Hypertension

Overview

Hypertension is a chronic condition characterized by persistently elevated arterial blood pressure and is the leading risk factor for cardiovascular and cerebrovascular disease. In adults it is diagnosed at a systolic pressure ≥140 mmHg and/or diastolic ≥90 mmHg.

Symptoms

• Headache
• Dizziness
• Tinnitus
• Palpitations
• Fatigue
• Blurred vision

Treatment

Lifestyle changes (low-salt diet, moderate exercise, weight control, quitting smoking and limiting alcohol) combined with antihypertensive drugs such as ACEIs, ARBs, CCBs and diuretics.

Dietary advice

Low-salt, low-fat diet with no more than 5 g of salt per day. Eat potassium-rich foods such as bananas and spinach; limit alcohol and avoid high-fat foods.