Hypertension Screening


The Berkeley County Health Department provides blood pressure screening to any Berkeley County resident. Education and referral to physicians are provided for those patrons found to have high blood pressure.

Hypertension

Hypertension is the name of a condition in which blood pressure is persistently elevated (it stays high for a long period of time). Blood pressure is a measure of the pressure of the blood against the blood vessel walls. Persistent high blood pressure puts undue stress on the heart, blood vessels and other organs.


The Causes of High Blood Pressure
The causes of high blood pressure are a bit of a mystery. About 5% of patients requiring hypertension treatment can trace their high blood pressure to a physical cause such as kidney disease. Treatment of the disease reduces the symptoms of high blood pressure.

But for 95% of patients who undergo hypertension treatment, the causes of high blood pressure are unknown. Diet and stress are suspected as prime contributors to hypertension, but medical experts aren't exactly certain of all the mechanisms involved.

Society's to Blame!
Well, okay, maybe not to blame, but a much higher incidence of hypertension exists in Western society than in other cultures.

Studies done in Africa examined Africans' blood pressure before and after entering a big city and adopting Western lifestyles. Blood pressure usually rose after the move to the city.

Rural Africans rarely suffer from hypertension. This is of interest to researchers because, as a group, African-Americans suffer from hypertension more than white Americans. Culture, diet and stress all seem to contribute to hypertension.

Symptoms of High Blood Pressure
As if it wasn't bad enough that the causes of high blood pressure are unknown, recognizable physical symptoms of high blood pressure are almost non-existent. Although some patients complain of dizziness, headaches or blurred vision, most patients only discover they need hypertension treatment when their blood pressure is taken.

Hypertension Numbers
According to the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute, as many as 25% of adult Americans suffer from high blood pressure.


Why is Hypertension Important?
High blood pressure is a serious health risk for many people. Hypertension can cause hardening of the arteries, heart attacks and strokes. Heart and kidney disease, as well as hardening of the arteries, have been attributed to hypertension. Fortunately, hypertension treatment is well researched and readily available.

** Note **

Please remember that the information presented in this forum is for your education only, and is not intended to extend medical advice or diagnosis. If you have questions or feel that you may be experiencing symptoms similar to those presented, please call the Berkeley County Health Department at (304) 263-5131 or your primary care provider for formal medical attention.