When we talk about the importance of heart health, many of us are aware of the steps we need to take to stay in shape; a proper diet, plenty of exercises, and a focus on regular monitoring and maintenance of cardio health are essential. If you have ever attended CPR Classes, received first aid training or certification, or take an interest in your general health, all these things will be familiar, along with basic CPR and the importance of using an AED correctly.
Hypertension, however, is something which is too often omitted from CPR training, and it is important that you fully understand and recognize this as a part of your development and training.
What is hypertension?
The American Heart Association, or AHA, defines hypertension as “when your blood pressure, the force of blood flowing through your blood vessels, is consistently too high.” This is a condition which affects nearly half of all adult Americans and is often described as a ‘silent killer’ due to its ability to sneak up with no symptoms. Hypertension is a huge problem. If you can’t recognize it, then no amount of CPR classes will help you save a patient before it is too late.
The Symptoms
As we discussed, one of the most significant issues with hypertension is that it is almost undetectable. Symptoms are inconclusive and vague, with the condition presenting itself differently from person to person. There are some symptoms which often coincide with hypertension, but these are not conclusive.
Blood spots in the eyes: Also known as a subconjunctival hemorrhage, this occurs more commonly in people who have high blood pressure and diabetes, though neither condition directly causes the spots. Hypertension can, however, cause damage to the optic nerve if left untreated, and this can be a symptom.
Facial flushing: When blood vessels in the face dilate, the result is a flushed face. This may be unpredictable and random or maybe a direct response to triggers such as spicy food, alcohol consumption, heat, hot water, stress, skin-care products, emotional stress, sun exposure, cold weather, and exercise. All of these have the potential to raise the blood pressure, but if it does not subside in a reasonable timeframe, there may be an indication that something is wrong.
Dizziness: Dizziness is commonly cited as a symptom of high blood pressure, but not all sufferers experience dizziness. It is often a sign that hypertension has lead to another condition, such as a stroke. If you experience dizziness combined with a loss of coordination or balance and trouble walking, you should seek immediate medical advice.
Treatment
Because hypertension is so challenging to diagnose, the treatment options are also vague. The best solution is to try and keep your blood pressure at as normal a level as possible. There are steps you can take to help reduce symptoms, such as:
- Eat a well-balanced, low-salt diet
- Limit alcohol consumption
- Exercise regularly
- Maintain a healthy weight where possible
- Manage stress sensibly
- Quit smoking
- Take any prescribed medication
