Obesity, especially abdominal fat, increases early hypertension risk due to insulin resistance and hormonal changes affecting blood vessels.
Resistant Hypertension
Resistant Hypertension and Hypertension in Young Adults:
Hypertension, or high blood pressure, affecting millions worldwide. While its prevalence has been widely discussed in older adults, the rise of hypertension in younger individuals, as well as cases of resistant hypertension, is increasingly becoming a point of concern for nephrologists. As kidney specialist in function and blood pressure regulation, nephrologists are often at the forefront of diagnosing and managing these challenging cases.
What is Resistant Hypertension?
Resistant hypertension is defined as high blood pressure that remains above target levels despite the use of at least three different antihypertensive medications, including a diuretic, at optimal doses. Alternatively, it can also refer to cases where blood pressure is not controlled despite treatment with four or more medications. This condition presents a significant challenge in clinical practice because it increases the risk of cardiovascular diseases, kidney damage, and strokes, making it a serious health concern.
Causes of Resistant Hypertension:
Several factors can contribute to the development of resistant hypertension:
Secondary Causes of Hypertension
Hyperaldosteronism, pheochromocytoma, and renovascular disease can cause treatment-resistant hypertension due to hormonal imbalance or narrowed renal arteries.
Medication Non-Adherence
Poor medication adherence is a common cause of apparent resistance, leading to uncontrolled blood pressure and increased risk of complications.
Excessive Salt Intake
: A diet high in sodium content can contribute significantly to hypertension, and patients with resistant hypertension may have poor salt management.
Obesity and Sleep Apnea
Overweight individuals, especially with sleep apnea, often develop resistant hypertension due to fluid retention, hormonal imbalances, and nighttime blood pressure changes.
Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD)
CKD both causes and results from hypertension, as impaired kidney function worsens blood pressure control and increases hypertension severity.
Hypertension in Young Adults:
The rise of hypertension in younger adults (especially those in their 20s and 30s) has becomes a growing concern. Traditionally, high blood pressure has been seen as a disease of older age, but changes in lifestyle factors, such as poor diet, lack of physical activity, and increased stress, have led to the emergence of hypertension at a much earlier age.
Long-Term Implications of Early Hypertension:
Hypertension that develops in younger individuals can be particularly concerning because it may go unnoticed for years, causing damage to organs such as the heart and kidneys before symptoms appear. Early detection and intervention are crucial to prevent complications like heart disease, stroke, and kidney failure.
How Can Nephrologists Help?
As nephrologists, our role extends beyond managing kidney disease; we are essential in the broader context of cardiovascular health, particularly in cases of resistant hypertension and hypertension in young adults. Here’s how we can make a difference:
Frequently Asked Questions:
Resistant hypertension is when your blood pressure remains high even after you have taken three or more medicines. It may be due to other health conditions, incorrect meds, or lifestyle issues such as stress, salt, or obesity.
No, you shouldn’t discontinue BP medicine just because your readings have become normal. That indicates that the medicine is effective. Its discontinuation in the absence of advice from your doctor can prove to be unsafe.
Physicians monitor your BP frequently, adjust your medications, and might have blood, urine, or scan tests done in order to look for underlying reasons such as kidney or hormonal imbalances.
Beneficial fluids are beetroot juice, pomegranate juice, green tea, and low-fat milk. Fluid intake is also vital.
Good exercises are 30 minutes brisk walking, cycling, swimming, or dancing each day, 5 days per week.
Sit still, breathe deeply, and calm your mind. This will calm you and lower your blood pressure somewhat quickly.
Copyright © 2025 Dr. Kosha Patel
Designed by EEG Technogeeks