Temporary & Chronic Hypertension
- Hypertension is high blood pressure. High blood pressure occurs when the blood traveling through your arteries exerts too much force against the walls of the artery pathways. Hypertension usually is diagnosed when systolic pressure--pressure created when the heart pumps blood away from the heart--is greater than 139.
- Temporary hypertension is hypertension that doesn't continue over a long period. It may result as a physical response to exercise, as more oxygen is required by muscles during physical activity, requiring more blood. It may occur as a response to a stressful situation--being frightened, being yelled at by a boss. Pregnancy also results in temporary hypertension for some women, and some people find that their medications impact their blood pressure. The key feature of temporary hypertension is that it goes away once the stressor, temporary health condition, medication or activity is stopped or removed.
- Chronic hypertension is high blood pressure that lasts for an extended period. Because there is excessive pressure placed on the arterial walls for a long time, chronic hypertension places an individual under higher risk for heart disease and related conditions. Chronic hypertension usually doesn't have an identifiable cause, but doctors know that some cases of chronic hypertension are caused by other medical conditions, such as thyroid problems. Genetics are thought to play a role in whether chronic hypertension develops, but doctors also stress the importance of a good diet and regular exercise in managing and preventing the condition.
- According to the American Heart Association, some individuals with hypertension may not have any symptoms at all. For this reason, doctors call hypertension the silent killer. If symptoms do present, they usually include lightheadedness or dizziness, shortness of breath or vision problems. More severe symptoms, such as stroke, may result if hypertension isn't treated.
- Temporary hypertension often doesn't require treatment because it occurs as part of the physiological stress response. However, temporary hypertension sometimes is a signal that a person is at risk for developing chronic hypertension, so if it occurs frequently, it should be brought to the attention of a medical professional, especially during pregnancy. Changes in behavior and environment, diet, physical activity level, medication or treating an underlying condition may alleviate symptoms of both kinds of hypertension.