Arterial hypertension

High blood pressure is a common occurrence. The tendency for raised blood pressure is mostly hereditary. However, other factors – such as obesity, lack of exercise, stress, the taking of painkillers and poor diet – can often also contribute to raised blood pressure levels. Untreated high blood pressure can lead to cardiac insufficiency and dilation, strokes, heart attacks and premature arterial calcification. High blood pressure can go unnoticed, especially in the initial stages, but can however also bring complaints like headaches, nosebleeds, dizziness, shortness of breath and chest pains.

If arterial hypertension is diagnosed as requiring treatment – often after a long-term blood pressure monitoring test – a course of drug therapy will normally be started, which will bring the blood pressure back under control to a normal level. Highly-motivated patients can also lower their blood pressure themselves through lifestyle improvements, weight loss and endurance sport to such an extent that medication need not be used.