What is Hypertension and What are Lipid Disorders?

Hypertension is the medical name for high blood pressure. This occurs when there is an excess of force or pressure in the blood vessels of the body which can ultimately lead to a myriad of health issues including heart disease. Hypertension is a fairly common conditions that usually occurs in individuals over the age of 40 years. Lipid disorders, as the name implies, are a group of conditions that are characterized by abnormally high levels of cholesterol, triglycerides, or other forms of fatty molecules. Just like hypertension, lipid disorders may also lead to a variety of health ailments including heart disease.

Possible Causes

Hypertension can be classified into two types – primary or essential hypertension, and secondary hypertension. Primary hypertension occurs in middle to older age individuals who have a strong family history of hypertension or risk factors that may cause hypertension. Secondary hypertension, on the other hand, occurs secondarily to an organ dysfunction and may occur at a younger age. For example, kidney diseases such as nephrotic syndrome may cause secondary hypertension in a child. Other causes of secondary hypertension include adrenal gland disorders, sleep apnea, thyroid disorders, congenital heart diseases and drug abuse. Genetics play a strong role in the development of lipid disorders as well. Those with a family history of lipid problems tend to develop a disorder sometime in their life as well. Other causes of lipid disorders include metabolic syndrome, certain drug side effects, and poor diet and lifestyle habits.

Risk Factors

One of the most important risk factors of hypertension is age. The risk of hypertension increases as we age, particularly when high blood pressure runs in the family. Other common risk factors include tobacco smoking, a sedentary lifestyle, excessive salt intake in the diet, obesity, excessive alcohol intake, and high levels of stress. Lipid disorders share a similar risk factors profile as hypertension. Poor dietary habits that includes an excess of oily foods and unsaturated carbohydrates is a strong risk factor for the development of lipid disorders.

Signs and Symptoms

The symptoms of hypertension and lipid disorders are usually not outright obvious. However, when one or more organ such as the heart is affected, typical signs and symptoms may follow. A sudden increase in blood pressure may result in:

• Throbbing frontal headache
• Vomiting
• Blurring of vision
• Shortness of breath
• Chest pain
• Nose bleeds

Diagnosis

Three consecutive blood pressure readings done in three separate visits are usually enough to diagnose hypertension. Sometimes an ECG may also be performed. Lipid disorders can be diagnosed via blood tests that include levels of serum cholesterol and triglycerides. Treatment Options The first-line treatment for hypertension and lipid disorders is making appropriate lifestyle changes. These include adopting a balanced diet with reduced salt consumption, exercising more often, stopping smoking, and reducing weight. If lifestyle modifications do not help in bringing down the blood pressure, medications may be initiated. Calcium channel blockers, ACE-inhibitors, beta-blockers, and diuretics are some of the most commonly used anti-hypertensive drugs. For lipid disorders, a statin is usually added for long-term therapy to bring down cholesterol levels. Very high levels of triglycerides may require additional treatment with fibrates add-on therapy.

FAQs

Q. What are the complications of untreated hypertension?


If hypertension is not managed properly, it can lead to a stroke, heart attack, heart failure, brain aneurysms, kidney diseases, and even blindness. Q. What is resistant hypertension?


Resistant hypertension is have said to occur when the blood pressure levels remain elevated despite taking three different classes of anti-hypertensive drugs including a diuretic. In the case of resistant hypertension, underlying causes of secondary hypertension should be explored such as adrenal disorders and kidney diseases. Q. What is preeclampsia?
Development of new-onset hypertension in the final few weeks of pregnancy is known as preeclampsia. If not managed, preeclampsia can compromise blood flow to the placenta and lead to premature delivery. Sometimes, preeclampsia can complicate into eclampsia which is characterized by extremely high blood pressure levels and seizures.