Obesity and Hypertension
Hypertension, also known as high blood pressure, can be a complication of obesity. When a person has obesity, it can cause or worsen hypertension in several ways. Obesity can cause the heart to have to work harder to pump blood through the body, increasing blood pressure. This may be caused by changed hormone signaling and alterations in the function of the sympathetic nervous system, which is responsible for the fight-or-flight response. Obesity can also cause can damage the kidneys, which have a role in controlling blood pressure.
Recognizing hypertension can be tricky because it usually doesn't cause any symptoms. However, if a person with hypertension experiences certain symptoms, it may indicate a hypertensive crisis, which is a medical emergency. Symptoms of a hypertensive crisis include:
- Blood pressure of 180/120 mm Hg or higher that does not lower after resting for 5 minutes.
- Chest pain.
- Shortness of breath.
- Back pain.
- Weakness.
- Numbness.
- Change in vision.
- Difficulty speaking.
It's important to note that a person may have a blood pressure reading of 180/120 mm Hg or higher without experiencing any symptoms. In this case, they should speak with their doctor about reviewing their medication or other treatments.
When hypertension occurs as a complication of obesity, there are various actions and treatments that can be recommended. These include:
- Lowering the heart rate and cardiac output.
- Dilating arteries.
- Reducing blood volume.
- Inhibiting the sympathetic nervous system.
It's important to remember that these recommendations should be made by a healthcare professional. Always consult with your doctor before trying any home remedies or over-the-counter medications for hypertension.
Knowing when to seek medical help for hypertension is crucial. If you think you may have hypertension, it's important to speak with a doctor. Additionally, if you experience severe symptoms such as fatigue, nausea, vomiting, confusion, chest pain, muscle tremors, shortness of breath, back pain, numbness or weakness, or difficulty speaking, you should seek immediate medical care as this could indicate a medical emergency.
Remember to always consult with your doctor for personalized advice and guidance regarding hypertension and obesity-related concerns. Medication dosing may be affected by many factors. Check with your health care professional about dosing for your individual situation. Side effects can occur. Check with your health care professional or read the information provided with your medication for side effect information.