World Hypertension Day

Hypertension is a disease characterised by excessively high blood pressure.

Hypertension is the most common chronic disease in France.

Although generally silent, it is one of the leading causes of cardiovascular, cerebrovascular and neurodegenerative complications (myocardial infarction, stroke, Alzheimer's disease, etc.).

Blood pressure is the physical result of the ejection of blood from the heart into the blood vessels.

It is exerted on the vascular walls. It is characterised by two extreme values:

• The high value, measured during contraction of the heart (systole), which propels blood through the aorta towards the peripheral arteries.
• The low value measured during relaxation of the heart (diastole), which allows the ventricles to receive blood arriving in the atria via the vena cava and pulmonary veins.

Hypertension occurs when either or both of these values, measured at rest, is higher than the normal values: 140 mmHg (millimetres of mercury) for systolic pressure and 90 mmHg for diastolic pressure.

Hypertension in a few figures :

• 1/3 of French adults are affected,
• 1 adult in 2 is unaware of it,
• 10 million people with high blood pressure are treated in France, and an estimated 4 million have not yet been screened.

A disease known as the "silent killer":

Hypertension is generally silent. However, there are certain warning signs, such as dizziness, headaches, shortness of breath, palpitations, visual disturbances, nosebleeds or ringing in the ears.
It is essential to consult a doctor if any of these problems appear, and also to check your blood pressure regularly during a medical consultation.

Diagnosis:

Hypertension can only be diagnosed by a single blood pressure measurement.
Hypertension is diagnosed when blood pressure is measured at rest and is above 14/9 on several occasions.
Two measurements in three successive consultations, over a period of three to six months, are required to confirm a diagnosis of hypertension.

The cardiologist may prescribe a 24-hour ambulatory blood pressure measurement (ABPM), to obtain different blood pressure readings at different times of the day and night. This examination is also used to check the effectiveness of the treatment.

Preventing high blood pressure:

Certain lifestyle habits can considerably reduce the risk of developing high blood pressure. These include

• adopting a healthy, balanced diet, reducing salt, sugar and fatty acids, and favouring fruit and vegetables.
• getting regular exercise
• maintaining a stable body weight
• Reduce stress by taking time out to relax and unwind;
• reduce and stop alcohol and tobacco consumption.

These lifestyle habits not only prevent high blood pressure, but also other common preventable diseases (cardio- and cerebrovascular diseases, many cancers).

Treatment :

The aim of antihypertensive treatment is to reduce blood pressure to below normal levels in order to minimise the risk of long-term complications.

The first line of treatment does not involve prescribing medication, but rather hygiene and dietary measures.

If these new lifestyle habits do not enable normal blood pressure values to be achieved after three months, antihypertensive drugs may be prescribed. Treatment may be adapted if there is an inadequate response or intolerance (change of monotherapy or combination, adjustment of dosage, addition of a new treatment, etc.).

There are five therapeutic classes which, thanks to their specific mechanism of action, have anti-hypertensive properties. The choice of therapeutic class(es) to prescribe depends on the mechanism of action best suited to the patient's profile and medical history.

Hypertension and COVID :

Covid should not be a reason for refusing treatment! It is essential that you consult a cardiologist if necessary and monitor your high blood pressure.

Hypertension is a risk factor for coronavirus infection, and it is essential that you continue your usual anti-hypertensive treatment.

Hypertension and Hôpital Privé la Casamance :

Hôpital Privé la Casamance is an establishment with its own speciality in Cardiology. A team of 16 cardiologists provide consultations, examinations and follow-up care for people with heart problems. With a cardiology medicine department, a cardiology intensive care unit and a 24/7 interventional cardiology service, our establishment is fully committed to the screening, prevention and treatment of arterial hypertension and its consequences.

You can make an appointment with one of our cardiologists on our website.