Nearly one in three adults suffers from high blood pressure, half of whom are unaware of it, according to the 2018 National Public Health Agency. Because it can have serious consequences on health, it must be treated as soon as the diagnosis is made, but also to raise awareness. Invited Sunday of the health magazine, on Europe 1, Professor Jacques Blacher of the arterial hypertension service of the Hotel-Dieu AP-HP in Paris, warns against what is sometimes called the "silent killer "and answers the most frequently asked questions on the subject.
What is hypertension?
Hypertension is defined by too high blood pressure in the arteries. "We have a maximum pressure level and a minimum level.There are two different levels of pressure because the heart contracts and at the moment of its contraction it generates the strongest pressure in the arterial system. will decrease until it reaches the minimum, "explains Professor Blacher.
Hypertension is measured in millimeters of Mercury (mmHg), but is usually reported in centimeter of Mercury (cmHg). "If regularly, the maximum is greater than 14 cm of mercury and if the minimum is greater than 9cm of mercury, then there is high blood pressure, "he says.
Only 5% to 10% of arterial hypertension comes from an identifiable cause, such as taking certain medications. In other cases, it may be genetic, related to lifestyle or increased stress, or a cause totally undetermined.
What are the symptoms ?
We speak of "silent killer" because most often no symptoms occur. "We do not know that we are sick until we have taken his blood pressure," says the Professor. He continues: "You can have severe hypertension that is not manifested and it is even possible to have a tension at 30 and feel nothing."
Nevertheless, some symptoms can appear sometimes: headaches, ringing in the ears, vertigo, sensations of oppression in the chest. "One can, from time to time, have symptoms with numbers that are moderately high (...) The intensity of the symptoms is not proportional to the level of blood pressure," he explains.
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What are the most serious risks?
If the arteries are damaged and clogged, the organs are poorly maintained and eventually degrade. For example, high blood pressure can lead to kidney failure, heart failure, eye damage and even stroke.
What are the tips for avoiding hypertension?
Professor Blacher states that family history is an important risk factor. The good news is that it's possible to delay the onset of hypertension by following the right steps: "Not all treatments are drug treatments, for example, by drastically reducing salt intake, you can gain several Likewise with a lot of weight loss, there are patients with obesity who, with a loss of 50 kilograms, gain up to 3 or 4 points of blood pressure. a very important point: the less sedentary you are and the lower the numbers, a 40-minute activity every other day can sometimes be enough to treat hypertension. "
Finally the doctor advises to avoid the consumption of alcohol: "A consumption of three or four glasses a day has a pressure effect." If your hypertension continues despite a change in lifestyle, then you should consult your doctor who will prescribe medication.
Is it necessary to control your blood pressure every day?
Do not panic, it's not worth checking your blood pressure every day. "Once the patient is well controlled, that the treatment is well tolerated, it is recommended to take its blood pressure once every three months, in a conventional way.Three times in the morning and three times in the evening, one minute of interval, three days in a row and each time after five minutes of rest in a sitting position.It should be averaged all the numbers and if the patient has less than 13.5 and less than 8.5, then it is well controlled "emphasizes the cardiologist.
What to do during periods of high heat?
With repeat scorching episodes, patients who are going to take drugs that play on the water and salt regulation systems in the body are more exposed. Professor Blacher advises a temporary cessation of treatment for these people: "The risk is dehydration and renal failure.When these patients are exposed to a heat wave or other form of dehydration, they should stop this treatment temporarily."