Blood pressure is determined by the amount of blood the heart pumps in conjunction with the amount of blood flow resistance by the arteries. An increase in the amount of blood being pumped by the heart combined with a decrease in the diameter of the arteries leads to increased blood pressure. Blood pressure is determined by two numbers: systolic and diastolic.
Systolic is the number given when the heart beats, pumping blood. It is the first number as well as the higher of the two numbers seen in a blood pressure reading.
Diastolic is the number given between beats, as the heart rests and blood pressure falls. It is the lower, second number seen in a blood pressure reading.
A normal blood pressure reading is 120/80 mmHG. Blood pressure is considered high when the reading equals or exceeds 140/90 mmHG. According to the American Heart Association, many people have high blood pressure for a number of years without being aware of it. Three specific types of high blood pressure exist.
Essential Hypertension
Essential hypertension, often called primary hypertension, is the most common type of high blood pressure. It is seen in 90 to 95 percent of hypertension cases, according to MayoClinic.com. This type of high blood pressure has no identifiable cause and develops gradually over the course of many years. Essential hypertension is usually not accompanied by any symptoms. In order to be diagnosed with essential hypertension, blood pressure readings must consistently read 140/90 mmHG or higher. Three consecutive high blood pressure readings usually result in a diagnosis. Essential hypertension is controllable but must be monitored during an entire lifetime. Treatment consists of medication combined with a series of lifestyle changes, including regular exercise, weight loss, low fat diet and the cessation of smoking.
Secondary Hypertension
Secondary hypertension is a less common type of high blood pressure that is seen in 5 to 10 percent of hypertension cases. This type of high blood pressure appears suddenly and is often caused by an underlying condition. These underlying conditions include, but are not limited to, kidney abnormalities, adrenal gland tumors, congenital heart defects, certain medications (birth control, pain relievers), and illegal drugs, such as cocaine and amphetamines. Like essential hypertension, secondary hypertension has no signs or symptoms. Treatment consists of proper control of the present underlying condition combined with lifestyle changes. If left untreated, the condition can deteriorate to a very serious extent.
Pulmonary Hypertension
Pulmonary hypertension is defined as high blood pressure in the arteries in the lungs and the right side of the heart. In this form of hypertension, pulmonary arteries and capillaries become narrowed, blocked, or destroyed, which makes it harder for blood to flow through the lungs, thus raising the pressure of lung arteries. In order to compensate, the heart's right ventricle must work harder, which weakens it and leads to heart failure. There are two kinds of pulmonary hypertension: that which runs in families and that which is related to another condition, usually heart or lung disease. Like the other two forms of hypertension, pulmonary hypertension has no noticeable symptoms. Pulmonary hypertension is a serious condition that can be fatal. There is no cure for pulmonary hypertension. According to MedlinePlus, proper treatments consist of treating the underlying heart or lung disease combined with medication, oxygen support, and, occasionally, lung transplantation.
