Understanding and Managing Hypertension Symptoms: Your Guide to High Blood Pressure

Hypertension, also known as high blood pressure, is a very common problem today. In fact, the World Health Organisation (WHO) found that in 2022, around 220 million Indians suffered from hypertension. Let’s learn more about this condition, including common hypertension symptoms, the causes behind it, treatments, and insurance-related information.

What is Hypertension?

Hypertension is a condition in which the pressure of blood in the body’s vessels becomes elevated. This means that the heart must work a lot harder to pump blood into the body.

Certain factors may increase your chances of getting hypertension. Some of these cannot be controlled, such as old age and genetics. Others are more manageable, such as obesity, a lack of physical activity, a high-salt diet, and excessive smoking and drinking. 

Types of Hypertension and Their Causes

While hypertension symptoms are always similar, the condition can be of different types based on the underlying cause.

• Primary Hypertension – The specific reasons are unknown. A combination of age, genetics, and lifestyle may be responsible.
• Secondary Hypertension – This is caused by an identifiable underlying disease, such as kidney, thyroid, or heart problems.
• Resistant Hypertension – It refers to a condition when the increased blood pressure does not respond to medication.​
• Isolated Systolic Hypertension – In this condition, the top level of blood pressure increases while the bottom level decreases. It usually occurs due to old age, but it can affect young people, too.
• Malignant Hypertension – A rare sub-type of hypertension that starts affecting the person’s organs.

Understanding Common Hypertension Symptoms

It can be tricky to identify hypertension symptoms. According to the WHO, more than half of the patients are neither diagnosed nor treated..

The best way to detect hypertension is to get checked by a doctor. If you experience the following symptoms, these visits should become a priority –

• Frequent headaches 
• Feeling confused and unable to concentrate
• Dizziness 
• Chest pains
• Difficulty breathing 
• Vomiting 
• Nausea 
• Nosebleeds
• Buzzing in the ears
• Abnormal heartbeat
• Vision problems 
• Anxiety 

While you can seek proactive treatment by knowing these hypertension symptoms, do not panic or indulge in self-diagnosis. 

How to Prevent Hypertension Symptoms

By following these tips and making better lifestyle choices, you can prevent hypertension –

• Get regular checkups
• Increase your physical activity
• Eat less salty and sugary foods
• Control your alcohol intake and avoid smoking
• Keep your mind, body, and gut clean

Hypertension Treatments

Hypertension treatment depends on the severity and type of condition that you have. Always make sure to follow your doctor’s instructions to ensure that your treatment works.

In some cases, your doctor might recommend a strict lifestyle and a diet change. Walking, eating less salty food, and maintaining sleep patterns can help.

You might also be prescribed medications, if necessary, to control your blood pressure. These medicines can cost around ₹200 – ₹500 every month and add up over time.

Understanding Health Insurance for Hypertension Patients 

Even though treatment for hypertension is usually not very expensive, the costs can add up over time. Moreover, hypertension symptoms might eventually lead to other health problems, too. This is why health insurance for hypertension patients is so important.

Policy wordings are the holy grail when it comes to health insurance for hypertension patients, so read carefully and clarify all your doubts before purchasing a plan. Here are a few points that you should always check for –

• Coverage of hospitalisation expenses
• Coverage of home care treatment
• Availability of e-consultations
• Coverage of AYUSH treatments like yoga and naturopathy, which are often used to treat hypertension
• OPD coverage since hypertension patients usually do not require overnight stays at hospitals but might need several visits lasting close to 8-10 hours
• Blood tests coverage

When purchasing health insurance for hypertension patients, be aware of a waiting period that might apply if you already have the condition. Moreover, learn about the claim process, including the list of network hospitals with cashless facilities, forms you may have to fill out, and details of your relationship manager.

Always remember – insurance premiums might feel like an expense right now. However, a health insurance plan reaps several future benefits by providing you with financial security. If the annual payment is keeping you from buying the best policy available, get #Insuranceyourway with PhonePe Health Insurance’s monthly payment plans.

Key Takeaways

Learning about your body, getting regular checkups, and maintaining a good lifestyle can go a long way toward preventing or managing hypertension. Moreover, always remember to get the right health insurance plan so that you have support during treatment. Utilize PhonePe to easily compare and choose the right health insurance plans, ensuring robust coverage and dependable support.