Is your blood pressure out of control? Watch out for symptoms of resistant hypertension

Resistant hypertension leads to higher risks of heart attack, heart failure, stroke, chronic kidney disease, and worse thinking and memory skills (Image: Pexels)

Resistant hypertension is defined as high blood pressure that stays above target despite optimal doses of three or more different classes of antihypertensive medications, including a diuretic. It also applies, in some cases, to patients who need four or more drugs to manage their blood pressure.

Not only is this condition stubborn, but it can also be a signal of other health problems. Resistant hypertension can be due to underlying conditions like kidney disease, hormonal disorders or anatomical problems in blood vessels. Lifestyle elements such as being overweight, high salt intake, excessive alcohol consumption or sleeping apnea undiagnosed can do a lot for it maintain.

Health risks of resistant hypertension

Dr Kavita Rao, Delhi-based cardiologist at NeuroKind Pathlabs, explains that when hypertension becomes resistant to conventional treatment, the situation is hazardous, as the continuous pressure on blood vessels and organs accelerate injury.

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According to Dr Rao, resistant hypertension shouldn't be taken lightly or dismissed. The complications need to be minimised, and the long-term health events need to be improved with detailed medical evaluation, lifestyle changes, and monitoring.

Causes of resistant hypertension

Resistant hypertension is not just hard-to-treat high blood pressure. It is an actual medical diagnosis. And it needs evidence that the patient is on the right mix of medications and doses and is adhering to treatment. It is also very important to differentiate between true and pseudo-resistance.

Dangers of resistant hypertension

Chronic hypertension injures the arteries and heart, as well as the kidneys, brain and eyes. In resistant hypertension, the risk is even greater, as the pressure is persistent and not very responsive to treatment, says Rao. This condition leads to higher risks of heart attack, heart failure, stroke, chronic kidney disease, and worse thinking and memory skills.

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Risk factors of resistant hypertension

Causes of resistant hypertension include chronic kidney disease, hyperaldosteronism (excess hormone production), stenosis of the arteries to the kidneys, or severe obstructive sleep apnea. Obesity, diabetes, high sodium, smoking, and alcohol consumption give rise to the risk factor. Some over-the-counter medicines, such as NSAIDs, can make blood pressure control worse.

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How to manage resistant hypertension

The treatment of resistant hypertension is not just about adding medication. Blood tests, imaging or sleep studies may be done by doctors to rule out secondary causes. Lifestyle management — which includes factors like salt reduction, weight loss, exercise, reduced alcohol consumption, and stress management — is critical.

Disclaimer: This article, including health and fitness advice, only provides generic information. Don’t treat it as a substitute for qualified medical opinion. Always consult a specialist for specific health diagnosis.