Understanding Hypertension with Dr. Nicholas Franco: Causes, Diagnosis, Treatment, and Associated Risks

    NEW ORLEANS, LA, December 12, 2024 /24-7PressRelease/ -- Hypertension, often referred to as the "silent killer," affects millions of people globally and poses significant health risks if left unmanaged. Dr. Nicholas Franco, a retired urologist with extensive expertise in physiology and urology, emphasizes the importance of understanding hypertension, including its causes, diagnosis, treatment, and the complications that can arise when it is untreated. Through greater awareness, Dr. Franco says, individuals can take proactive measures to prevent the devastating consequences of this common condition.

The Causes of Hypertension
Hypertension is categorized into two main types: primary (essential) hypertension and secondary hypertension. According to Dr. Franco, primary hypertension accounts for the majority of cases and has no single identifiable cause, making it a multifactorial condition influenced by various factors such as age, family history, obesity, physical inactivity, excessive sodium intake, and the use of certain medications.

Secondary hypertension, on the other hand, arises from underlying medical conditions. Common causes, Dr. Nicholas Franco says, include chronic kidney disease, adrenal gland disorders such as pheochromocytoma and Conn's syndrome, thyroid dysfunctions like hyperthyroidism, and sleep apnea.

Medication-induced hypertension often resulting from prolonged use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) or steroids, is another contributing factor. Dr. Franco explains that identifying whether hypertension is primary or secondary is essential for determining the most effective course of treatment.

How Hypertension Is Diagnosed
The diagnosis of hypertension begins with accurate and consistent blood pressure measurements. Dr. Franco notes that a diagnosis is confirmed when systolic blood pressure (SBP) is consistently 140 mmHg or higher, or diastolic blood pressure (DBP) is 90 mmHg or higher. This he says, is based on repeated measurements taken on different occasions. For a more comprehensive understanding of blood pressure patterns, 24-hour ambulatory monitoring may be utilized. This method, he adds, records fluctuations throughout the day, providing a clearer picture of the condition.

A physical examination is another critical component of the diagnostic process. According to Dr. Franco, physicians assess patients for signs of target organ damage, such as hypertensive retinopathy or nephrosclerosis. Laboratory tests, including kidney function panels and thyroid assessments, he notes, are often conducted to rule out secondary causes of hypertension. Early and accurate diagnosis, he stresses, is the cornerstone of effective management, as it enables healthcare providers to address both the condition and its underlying causes.

Approaches to Treatment
Dr. Nicholas Franco explains that managing hypertension typically involves a combination of lifestyle modifications and medication. Lifestyle changes play a pivotal role in controlling blood pressure and improving overall health. Dietary adjustments, such as reducing sodium intake and increasing the consumption of potassium-rich foods, are foundational steps.

Regular physical activity – at least 150 minutes of moderate exercise per week – helps lower blood pressure and promote cardiovascular health. For individuals who are overweight or obese, Dr. Franco notes, achieving a healthy weight is critical, as even modest weight loss can significantly reduce blood pressure levels. Additionally, stress management techniques, such as meditation or relaxation exercises, can help mitigate stress-induced hypertension.

When lifestyle changes alone are insufficient, medications are often prescribed. Dr. Franco explains that the choice of medication depends on the patient's specific needs and medical history. Commonly used medications, he says, include diuretics, which reduce fluid retention; ACE inhibitors, and angiotensin receptor blockers, which relax blood vessels. He also points to beta blockers, which lower heart rate and cardiac workload; and calcium channel blockers, which improve blood flow. In many cases, he says, a combination of medications is required to achieve optimal blood pressure control. Dr. Franco emphasizes the importance of individualized treatment plans to address the unique circumstances of each patient.

Associated Co-Morbidities
Hypertension is rarely an isolated condition and is often accompanied by other health issues. Dr. Franco highlights those cardiovascular diseases, including heart attack, stroke, heart failure, and peripheral artery disease, are among the most serious co-morbidities associated with hypertension. Kidney disease, including chronic kidney disease and kidney failure, is another common complication, as hypertension can damage the blood vessels in the kidneys.

Additionally, he notes, hypertension increases the risk of developing type 2 diabetes and often coexists with metabolic syndrome. This, Dr. Nicholas Franco says, is a cluster of conditions characterized by insulin resistance, central obesity, and abnormal cholesterol levels. Such co-morbidities, he adds, highlight the critical need for comprehensive management strategies to mitigate the broader health risks associated with hypertension.

The Complications of Uncontrolled Hypertension
If left untreated, hypertension can lead to severe complications that result from target organ damage. Dr. Franco explains that persistent high blood pressure can damage the eyes, leading to hypertensive retinopathy, blurry vision, and even blindness in severe cases. Kidney damage, or nephrosclerosis, can progress to end-stage renal disease, requiring dialysis or transplantation.

Hypertension, he notes, also places excessive strain on the heart, resulting in left ventricular hypertrophy, cardiac fibrosis, and a significantly increased risk of heart attack and stroke. In the brain, Dr. Franco says, hypertension raises the likelihood of cerebral infarction, leading to strokes and cognitive decline.

Dr. Franco emphasizes that these complications highlight the importance of early detection and ongoing management. "Hypertension doesn't have to be a life sentence," he states. "With the right combination of lifestyle modifications and medical treatment, individuals can lead healthier lives and significantly reduce their risk of serious complications."

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