Arterial hypertension or high blood pressure is a common medical condition characterized by elevated blood pressure levels. It is a significant risk factor for cardiovascular disease, stroke, and kidney damage. Lifestyle modifications like a healthy diet, regular exercise, and medication are usually enough to manage hypertension and reduce associated risks. The assessment of the Polygenic Index Score for arterial hypertension is based on the examination of 230 gene polymorphisms.
Genetic testing for arterial hypertension is included along with 14 other diseases in the Genetic Screening for Cardiovascular and Respiratory Diseases, Polygenic Risk Score.
Causes and non-genetic risk factors
There are two types of hypertension:
- Primary hypertension is that suffered by most adults for which there is no directly identifiable cause.
- Secondary hypertension is caused by an underlying disease such as kidney disease, sleep apnea, adrenal gland tumors, thyroid problems, or the use of certain medications, among others.
In addition to the above, arterial hypertension can be favored by multiple risk factors:
- In most cases, it develops in adults, and its incidence increases as the years go by.
- It is more common in men until menopause when the risk is reversed.
- Ethnic origin. It is more common in people of African descent, with a higher rate of complications.
- Overweight or obesity.
- Lack of physical activity
- Tobacco consumption not only increases blood pressure, but its compounds can damage vessel walls, increasing the risk of complications.
- A diet high in sodium.
- Excessive alcohol consumption.
- Stress.
- Certain chronic diseases, such as sleep apnea or chronic kidney disease.
- Pregnancy.
Symptoms
Most people with hypertension are unaware that they are hypertensive since the disease, in most cases, is not accompanied by obvious symptoms. Therefore, it is highly recommended that blood pressure is evaluated periodically.
Occasionally, some mild symptoms such as headaches, nosebleeds, irregular heartbeat, or visual disturbances may occur. Among the possible complications that can occur due to sustained high blood pressure are:
- Angina pectoris.
- Myocardial infarction due to obstruction of blood flow to the heart.
- Cardiac and/or renal failure.
- Aneurysms, with the consequent risk of rupture.
- Irregular heart rhythm.
Prevention
Arterial hypertension is a controllable pathology in most cases. The most important lifestyle habits to prevent it are:
- Maintain a healthy diet, limiting the amount of sodium (salt) and alcohol.
- Regular physical activity.
- Maintain a healthy weight, and avoid obesity and being overweight.
- Stop smoking. Smoking causes damage to blood vessels and increases the risk of high blood pressure. In addition, it can worsen health problems related to hypertension.
- Control stress and learn how to manage it.
- The more lifestyle changes you make, the more likely you are to lower your blood pressure and avoid the health problems associated with high blood pressure.
