition that affects many people worldwide.
Some of the issues faced by individuals due to hypertension include:
Increased risk of cardiovascular diseases: Hypertension is a significant risk factor for heart disease, stroke, and other cardiovascular diseases. When blood pressure remains high for a prolonged period, it can damage the blood vessels and organs, leading to an increased risk of heart attacks, heart failure, and strokes.
Kidney disease: High blood pressure can damage the kidneys, leading to chronic kidney disease, which can cause kidney failure over time. Hypertension is one of the leading causes of end-stage renal disease. Over time, high blood pressure can damage small blood vessels in the kidneys, reducing their ability to filter waste from the blood.
Eye problems: Hypertension can damage the blood vessels in the eyes, leading to vision loss, and retinopathy. Hypertension can damage blood vessels in the eyes, resulting in retinal damage, hemorrhages, decreased vision, and even blindness.
Cognitive impairment: High blood pressure can affect the brain's ability to function correctly, leading to cognitive decline and an increased risk of dementia. Studies have found that uncontrolled hypertension, especially in midlife, is linked to cognitive decline later in life.
Sexual dysfunction: Hypertension can reduce libido in both men and women. High blood pressure often co-occurs with atherosclerosis, which can damage arteries and reduce blood flow to the penis, contributing to erectile dysfunction in men.
Poor quality of life: Hypertension can cause anxiety, depression, and other psychological issues, which can significantly impact a person's quality of life. Health complications and burdens of managing a chronic condition like hypertension can negatively impact mood, relationships, and day-to-day functioning. Hypertension is often linked with insulin resistance, high cholesterol, obesity, and diabetes, compounding cardiovascular risks.
Managing hypertension can be challenging, and some of the key challenges faced in hypertension include:
Diagnosis: Hypertension often has no noticeable symptoms, so it can be challenging to diagnose. Blood pressure measurement is the most common method used to diagnose hypertension, but it requires accurate and consistent measurement techniques.
Compliance: Hypertension is a chronic condition that requires ongoing management, which can be challenging for some patients. Adherence to medication and lifestyle changes can be difficult, especially if patients do not see immediate results.
Treatment: Treatment for hypertension typically involves lifestyle modifications, psychological counselling, and medication. However, finding the right medication and dosage can be a challenge, as different medications work differently for different patients. Additionally, some patients may experience side effects from medication.
Monitoring: Regular monitoring of blood pressure is essential for managing hypertension, but it can be challenging to maintain consistent monitoring schedules. Home blood pressure monitors can be helpful, but they can be expensive and require training to use correctly.
Co-existing conditions: Hypertension is often associated with other health conditions, such as diabetes, high cholesterol, and heart disease. Managing multiple conditions can be challenging, as they can interact with each other and require different treatments.
Faced by Person:
Increased risk of cardiovascular disease
Poor quality of life
Cognitive Impairment
Kidney Problem
Eye Problem
Faced by Family:
Providing Emotional Support
Coping with complications
Caregiving responsibilities
Medication Adherence
Communication difficulties
Treatment of hypertension
Hypertension, or fluctuating BP, be it low or high, is a medical condition in which the force of blood against the walls of arteries is consistently elevated or compressed. If left untreated, hypertension or High/Low BP can lead to serious health problems such as heart disease, stroke, and kidney failure. There are a variety of treatments available for hypertension, including:
Lifestyle changes: Making changes to your diet and exercise routine can help to lower blood pressure. A diet that is low in sodium and high in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains can be helpful. Regular exercise can also be beneficial in reducing blood pressure.
Medications: There are several classes of medications used to treat hypertension, including diuretics, beta blockers, calcium channel blockers, and angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors. Your doctor will determine the best medication(s) for your individual needs based on your blood pressure level and any other health conditions you may have.
Combination therapy: In some cases, a combination of lifestyle changes and medications may be needed to effectively manage hypertension.
Monitoring: It is important to regularly monitor blood pressure to ensure that it is well controlled. Your doctor may recommend at-home monitoring or frequent visits to monitor your blood pressure.
Hypertension, or high blood pressure, is a condition in which the force of blood against the walls of arteries is consistently too high. If left untreated, hypertension can increase the risk of heart attack, stroke, and other serious health complications. The management of hypertension typically involves a combination of lifestyle changes and medication. Here are some key strategies for managing hypertension:
Lifestyle changes:
Weight loss, if needed
Adopting a healthy diet, such as the DASH (Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension) diet which is low in sodium and high in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains
Regular physical activity, such as 30 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise on most days of the week
Limiting alcohol consumption
Quitting smoking
Medications:
There are many different types of medications that can be used to treat hypertension, including diuretics, ACE inhibitors, angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs), calcium channel blockers, and beta-blockers.
The choice of medication(s) depends on various factors including age, medical history, and the presence of other medical conditions or medications.
Monitoring:
Regular monitoring of blood pressure is important to ensure that it is under control and to adjust treatment if necessary.
Comorbid conditions:
Managing other health conditions, such as diabetes and high cholesterol, can also help in controlling hypertension.
Follow-up:
Follow-up with a healthcare provider regularly, to monitor blood pressure levels and make any necessary adjustments to medication and lifestyle changes.
Therapies for hypertension
Benefits of Online Counselling for hypertension
Online Counselling with the best psychologists in India can be an effective tool in managing hypertension or high blood pressure.
Here are some potential benefits of counseling and online therapy for hypertension:
Identifying and managing stress: Online Counseling for Hypertension can help you identify sources of stress in your life and teach you techniques to manage stress. Stress can contribute to high blood pressure, so learning to manage stress can help lower blood pressure.
Encouraging lifestyle changes: Consultation with the best psychologists and online counsellor for management of high and low BP, can also help you make positive lifestyle changes, such as improving your diet, increasing physical activity, and quitting smoking. These changes can help you lower your blood pressure and reduce your risk of heart disease.
Improving medication adherence: Online therapists India working along with your doctor can help you understand the importance of taking your medication as prescribed and provide strategies for improving medication adherence. Proper medication management is critical in managing hypertension.
Providing emotional support: Psychological Counseling for Stress with the best "psychologist near me" can provide emotional support and help you develop coping strategies for dealing with the challenges of managing hypertension. This can lead to better psychological health and improve overall quality of life.
Best Therapists in India for hypertension
If you're not able to control blood pressure or hypertension (high blood pressure) or have symptoms of high or low blood pressure, online counseling & online behavior therapies can provide a supportive and educational space to help you manage your condition and improve your overall health and wellbeing. With the help of a trained counselor/ online counsellor, you can learn practical tips & strategies for reducing or controlling your blood pressure, such as lifestyle changes, stress reduction techniques, relaxation, mindfulness, and medication management. Additionally, counseling can provide a safe and supportive space to explore the emotional and psychological impact of hypertension, develop coping strategies for dealing with stress and anxiety related to your condition, and improve your relationships with your partner, workplace, and communication with the help of the best clinical psychologists online.
hypertension Related Blogs
Frequently Asked Questions on hypertension
Hypertension, also known as high blood pressure, is a condition in which the force of blood against the walls of the arteries is consistently too high.
Hypertension can be caused by a variety of factors, including genetics, lifestyle choices, and underlying medical conditions such as diabetes, kidney disease, or sleep apnea.
Many people with hypertension don't experience any symptoms, so it's important to have your blood pressure measured regularly. However, some people may experience headaches, dizziness, chest pain, or shortness of breath.
Hypertension is diagnosed by measuring your blood pressure using a device called a sphygmomanometer. Your healthcare provider or an online counsellor may recommend additional tests to identify any underlying medical conditions.
Hypertension can be treated with lifestyle changes such as exercise, healthy eating, and stress management, as well as medication to lower blood pressure.
Hypertension cannot be cured, but it can be managed with appropriate treatment and lifestyle changes.
Online counselling at TalkToAngel can help people with hypertension by providing support and guidance on lifestyle changes, stress management, and medication adherence.
You may benefit from working with the best therapist in India who specializes in health psychology or chronic illness management.
Yes, online counselling can be just as effective as in-person counseling for hypertension, particularly for those who may have difficulty accessing in-person care.
If you are seeking support for managing hypertension and would like the convenience of online counselling, TalkToAngel may be a good fit for you.
To get started, simply visit the TalkToAngel website and sign up for an account. You can then browse available best therapists and schedule an appointment.
While online counselling at TalkToAngel cannot prevent hypertension, it can provide support and guidance on healthy lifestyle choices that can help reduce your risk of developing hypertension.
Yes, uncontrolled hypertension can lead to serious health problems such as heart disease, stroke, and kidney damage.
While hypertension cannot always be prevented, making healthy lifestyle choices such as maintaining a healthy weight, engaging in regular physical activity, and following a healthy diet can help reduce the risk of developing hypertension. Additionally, managing underlying medical conditions such as diabetes or sleep apnea can also help prevent hypertension.
If you have hypertension, it's important to have your blood pressure checked regularly. Your online counsellor may recommend checking your blood pressure at home or in the office, depending on your specific situation. In general, it's recommended to have your blood pressure checked at least once a year, or more frequently if your healthcare provider recommends it.
