World Hypertension Day is celebrated every year on May 17. On the occasion of Hypertension Day, Internal Medicine Specialist Dr. Ahmet Bilge from Özel Egekent Hospital made statements. He said that hypertension, a condition affecting a large number of people worldwide, negatively impacts quality of life. Dr. Bilge described hypertension as a silent enemy that can progress stealthily and lead to many serious health problems.
Dr. Bilge explained that blood pressure is the pressure exerted by blood in the vessels and that hypertension occurs when this pressure is too high. He emphasized that it should be regularly monitored. Highlighting the importance of paying attention to symptoms for this silently progressing disease, Dr. Bilge said, “In hypertension, you should watch for symptoms such as headache, dizziness, shortness of breath, palpitations, chest tightness, ringing in the ears, and frequent urination, and consult a specialist. Since hypertension can progress without showing symptoms, even if you have no complaints, it is beneficial to have periodic blood pressure checks, especially if there is a family history of hypertension or diabetes.”
“Your internal health problems can trigger hypertension”
Dr. Bilge emphasized that many internal conditions play an active role in the development of hypertension: “Existing kidney disease, adrenal gland tumors, thyroid issues, vascular problems, and some medications can cause hypertension. If you have one or more of these conditions, it is necessary to investigate whether you have hypertension.”
In addition to internal diseases, Dr. Bilge noted that other factors can also trigger hypertension, including unhealthy eating habits, excessive salt intake, a sedentary lifestyle, and weight gain.