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In South Africa 1 in 4 men, and 1 in 5 women, will be diagnosed with hypertension. High blood pressure, or hypertension, is one of the most severe risks factors for death from heart diseases and strokes – responsible for 13% of all deaths globally. In addition, 1 in 3 adult South Africans currently live with high blood pressure, and it is responsible for 1 in every 2 strokes – and 2 in every 5 heart attacks.
High blood pressure rarely displays any symptoms or visible signs to warn that blood pressure is high. That is why more than 50% of people with high blood pressure are unaware of their condition. In some cases, typically with very high blood pressure, symptoms such as headaches, visual disturbances, nose bleeds, nausea, vomiting, facial flushing and sleepiness may be experienced.
So, what are the different types of hypertension? There are two main types of high blood pressure: primary and secondary high blood pressure.
> Primary or essential, high blood pressure is the most common type of high blood pressure. Most people who get this kind of blood pressure develop over time as you get older.
> Secondary high blood pressure is caused by another medical condition or the use of certain medicines. It usually gets better after you treat that condition or stop taking the medications that are causing it. Other causes include airway obstruction during sleep, diseases and tumours of the adrenal glands, hormone abnormalities, thyroid disease, and too much salt or alcohol in the diet.
There are additional Hypertension Types, including; Isolated systolic hypertension, Malignant hypertension and Resistant hypertension.
If you are worried that you may be experiencing hypertension symptoms, or you are concerned about your blood pressure, e-mail Dr. Mensah at drmensahinc@gmail.com or leave a message via our website query form.
You can view Dr. Juliet Mensah’s recent HYPERTENSION STUDY by clicking here, or view Hypertension Guidelines here.
