High blood pressure, also known as hypertension, is a widespread condition that can have serious health consequences if left untreated. High blood pressure often causes no direct symptoms, which is why it is also known as the ‘silent killer’.
Overview of high blood pressure
High blood pressure is a widespread condition that affects an estimated one in four adults in Switzerland. Around a third of those affected are unaware that they have high blood pressure, as it often remains asymptomatic for a long time. All adults should therefore have their blood pressure checked at least once a year. It is important to detect high blood pressure as early as possible in order to avoid serious health problems.
High blood pressure can increase your chances of developing arteriosclerosis. This can, in turn, lead to diseases such as angina pectoris, heart attack, stroke, dementia, kidney failure or circulatory disorders in the legs.
Causes and risk factors
High blood pressure can be caused by various factors. In the most common form, essential hypertension, the exact causes are largely unknown. However, known risk factors are:
- genetic predisposition
- smoking
- chronic stress
- lack of exercise
- older age
- alcohol consumption
- diet high in salt and fat
- diabetes
Secondary hypertension is caused by specific, identifiable medical conditions. These include:
Kidney diseases
Narrowing of the renal arteries or other kidney problems can lead to high blood pressure.
Hormonal disorders
Diseases such as Cushing’s syndrome, hyperaldosteronism and hyperthyroidism can cause high blood pressure.
Medications
Certain medications such as contraceptives, painkillers and some antidepressants can increase blood pressure.
Sleep apnoea
Sleep apnoea, a sleep disorder in which breathing repeatedly stops and starts again, can lead to high blood pressure.
Symptoms
High blood pressure usually remains asymptomatic for a long time. However, some people may experience symptoms such as headaches, dizziness, nosebleeds, shortness of breath or impaired vision. These symptoms often only occur when blood pressure is very high and can indicate that the patient in is a dangerous condition. It is therefore important to check your blood pressure regularly and look out for possible symptoms.
Diagnosis
In order to diagnose high blood pressure, several blood pressure measurements are required, ideally over a period of 24 hours and under the supervision of a specialist in cardiology. In addition, blood and urine tests are carried out to clarify the cause of the high blood pressure and to differentiate between essential and secondary hypertension.
Treatment
Treating high blood pressure often begins with a change in lifestyle. This includes giving up smoking, reducing alcohol consumption, managing stress and eating a healthy diet with less salt and fat. Regular physical exercise can also help to lower blood pressure. In many cases, however, medication is required to effectively control blood pressure. There are various antihypertensive medications for this, and sometimes a combination of several is required.
Prevention
A healthy lifestyle is the key to preventing high blood pressure. This includes eating a balanced diet, getting regular exercise, reducing stress, not smoking and avoiding excessive alcohol consumption. Regular blood pressure checks are also important in order to detect and treat high blood pressure at an early stage.
Centres 12
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24-hour Emergency Centre (incl. heart attack and stroke emergencies)
St. Anna-Strasse 32 6006 Lucerne -
24-hour emergency centre
Schänzlihalde 11
3013 Bern
