Stages of Hypertension

Hypertension or high blood pressure, is the most common cause of heart attacks, organ damage, kidney failure and retinopathy. When the blood pressure level of a person is consistently high, the condition is termed as hypertension. It affects a staggering 50 million people in the US alone. The worrying aspect of the disease is that most of the people are unaware of the health risk it poses. But on receiving proper medical care and implementing certain behavioral changes, a person can easily be cured and the health hazards can be avoided. There are several ways in which hypertension can be categorized. Based on the levels of systolic blood pressure (SBP) and diastolic blood pressure (DBP) readings, hypertension can be easily detected. There are certain levels of blood pressure categorized as different stages of healthy and abnormal levels of blood pressure by National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute (NHLBI) of the US.

Classification

Accordingly, a SBP of little less than 120 and a DBP of less than 80 is considered the normal level of blood pressure. Pre-hypertension level sets in when the reading varies between 120-139 SBP and 80-89 DBP although, most experts still dispute its inclusion as a stage of hypertension and advocate its inclusion in the normal level. Stage 1 hypertension is associated with a reading of 140-150 systolic and 90-99 diastolic. It is a mild level of hypertension, and doesn't pose any significant threat, if controlled at this stage itself. Three out of four individuals affected by hypertension, fall in this category. It can be easily controlled by the proper intake of diuretics and lifestyle modifications. Stage 2 is of 160-179 systolic and 100-109 diastolic. This is the moderate stage of hypertension, which needs to be addressed if present and brought down immediately to ensure a proper recovery. Stage 3 hypertension corresponds to a SBP of 180-209 and a DHP of 110-119. All readings which denote a level similar to this are a cause for serious concern. Usually, even a small amount of negligence towards the gravity of the situation may, in fact, prove fatal.

Another system of classification is the benign and malignant form of hypertension. In terms of the stages mentioned above, a benign level consists of stage 1 and 2, whereas stage 3 and 4 come under the malignant level. Malignant or stage 3 levels can have severe implications and demand immediate attention. Another way to classify hypertension, is primary and secondary hypertension, depending on the causes of high blood pressure. Primary level of hypertension is a result of by lifestyle factors like severe stress, alcohol addiction, smoking and drug abuse or the genetic makeup of individuals. Secondary hypertension is caused due to some disease or medical conditions inherent in a person such as renal diseases, pregnancy, use of oral contraceptives, thyroid level fluctuations.

Hypertension should be detected early and promptly acted upon. A person with abnormal levels of blood pressure and under any form of medication, should regularly monitor blood pressure levels. The best way to treat it, is to inculcate a positive attitude towards life and following a healthy and balanced lifestyle. A properly guided diet, no smoking and dealing with excess or under weight body with the advice of an expert, along with some medications will definitely help in the treatment of hypertension. Exercise, meditation and yoga therapy are risk-free and the best ways to get rid of hypertension.