This disease is particularly insidious because it often presents no apparent symptoms, allowing it to develop undetected. In Switzerland, nearly 17 million people are affected by hypertension, which is approximately one in five adults. Adequate management and regular monitoring are essential to prevent serious complications such as cardiovascular diseases, strokes, and kidney failure.
Symptoms of hypertension
Asymptomatic Hypertension
In the majority of cases, hypertension presents no visible symptoms. This is why it is often called the "silent killer." People can live for years with high blood pressure without knowing it, which can lead to progressive damage to blood vessels and vital organs without warning signs.
Symptoms of Severe Hypertension
When blood pressure reaches extremely high levels, certain symptoms may appear:
- Intense headaches: Headaches are common.
- Dizziness: A sensation of spinning that may lead to fainting.
- Chest pain: Pressure or pain in the chest that may be mistaken for a heart attack.
- Breathing difficulties: Shortness of breath, especially during physical exertion.
- Visual disturbances: Blurred vision or other visual abnormalities.
- Nosebleeds: Frequent and unexplained nasal bleeding.
These symptoms require immediate medical attention as they may indicate a hypertensive crisis, a situation where blood pressure reaches dangerous levels.
Causes of hypertension
Hypertension can be classified into two main categories: primary (or essential) hypertension and secondary hypertension.
Primary (Essential) Hypertension
Primary hypertension is the most common form, representing about 90% of cases. It has no single identifiable cause, but several factors contribute to it:
-
Genetic factors: A family predisposition increases the risk of developing hypertension.
- Lifestyle: High-salt diets, lack of physical activity, excessive alcohol and tobacco consumption, and an unbalanced diet play a major role.
Secondary Hypertension
Secondary hypertension results from specific medical conditions or the use of certain medications. Common causes include:
-
Kidney disease
-
Endocrine disorders
- Medications: Oral contraceptives, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), corticosteroids, certain antidepressants, and immunosuppressants.
Risk factors for hypertension
Risk Factors for Hypertension
Several factors increase the risk of developing hypertension
- Advanced age: The risk of hypertension increases with age, especially after 65.
- Overweight and obesity: Excess weight requires more blood to supply oxygen and nutrients to tissues, thereby increasing pressure on arterial walls.
- High-salt diet: High sodium intake can lead to water retention, raising blood pressure.
- Excessive alcohol consumption
- Smoking: Tobacco can damage artery walls and increase blood pressure.
- Chronic stress
- Family history
Treating hypertension
Lifestyle Changes
Lifestyle adjustments are often recommended as the first line of treatment for managing hypertension:
-
Adopt a balanced diet: Increase consumption of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains while reducing salt and saturated fats.
- Engage in regular physical activity and maintain a healthy weight
- Limit alcohol consumption
- Quit smoking
Medication
If lifestyle changes are insufficient or if hypertension is severe, medications may be prescribed. The main classes of drugs used include:
-
Renin-angiotensin system blockers (ACE inhibitors and angiotensin receptor blockers)
- Calcium channel blockers
- Diuretics
- Beta-blockers
Evolutions and possible complications
Without adequate treatment, hypertension can lead to serious complications:
- Stroke: Hypertension can cause the rupture or blockage of a cerebral artery, leading to a stroke.
- Myocardial infarction: High blood pressure can damage coronary arteries, increasing the risk of a heart attack.
- Heart failure: The heart must work harder to pump blood, which can lead to hypertrophy and heart failure.
- Kidney failure: Uncontrolled hypertension can damage the kidneys, leading to kidney failure.
- Vision problems: Damage to the blood vessels in the eyes can result in vision loss.
- Vascular dementia: Damage to blood vessels in the brain can impair cognition and lead to vascular dementia.
Preventing hypertension
Hypertension prevention involves adopting a balanced lifestyle, including a healthy diet rich in fruits and vegetables, low salt intake, regular physical activity, and maintaining a normal weight. Alcohol moderation, tobacco cessation, stress management, and regular blood pressure monitoring are also important preventive measures.
When should you contact the Doctor?
It is crucial to consult a doctor if you experience symptoms of high blood pressure, such as severe headaches, chest pain, breathing difficulties, or vision problems. Even without symptoms, it is recommended to have your blood pressure checked regularly, especially if you have risk factors. Early diagnosis and management can prevent many complications.
Care at Hôpital de La Tour
The diagnosis of hypertension is primarily based on regular blood pressure measurement. It is recommended to measure blood pressure at least once a year in adults. Blood pressure consists of two measurements: high (systolic) when the heart contracts, and low (diastolic) at rest.
Here are the reference values established by the Swiss Society of Hypertension for diagnosing hypertension in adults from 18 years of age:
| Systolic (Upper) | Diastolic (Lower) | |
|---|---|---|
| Optimal blood pressure | < 120 mmHg | < 80 mmHg |
| Normal blood pressure | 120 à 129 mmHg | 80 à 84 mmHg |
| Elevated normal blood pressure | 130 à 139 mmHg | 85 à 89 mmHg |
| Mild hypertension | 140 à 159 mmHg | 90 à 99 mmHg |
| Moderate hypertension | 160 à 179 mmHg | 100 à 109 mmHg |
| Severe hypertension | ≥ 180 mmHg | ≥ 110 mmHg |
Source : SwissHeart.ch
Hôpital de La Tour is ready to support patients in preventing and managing this condition to improve their quality of life.
Conclusion
Hypertension is a common but potentially serious condition if left untreated. Effective management depends on early diagnosis, lifestyle changes, and regular medical follow-up. With a proactive approach and appropriate care, hypertension can be controlled, and the risk of serious complications reduced.
FAQ on hypertension
1. What is hypertension?
Hypertension is a condition where blood pressure against the artery walls is too high. It is defined by a systolic pressure ≥ 140 mmHg and/or a diastolic pressure ≥ 90 mmHg.
2. What is the difference between systolic and diastolic pressure?
Systolic pressure (the upper number) refers to the pressure in the arteries when the heart contracts. Diastolic pressure (the lower number) represents the pressure when the heart relaxes between beats.
3. What are the symptoms of hypertension?
Most people with hypertension have no symptoms. However, severe hypertension can cause headaches, dizziness, chest pain, and visual disturbances.
4. What are the main causes of hypertension?
The causes include genetic factors, a high-salt diet, lack of physical activity, excessive alcohol consumption, and stress.
5. How is hypertension diagnosed?
Hypertension is diagnosed through repeated blood pressure measurements during regular medical consultations. It can also be diagnosed and monitored with home blood pressure monitoring devices prescribed by a doctor.
6. What treatments are available for hypertension?
Treatments include lifestyle changes (diet, exercise) and medications such as diuretics, ACE inhibitors, ARBs, and beta-blockers.
7. What complications can arise from untreated hypertension?
Untreated hypertension can lead to strokes, heart attacks, heart failure, kidney failure, and vision problems.
8. How can hypertension be prevented?
Prevention involves a healthy diet, reduced salt intake, regular exercise, weight management, limiting alcohol consumption, and quitting smoking.
9. Why is regular medical care important for hypertensive patients?
Regular medical care helps monitor blood pressure, adjust treatments, and prevent serious complications.