Hypertension effects – is hypertension dangerous?

                                           

              

The change in our lifestyle today has brought along several diseases among which Hypertension has been the most prevalent and dangerous. The dangers of Hypertension  are further explained..   

Normal circulation

The heart pumps oxygenated blood to all parts of the body which allows each organ to prepare energy for its use. A normal circulation of blood means the pumping of blood neither higher nor lower than the required pressure.  Normal pressure is about 120/80 mm Hg in healthy young adults. However the pulse rate fluctuates depending upon the body’s activity as well mental/ emotional stress. 

 

Hypertension: 

Below are some general facts 

• The lifetime probability of developing hypertension is 90%.
• The blood pressure in general is lower in young women than in young men until the age of 55–65 years (perimenopausal period), after which it becomes comparable. 

The controlled systolic pressure is defined as <120 mm Hg and the diastolic pressure is >80 mm Hg. Most Hypertension patients have a blood pressure around 140/90 mm Hg which means the vessels and capillaries in body organs can be damaged. 

Hypertension effects

Hypertension is often termed as a silent killer because its symptoms may go unnoticed such as headaches, fatigue and palpitations.Some unusual signs maybe bleeding from the nose. The following lists some of the more fatal symptoms and consequences: 

• Myocardial infarction – An initial chest pain can internally mean a reduced blood flow to the heart muscles which causes the Heart Attack. 
• Congestive heart failure – this condition takes place when pumping action of the heart weakens due to increased pressure against which the heart is pumping in uncontrolled hypertension.
• Thrombotic and hemorrhagic strokes –A blockage of the blood flow through the brain blood vessels can either cause a rupture leading to encephalopathy which means a brain paralysis, coma or seizure.
• Renal failure – kidneys fail to excrete the products of metabolism resulting in a rise of urea and creatinine in blood.

There is no doubt that Hypertension is prevalent across the globe among all ages young and old. The highest contributing factor is the change of lifestyle which includes lack of exercise, mental stress and workaholic working patterns. With technological advancements it has become easier to keep a continuous check on the blood pressure several times a day.  

Benign cysts in breast

Cause and Nature of a Cyst: 

A breast cyst is a harmless round/oval sac that is filled with fluid and is firm in texture. These cyst may either appear during the pre-menopausal phase or during a hormone therapy or it can be a part of a fibrocystic disease. The disintegrated involution of breast tissues causes the formation of the cyst. Cysts can be of either a simple or complex nature , a complex cyst can may develop into a cancer in the later stage.

Diagnosis : 

The cystic nature of a breast lump can be confirmed through the following methods: 

• Breast Ultrasound: This method is rated as 95-100% accurate. It is capable of scanning the image of the cysts and clearly distinguish between the solid lumps and fluid filled cyst.The scanner instrument is placed on the skin and echoed sound waves from the breast are translated to an image. 
• Aspiration:Is the removal of cyst contents with needles.
• Mammograms: Is the use of x-rays to examine the breast.This is a very accurate screening tool and is categorised as screening and diagnostic based on identification of abnormalities.  
• However, the medical history and physical examination also play an important role in establishing an accurate diagnosis. 

Treatment : 

Cysts may be left untreated until the discomfort level or pain reaches its extent. The first treatment is done using a syringe and needle to aspire the cyst(s). The aspirated fluid is examined for cancer which is symptomized by blood stains. Subsequently a second round of aspiration is done using a wide bore biopsy if a lump still persists. In case of the reformation of the cysts a surgery will be the solution. Cyst maybe a great cause of concern specially as they are assumed as cancerous yet a careful follow-up of the physician’s advice can curtail the complexity.