As an Internal Medicine Doctor, hypertension is one of the most common medical conditions I encounter in my practice. Hypertension, also known as high blood pressure, is a chronic medical condition that affects millions of people worldwide, including those in Singapore. In this blog post, we will discuss what hypertension is, its causes, symptoms, and how it can be managed.
What is Hypertension?
Hypertension is a medical condition characterized by high blood pressure in the arteries. Blood pressure is the force of blood that pushes against the walls of your arteries as your heart pumps blood throughout your body. When your blood pressure is consistently high, it can cause damage to your arteries, heart, and other organs over time.
What Causes Hypertension?
The exact cause of hypertension often remains unknown, but several factors may contribute to its development. These include:
- Genetics: Hypertension may run in families and is more common in certain ethnic groups.
- Lifestyle: An unhealthy diet, lack of physical activity, and being overweight or obese can increase your risk of developing hypertension.
- Medical conditions: Certain medical conditions, such as kidney disease, sleep apnea, thyroid disorders and overproduction of several hormones, can contribute to the development of hypertension.
- Medications: Certain medications, such as birth control pills, decongestants, and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), can increase your risk of developing hypertension.
Symptoms of Hypertension
In most cases, hypertension does not cause any symptoms, which is why it is often called the “silent killer.” However, in some cases, hypertension can cause symptoms such as:
- Headaches
- Shortness of breath
- Dizziness
- Chest pain
- Vision changes
If you experience any of these symptoms, you should see an Internal Medicine Doctor as soon as possible.
Managing Hypertension
Hypertension can be managed through lifestyle changes, medications, or a combination of both. Lifestyle changes include:
- A healthy diet that is low in salt, fat, and cholesterol.
- Regular physical activity, such as walking, jogging, or swimming, for at least 30 minutes a day.
- Maintaining a healthy weight.
- Avoiding smoking and excessive alcohol consumption.
If lifestyle changes are not enough to manage hypertension, medications may be necessary. There are several types of medications available, including diuretics, beta-blockers, ACE inhibitors, and calcium channel blockers. Your Internal Medicine Doctor will determine the best medication for your individual needs.
In conclusion, hypertension is a common medical condition that can have serious consequences if left untreated. If you have hypertension or are at risk of developing it, it is important to see an Internal Medicine Doctor for proper diagnosis and management. Lifestyle changes, medications, or a combination of both can effectively manage hypertension and reduce the risk of complications.
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About Dr Adrian Mondry
Dr Adrian Mondry is a Hypertension Specialist accredited by the German Hypertension League in Singapore. He was previously a senior consultant in the department of medicine at the National University Hospital and Ng Teng Fong General Hospital (NTFGH), Dr Mondry has more than 30 years of experience in the field of internal medicine.
Dr Adrian Mondry is recognised for his leadership and contributions in establishing the dedicated hypertension clinic within the National University Health System and fast-track deep vein thrombosis service at NTFGH.
Dr Adrian Mondry is fluent in English, German and French.
About Kaizen Medical
Kaizen Medical is located at Mount Elizabeth Novena Specialist Centre, Suite 11-57.
At Kaizen, we provide in depth health care to patients with multi-organs diseases; tackling undifferentiated presentations that cannot be easily assigned to a single organ.
