Hipertensión

Hipertensión refers to high blood pressure, a condition where the force of the blood against the artery walls is consistently too high. This can lead to serious health problems over time, including heart disease, stroke, kidney failure, and vision loss. Blood pressure is measured using two numbers: systolic pressure (the top number), which measures the pressure in your arteries when your heart beats, and diastolic pressure (the bottom number), which measures the pressure in your arteries when your heart rests between beats. Normal blood pressure is generally considered to be around 120/80 mmHg. Hypertension is typically diagnosed when blood pressure readings are consistently 130/80 mmHg or higher.

There are two main types of hypertension: primary (essential) hypertension, which has no identifiable cause, and secondary hypertension, which is caused by an underlying medical condition such as kidney problems, thyroid issues, or certain medications. Risk factors for primary hypertension include age, family history, obesity, lack of physical activity, unhealthy diet high in salt and fat, excessive alcohol consumption, and smoking.

Managing hypertension often involves lifestyle changes such as adopting a healthy diet, increasing physical activity, maintaining a healthy weight, limiting alcohol intake, and quitting smoking. In many cases, medication is also necessary to help lower blood pressure and reduce the risk of complications. Regular medical check-ups are important for monitoring blood pressure and ensuring effective management of the condition.