Hypertension (High Blood Pressure)
Hypertension is the medical term for high blood pressure.
A person may develop high blood pressure when the heart pumps more blood, and the arteries become narrowed.
This chronic medical condition is characterized by increased resistance in the arteries (blood vessels), causing the heart to work harder than before to pump blood throughout the body.
Hypertension can be detected through regular blood pressure checks.
Hypertension is diagnosed when two consecutive blood pressure measurements show systolic pressure > 140 mmHg and/or diastolic pressure > 90 mmHg.
Often referred to as “The Silent Killer,” hypertension frequently has no symptoms, so many individuals are unaware they have it until complications arise.
Hypertension causes approximately 8 million deaths annually, with 1.5 million deaths in Southeast Asia, where one-third of the population is affected by high blood pressure (WHO data, 2011).
Causes of Hypertension
Hypertension is categorized into two types: primary hypertension and secondary hypertension. Below are the causes of each:
1. Primary Hypertension
In most cases, the exact cause of hypertension cannot be identified. Primary hypertension tends to develop gradually over many years and worsens if left untreated. The following factors contribute to its development:
- Excessive Salt (Sodium) Intake
- Stress
- Lack of Physical Activity
- Obesity
- Smoking
- Alcohol Consumption
- Free Radicals
These factors increase the strain on the arteries and the heart, leading to higher blood pressure over time.
2. Secondary Hypertension
Some people develop high blood pressure due to an underlying health condition. Secondary hypertension tends to develop suddenly and causes blood pressure to be higher than in primary hypertension.
Several conditions that can lead to secondary hypertension include:
- Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA)
- Kidney Disorders
- Adrenal Gland Tumors
- Thyroid Problems
- Diabetes
- Age
- Gender
- Genetic Factors
- Congenital Blood Vessel Defects
- Medications such as birth control pills, cold medicine, decongestants, and over-the-counter pain relievers
- Illegal Drugs
These conditions either directly affect blood flow, hormone levels, or other body systems, leading to an increase in blood pressure.
Hypertension (High Blood Pressure)
Several risk factors can increase the likelihood of developing hypertension, including:
- Being over 65 years old.
- Frequently consuming foods high in excess salt.
- Being overweight or obese.
- Having a family history of hypertension.
- Not consuming enough fruits and vegetables.
- Leading a sedentary lifestyle or exercising infrequently.
- Consuming too many foods or drinks that contain caffeine.
- Smoking habits.
- Excessive alcohol consumption.
- Stress, as high stress levels can temporarily raise blood pressure.
- Having certain chronic conditions, such as kidney disease, diabetes, or sleep apnea.
The Relationship Between Hypertension and Stroke
Hypertension can cause blood vessels to narrow, leak, rupture, or become blocked. This disruption can hinder the flow of blood carrying oxygen and nutrients to the brain. When this occurs, brain cells and tissues may die, leading to a stroke.
The Relationship Between Hypertension and Kidney Failure
When blood pressure is high, the kidney cells do not receive enough oxygen to function properly. Conversely, healthy kidneys play a crucial role in regulating blood pressure, meaning that kidney dysfunction can further elevate blood pressure. This creates a cycle where declining kidney function leads to progressively worsening hypertension until the kidneys eventually fail.
In the early stages, kidney function decline—similar to high blood pressure—often goes unnoticed. Patients usually become aware of the problem and experience symptoms only when kidney damage has reached an advanced stage.
Hypertension Prevention
There are several steps that can be taken to prevent hypertension, including:
- Consuming a healthy diet rich in fruits and vegetables.
- Limiting salt intake to less than 5 grams per day.
- Reducing excessive caffeine consumption.
- Quitting smoking.
- Exercising regularly.
- Maintaining a healthy weight.
- Reducing alcohol consumption.
- Limiting the intake of foods high in saturated fats.
- Eliminating or reducing trans fats from the diet.
SOP Subarashi for Hypertension Management
SOP Subarashi, with its patented cell regeneration and anti-hypertensive properties, can help stabilize and reduce blood pressure in individuals with hypertension, bringing it closer to normal levels. It has been clinically proven not to affect individuals with low or normal blood pressure.
Mechanism of Action:
SOP Subarashi works by inhibiting the conversion from ACE 1 (Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme 1) to ACE 2. ACE 2 is responsible for narrowing blood vessels, which raises blood pressure.
Unlike some treatments that cause blood vessels to dilate and potentially lower blood pressure too much, SOP Subarashi does not cause excessive dilation. This ensures that blood pressure is controlled without the risk of a sudden drop in tension.