Introduction:

Uncontrolled hypertension, also known as high blood pressure that remains above target levels despite treatment, is a significant health concern. It increases the risk of serious complications such as heart attack, stroke, kidney disease, and heart failure.

Causes:

• Inadequate treatment regimen or non-adherence to medication.
• Secondary hypertension due to underlying conditions like kidney disease or endocrine disorders.
• Lifestyle factors such as a high-sodium diet, excessive alcohol consumption, obesity, and lack of physical activity.

Risk Factors:

• Family history of hypertension.
• Age: The risk increases as you get older.
• Race: Hypertension is more common and severe in African American populations.
• Chronic conditions such as diabetes or high cholesterol.

Symptoms:

• Often called the "silent killer" because it may have no symptoms.
• Severe hypertension can cause headaches, vision problems, chest pain, and shortness of breath.

Diagnosis:

• Regular blood pressure checks.
• Ambulatory blood pressure monitoring to assess blood pressure variations over 24 hours.
• Identifying the cause of secondary hypertension if suspected.

Treatment:

• Review and adjustment of medication regimen.
• Diuretics, ACE inhibitors, angiotensin II receptor blockers, beta-blockers, and calcium channel blockers are commonly used.
• Lifestyle modifications: diet changes (DASH diet), regular exercise, weight loss, smoking cessation, and limiting alcohol intake.

Prevention and Management:

• Regular blood pressure monitoring.
• Adherence to treatment plans and medications.
• Regular check-ups with a healthcare provider.
• Stress management techniques.

Complications:

• Heart disease, including heart failure and heart attack.
• Stroke and other cerebrovascular diseases.
• Kidney disease or failure.
• Vision loss due to retinopathy.
• Peripheral artery disease.

When to See a Doctor:

• If blood pressure readings consistently exceed 130/80 mmHg.
• If experiencing side effects from blood pressure medications.
• For regular follow-ups to monitor blood pressure levels.

Conclusion:

Uncontrolled hypertension is a serious condition that requires prompt and effective management to prevent complications. A combination of medication, lifestyle changes, and regular medical care is essential for controlling blood pressure and maintaining overall health.

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