High blood pressure - Arterial hypertension

Sustained elevation of the blood pressure at rest: Systolic blood pressure (or SBP≥140 mmHg) and/or diastolic blood pressure (or DBP≥90 mmHg).

In the vast majority of cases, the triggering cause is unknown; when the origin is diagnosed, hypertension is usually caused by kidney or adrenal gland disease.

In general there are no symptoms unless it is severe or years of evolution, affecting then certain organs: eyes, heart, kidneys, nervous system, etc.

The diagnosis is made using a device to measure blood pressure called a sphygmomanometer; The cuff that surrounds the limb must be of a size appropriate to the size of the person. It is necessary to meet certain conditions to confirm the diagnosis: the tension must be elevated in at least three measurements carried out on three different days, at different times, in both arms and with the person resting for a minimum of 5 minutes before the measurement. . The diagnosis is reached when resting blood pressure remains high: Systolic blood pressure or SBP≥140 mmHg and/or diastolic blood pressure or DBP≥90 mmHg. Tests should then be ordered to determine the cause, evaluate the damage, and identify other cardiovascular risk factors.

Treatment requires lifestyle changes: reduce salt and alcohol consumption, stop smoking, exercise and lose weight. If this is not controlled or if the blood pressure is higher than 160/100mmHg, antihypertensive treatment will need to be started.