Benign Hypertension

As we all know, the blood pressure refers to the force, needed to circulate blood to different parts of the body. This force is provided by the heart that pumps fresh oxygenated blood which is then circulated through blood vessels (arteries and veins). The heart pushes the blood and regulates blood flow, necessary for normal functioning of the body.

What is High Blood Pressure
High blood pressure, also referred as hypertension is a commonly diagnosed medical problem. It occurs when the blood pressure is being pushed at a faster rate, consistently. High blood pressure produces damaging effects to the arteries, making them less elastic and flexible. This will eventually lead to heart problems.

What is Benign Hypertension?
The term 'benign' is generally associated with tumors and rarely do we hear hypertension being classified as benign. This is because benign hypertension goes unnoticed for years, as it does not show any symptoms. One can say form of hypertension is a mild version of high blood pressure, that does not give any indications about its arrival. Although, blood pressure in this condition, is higher than normal, it is not that high to bring noticeable ill-effects to the health. This happens because the blood pressure increases at a snail's pace and continues for a long period of time (several years). That is why the term benign is used to describe this type of hypertension. Here 'benign' refers to the slow progressive nature of this condition. As a result, the body reacts, only when there is appreciable increase in blood pressure range.

Symptoms
The presence of any disease is commonly accompanied by some negative effects on normal bodily functions, which are termed as symptoms. However, this is not the case with this type of hypertension. Benign hypertension's existence in the body, does not show any noticeable change in bodily functions, thus making it very difficult to diagnose this condition.

Is it a Harmful Condition
Classifying it as benign, does not mean that this form of hypertension will not cause any harm. High Blood Pressure (HBP) is itself a cause of concern, so by attaching the term 'benign' before HBP, does not make it harmless. In fact, it would be correct to say that benign hypertension is a health hazard. How? It is explained below:

In this condition the blood pressure increases at a very slow pace. So, it may take quite some time, before one experience its symptoms. However, benign hypertension actually brings slow deterioration of the important organs such as the heart and the kidneys. So, by the time the patient comes to know that he has hypertension, the condition might have aggravated, showing a significant rise in blood pressure. Once this condition is diagnosed, following a high blood pressure diet is often recommended.

Consider this: Suppose this health condition begins at the age of 25. As the blood pressure rises at a very slow rate, the person may experience minor health issues, at some point of time, which he may tend to neglect. This slow increment in blood pressure is a long duration process, say 20 years. So, when the person becomes 45 years old, the blood pressure range is worrisome. Also, during this period of 20 years, there will be mild to moderate damage to different organs. Now, any further increase in blood pressure, won't be tolerated and the person may experience frequent episodes of severe headache and dizziness. If appropriate treatment is not taken, the body may respond with severe medical problems like heart attack and stroke.

On the whole, checking the blood pressure, at least once in a year, by taking an appointment with a qualified health provider, is the only way to confirm the presence of benign hypertension. Also, remember people with high blood pressure can lead a happy normal life by having a healthy diet, and quitting smoking and alcohol. Following a daily exercise routine, will ensure a healthy weight and help to manage hypertension effectively.