High Blood Pressure: Things You Should Know (Questions and Answers)

The book introduces hypertension as a condition caused by narrowing of the arteries, leading to higher pressure on blood vessel walls. It explains normal blood pressure values, the meaning of systolic and diastolic pressure, and why hypertension is often called a silent killer.

Different forms of hypertension are outlined, including prehypertension, malignant hypertension, primary hypertension, and secondary hypertension. Risk factors such as stress, obesity, smoking, high cholesterol, caffeine, lack of physical activity, and chronic kidney disease are discussed.

Symptoms and warning signs are described, including nosebleeds, headaches, and vision problems. Complications are also covered, such as stroke, heart failure, coronary insufficiency, rhythm disorders, kidney failure, blindness, and dementia.

The book explains diagnostic methods like sphygmomanometer measurements and describes treatment options including lifestyle changes, antihypertensive therapy, diuretics, beta blockers, calcium channel blockers, vasodilators, and angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors. Related concepts such as vasoconstriction, vasodilation, natriuresis, and the renin-angiotensin system are also explained.

This book will interest students, healthcare workers, and general audiences who want to understand hypertension, its complications, and the options available for treatment and management.