Blood Test for Hypertension

High Blood Pressure (Hypertension)

High Blood Pressure (Hypertension) is a condition in which the pressure in blood vessels against the artery walls is consistently elevated. Due to its gradual development and lack of noticeable symptoms, it is referred to as the "silent killer." 

Unmanaged or untreated hypertension causes severe health complications such as heart disease, strokes, kidney damage, and vision issues. Monitor your condition regularly, lifestyle modifications, and medications can help manage hypertension (high blood pressure) successfully. 

Overview

What is high blood pressure?

When the force of blood pressing against your artery walls is consistently too high, it indicates high blood pressure. Over time, this can harm arteries and cause strokes and heart attacks. High blood pressure is also termed "hypertension."

High blood pressure (Hypertension) is a “silent killer” because it does not have any visible symptoms. So, you may not know if anything is wrong, but it continues to damage your body.

Blood Pressure (BP): The force of your blood pressing against your blood vessel walls is known as blood pressure. The BP has two numbers: 

• Systolic blood pressure. It lies on top of the BP machine. It helps measure the artery wall's pressure when the heart beats. 
• Diastolic blood pressure. It lies at the bottom of the BP machine. It measures the pressure on your artery walls when the heart relaxes. 

Note: The measuring unit of blood pressure is millimeters of mercury( mm Hg). 

How will I feel if I have high blood pressure?

Regular monitoring can help determine if it is excessively high. A doctor’s visit is a must because high blood pressure (hypertension) won’t make you feel ill. Therefore, these examinations are essential and may save lives. Your provider will suggest lifestyle modifications and/or medication to control your blood pressure if it is higher than usual.

What is considered a high blood pressure (hypertension) level?

It might surprise you, but the definition of high blood pressure slightly varies depending on your country. 

For instance, Healthcare providers define high blood pressure (hypertension) as: 

In the U.S: 

• Systolic blood pressure (top number): 130 mmHg
• Diastolic blood pressure (bottom number): 80 mmHg. 

In India: 

• Systolic blood pressure is  ≥ 140 mmHg, and 
• Diastolic blood pressure is ≥ 90 mmHg 

In Europe: 

• Systolic blood pressure is at least 140 mmHg, and/or 
• Diastolic blood pressure is at least  90 mmHg 

How common is high blood pressure?

High blood pressure (hypertension) is very common worldwide. According to the WHO, approximately 30 to 79 years old have hypertension. Nearly two-thirds of them reside in low and middle-income countries. 

Additionally, high blood pressure contributed to 670000 deaths in the U.S. in 2020. The count was expected to increase to 1.5 billion by 2025. 

India-specific data reveals

High blood pressure is a major health concern in India. The recent health surveys indicate that 24% to 30% of adults residing in urban areas and 12%-14% in rural areas have hypertension. 

Hypertension is a silent killer, and younger populations are at high risk due to living a sedentary lifestyle. 

Signs and Symptoms

What are the signs and symptoms of hypertension?

As mentioned above, high blood pressure (hypertension) has no initial symptoms; therefore, it is called a silent killer. You could have signs of high blood pressure for years, but be utterly clueless. 

If your BP reaches 180/120 mmHg, and is termed hypertensive crisis, you may experience:

• Headaches
• Heart palpitations
• Nosebleeds
• Dizziness
• Vomiting 
• Blurred vision
• Anxiety
• Chest pain
• Difficulty breathing 

Hence, you should seek medical attention immediately. To manage resistant hypertension successfully, your doctor may suggest blood tests. 

What are the different types of high blood pressure?

There are two different types of high blood pressure (hypertension). You will get diagnosed with either of these two: 

• Essential (Primary) Hypertension

It is a common type of high blood pressure and abnormal. It occurs due to a poor lifestyle, including no physical activity. Aging and family history are other risk factors for primary hypertension. 

• Secondary Hypertension

Secondary hypertension is a type of high blood pressure that occurs due to an ongoing medical condition, prescription medicines, or over-the-counter medicines you are taking. 

Additionally, through several cases, it is revealed that secondary hypertension can co-exist with primary hypertension. 

Other Hypertensions: You May Like to Know

Below are the hypotensives that show up based on certain situations: 

• White coat hypertension

White coat hypertension refers to high blood pressure at a doctor’s clinic rather than at home. The name is given because people who wear a white coat measure their blood pressure. 

• Masked hypertension

Masked hypertension is the opposite of white-coat hypertension. It refers to high blood pressure that is elevated at home but remains normal in healthcare settings. 

• Sustained hypertension

During sustained hypertension, your BP is elevated at home and in health settings. 

• Nocturnal Hypertension

Nocturnal hypertension, or nighttime blood pressure elevation, occurs when you sleep. 

What causes hypertension?

Many factors can cause primary and secondary hypertension. 

Primary hypertension can occur due to: 

1. Eating a diet high in sodium 
2. Inactive routine
3. Smoking 
4. Alcohol consumption
5. Obesity 
6. Family history
7. High-stress situations 

Secondary hypertension can occur due to:

1. Immunosuppressants, NSIADs, and oral contraceptive pills
2. Kidney disease
3. Obstructive sleep apnea
4. Primary aldosteronism
5. Recreational drugs
6. Renal vascular diseases, such as renal artery stenosis. 
7. Tobacco use, including cigarettes, pipes, and cigars. Additionally, smokeless tobacco products like snuff and chewing tobacco are also available. 

Can high blood pressure occur due to genetic or hereditary reasons?

Yes. You may get high blood pressure due to a close biological family member suffering from the same condition. Healthcare professionals suggest that genetics plays a crucial role in causing high BP (hypertension) and may increase your risk for developing the condition due to sharing a common environment. 

List of Risk Factors Associated With High Blood Pressure

Below are risk factors for high blood pressure: 

• Having a family member with high blood pressure, cardiovascular disease, or diabetes. 
• Being over 55.
• Black adults 
• Having a chronic kidney disease, metabolic syndrome, thyroid disorder, or sleep apnea. 
• Having an overweight or obese 
• Not getting enough exercise
• A poor diet containing high sodium 
• Smoking or tobacco use
• Too much drinking 

What are the complications of this condition?

Healthcare professionals suggest that if you do not treat hypertension in time, it may lead to serious health complications: 

• Coronary artery disease (CAD)
• Stroke
• Heart Attack
• Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD)
• Kidney disease 
• Kidney failure 
• Complications during pregnancy 
• Eye damage
• Vascular Dementia 

Diagnosis and Tests 

How do we diagnose hypertension?

The basic method for diagnosing hypertension is with an arm cuff. Doctors measure blood pressure (hypertension) at annual checkups or during other medical appointments. If they find high BP readings at two or more appointments, they will confirm that you have hypertension. 

As part of the treatment process, he will ask you a few questions, such as about your routine lifestyle, eating habits, and family history of hypertension, to determine the cause of your hypertension. He may suggest medications, dietary modifications, and exercise to manage the condition successfully. Additionally, he may ask you to track your BP so that he can make treatment changes, if needed. 

Blood Tests for High Blood Pressure 

If needed, a healthcare provider is likely to suggest a blood test for high blood pressure levels (hypertension), including: 

• Complete blood count 
• Electrolytes panel 
• C-reactive protein (CRP)
• Creatinine Test 
• Lipid profile for cholesterol 
• Blood sugar test
• Kidney function test (KFT)
• Thyroid function tests (TFT)

Blood tests' normal values for hypertension are okay to proceed with the existing lifestyle. Any abnormality in the report may require lifestyle changes and medications to manage the condition. 

What are the categories of blood pressure?

Blood pressure categories are divided into four parts: normal blood pressure, elevated blood pressure, stage 1 hypertension, and stage 2 hypertension. 

You will have high blood pressure if you fall into these categories: 

Category	Top Number (systolic BP)	And/Or	Bottom Number (diastolic BP)
Normal Blood Pressure	Less Than 120 mmHg	And	Less than 80 mmHg
Elevated Blood Pressure	120 to 129 mmHg	And	Less than 80 mmHg
Stage 1 Hypertension	130 to 139 mmHg	Or	80 to 89 mmHg or higher
Stage 2 hypertension	140 mm Hg or Higher	Or	90 mmHg or higher

Management and Treatment 

How can we treat high blood pressure?

Healthcare providers consider blood pressure readings to treat hypertension. Common treatment options for high blood pressure may include lifestyle modifications, a healthy diet, maintaining a healthy body mass index (BMI), and prescription medicines for high blood pressure. 

Consult your doctor if you have doubts or queries about how to manage the condition successfully. Follow their advice to live a normal life. 

How Lifestyle Changes Can Help Lower Your High Blood Pressure Naturally?

Lifestyle modifications, particularly those for stage 1 hypertension, can help manage high blood pressure (hypertension). Let’s explore them in detail. 

• Maintain a healthy weight: You can maintain a healthy weight by reducing your sodium intake and increasing your potassium intake. 
• Exercise: Some form of exercise, such as brisk walking, dancing, running or jogging, swimming, or gardening, can help keep you occupied and make you feel good. 
• Limit alcohol: Avoid alcohol-induced beverages, or limit them to help avoid disease progression. 

Medications to lower your blood pressure

Blood pressure medications that your healthcare provider may suggest: 

• Calcium channel blockers: These medicines help prevent calcium from entering the muscle cells of your heart and blood vessels. It allows vessels to relax. 
• Diuretics (water or fluid pills): These pills are suggested to remove excess sodium from the body, reducing the amount in the blood. 
• Angiotensin II receptor blockers (ARBs): They block the action of angiotensin II by stopping it from binding to its receptors on blood vessels. 
• Angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors:  This causes blood vessels to narrow, which increases blood pressure.

Feel free to discuss your doubts regarding blood tests' normal values for hypertension, side effects of the medicines, and other concerns to help manage your high blood pressure. If you are pregnant or could become pregnant, you should avoid these medicines under the guidance of experts. 

Prevention 

Is high blood pressure (hypertension) preventable?

Yes, high blood pressure (hypertension) is preventable. By making lifestyle modifications, you can reduce the risk of developing the condition, such as

• Maintain a healthy weight: It is essential to maintain a healthy body weight to control high blood pressure (hypertension). Aim for a BMI between 18.5 and 24.9. The formula is BMI = kg/m2. 
• Eat a heart-healthy diet: Follow a DASH diet (dietary approaches to stop hypertension). You can consume fruits, lean meat, dairy products, and low-fat dairy. Additionally, limit sugar, red meat, and processed foods. 
• Cut down on sodium: According to the World Health Organization (WHO), adults should consume 2300 mg per day. Excess sodium can cause side effects. Eating in restaurants could be risky for your heart as the dishes they serve contain too much sodium, which may create a problem. 
• Exercise regularly: You can do yoga, cycling, walking, dancing, or swimming to keep yourself active throughout the day and help maintain a healthy heart. 
• Limit alcohol: One drink per day for women, and two drinks/per day for men, is sufficient. Overconsumption of alcohol-induced beverages can pressurize your heart and may lead to stroke/heart attacks. 
• Quit smoking: Tobacco use can damage your blood vessels and raise blood pressure. Quitting smoking can help improve your heart health. 
• Manage stress: Chronic stress significantly contributes to hypertension. Try relaxation techniques such as yoga, meditation, or hobbies. 
• Monitor blood pressure regularly: Get your blood pressure checked. You can also keep a home monitor. Early detection allows timely intervention.  
• Get regular sleep: Avoid stress by engaging in activities that make you happy. This will help you get sound sleep. Get quality sleep for 6-8 hours. 
• Limit caffeine: Consuming caffeinated products can be harmful to your heart. 

Outlook/Prognosis

What can happen when your BP is high?

Usually, high blood pressure does not cause initial symptoms. Therefore, you won’t feel any different. However, in some cases, you may experience headaches, dizziness, blurred vision, shortness of breath, and nosebleeds. 

Constant follow-ups with your healthcare professional are a must to keep track of your blood pressure to avoid complications. 

Long-term Risks Of High Blood Pressure Include: 

High blood pressure (hypertension) makes your heart and blood vessels work harder, which may lead to: 

• Heart disease, such as heart stroke, an enlarged heart, and heart failure. 
• Eye problems (loss of vision or blindness)
• Cognitive decline (memory problems)
• Chronic kidney disease
• Leg pain
• Shortness of breath
• Stable angina

Is It Okay to Check Blood Pressure at Home?

Yes. You can check your blood pressure at home. This allows you to monitor your blood pressure constantly, and any abnormalities should be reported to the healthcare provider immediately. 

You can purchase a blood pressure machine online or from a chemist's shop. These automated electronic monitors are beneficial, especially if 24-hour ambulatory blood pressure monitoring is required. 

How much time does high blood pressure (hypertension) take to go back to normal?

Blood test normal values for hypertension are less than 120/80 mm Hg. Several factors contribute to its return to normal. 

1. Severity of Hypertension

• If your high blood pressure is 130-139/80-89 mm/Hg, lifestyle changes can normalize it within a few weeks to months. 
• If your hypertension values are more than 140/90 mmHg, you may require medicines and lifestyle changes. Therefore, it may take several months for noticeable changes. 
• This calls for immediate medical attention if your blood pressure is beyond 180/120 mmHg. 

2. Lifestyle modifications

Eating a DASH diet, reducing alcohol and salt intake, maintaining a healthy body weight, and exercising regularly for at least 30 minutes can help. 

Additionally, take prescription medicines as directed. Also, check your blood pressure and note abnormal changes after taking drugs. Inform your healthcare professional immediately. He will assess your condition and change the treatment plan for better results. 

3. Individual factors

Remember age, genetics, and existing health conditions like diabetes and thyroid can slow down your recovery. 

Living With

When should I consult a doctor?

You should check with your doctor when you have yearly checkups. They will check your blood pressure and signs and symptoms. A medical emergency may be required in case of a hypertensive crisis. 

After examining the condition of your heart, he will prescribe medicines to help you stay healthy. 

When should you go to the ER?

You should go to an emergency room (ER) if you experience symptoms of a hypertensive crisis: 

1. Breathing difficulties
2. Headache
3. Chest pain
4. Blurry vision
5. Heart palpitations
6. Anxiety
7. Dizziness
8. Nosebleed
9. Vomiting 

What questions should you ask your doctor?

Questions you can ask your healthcare provider: 

• What is the average value of your blood pressure?
• What blood pressure is good for your age?
• Do you need to use a blood pressure monitor at home?
• If you become pregnant, can you continue taking prescription medications?
• Are there any over-the-counter drugs or supplements that you should avoid taking?
• What lifestyle adjustments should you make?
• Which kind of exercise is appropriate for you?
• Do you need any medications? Which ones, and side effects, if any?

Additional Questions

Can supplements or foods bring down your blood pressure?

Yes. Some foods can help you lower your blood pressure naturally. They include: 

• DASH diet 
• Probiotics
• Incorporate flaxseeds, pumpkin seeds, and sunflower seeds
• Fatty fish 
• Oatmeal
• Dark chocolate
• Calcium or magnesium supplements 
• Eat fewer processed foods
• Berries
• Low-carb, vegetarian, or Mediterranean diet
• Cooked beets and beet greens
• Garlic/ garlic supplements

Consult your healthcare professional to learn more about foods you can add to your diet to keep blood pressure in control. 

A note from Redcliffe Labs

Hypertension (high blood pressure) is a chronic medical condition affecting millions worldwide. Often called the "silent killer," it typically has no symptoms until significant damage has occurred to the heart, arteries, kidneys, or other organs. Early detection and proper management help prevent serious health issues.

Care at Redcliffe Labs

Redcliffe Labs is India's leading diagnostic service provider, committed to delivering accessible, affordable, and accurate healthcare solutions. We have India’s widest home collection network and handle urine and blood samples with family-like care. 70+ lakh Indians trust us for providing expert testing with honest pricing and 100% report accuracy guaranteed, or their money back. 

So, why wait? Below is step-by-step information on booking blood tests for resistant hypertension online from Redcliffe Labs. 

1. Visit the official Redcliffe Labs website: https://redcliffelabs.com/.
2. Search for the specific test you need. 
3. Add the test to the cart. 
4. Complete the payment process online.
5. You will receive confirmation through SMS and WhatsApp.