We are independent & ad-supported. We may earn a commission for purchases made through our links.
Advertiser Disclosure
Our website is an independent, advertising-supported platform. We provide our content free of charge to our readers, and to keep it that way, we rely on revenue generated through advertisements and affiliate partnerships. This means that when you click on certain links on our site and make a purchase, we may earn a commission. Learn more.
How We Make Money
We sustain our operations through affiliate commissions and advertising. If you click on an affiliate link and make a purchase, we may receive a commission from the merchant at no additional cost to you. We also display advertisements on our website, which help generate revenue to support our work and keep our content free for readers. Our editorial team operates independently of our advertising and affiliate partnerships to ensure that our content remains unbiased and focused on providing you with the best information and recommendations based on thorough research and honest evaluations. To remain transparent, we’ve provided a list of our current affiliate partners here.
Conditions

Our Promise to you

Founded in 2002, our company has been a trusted resource for readers seeking informative and engaging content. Our dedication to quality remains unwavering—and will never change. We follow a strict editorial policy, ensuring that our content is authored by highly qualified professionals and edited by subject matter experts. This guarantees that everything we publish is objective, accurate, and trustworthy.

Over the years, we've refined our approach to cover a wide range of topics, providing readers with reliable and practical advice to enhance their knowledge and skills. That's why millions of readers turn to us each year. Join us in celebrating the joy of learning, guided by standards you can trust.

What is Uncontrolled Hypertension?

By Erin J. Hill
Updated: Mar 03, 2024
Views: 11,729
Share

Uncontrolled hypertension refers to high blood pressure which has either gone untreated or which is not responsive to conventional treatment methods. High blood pressure is characterized as anything at or above 140/90 mm Hg. When levels are not brought down due to lack of care or ineffective treatments, this is considered to be uncontrolled hypertension, and is a serious medical condition.

High blood pressure, or hypertension, is a major risk factor in several serious conditions such as stroke, heart attack, and certain cancers. It can also complicate other medical conditions or pregnancies. In most individuals, high blood pressure does not exhibit any symptoms until the later stages and goes unnoticed and untreated for sometimes months or even years. Symptoms of later stage uncontrolled hypertension include dizziness, nausea and vomiting, headaches, chest pain, blurred vision, heart attack, stroke, or death.

Patients are generally monitored for high blood pressure at routine doctor's visits, but those who do not attend their recommended yearly check-ups may not know about their uncontrolled hypertension until it is too late. This is why high blood pressure is called the “silent killer.” For this reason, it is important for every individual to have regular doctor’s visits to check blood pressure levels, heart function, and overall health.

Uncontrolled hypertension in pregnancy, also called preeclampsia, is a potentially life-threatening condition which can lead to death in the mother and child. It generally occurs during the last half of the pregnancy, and primarily in the third trimester. Medications may help, but sometimes induction of labor is required, as blood pressure usually stabilizes soon after delivery. This may put the child at serious risk if the pregnancy is not at full term.

Most times, medications are effective at treating high blood pressure. Patients can avoid uncontrolled hypertension by taking their prescriptions on time everyday, following a healthy diet plan as directed by their doctor or nutritionist, and avoiding high levels of stress when possible. Blood pressure should be closely monitored throughout the patient’s life to ensure that treatment is still working, or to begin additional ones if hypertension is not responding.

Although there are generally no symptoms for early stage uncontrolled hypertension, there are ways to prevent it. Stress and anxiety should be monitored and controlled, primarily in those with anxiety disorders or depression. Dietary changes can be made to decrease the chances of high blood pressure, and may include reducing the amount of sodium and saturated fat one consumes. Getting the right amount of exercise is also important, as is drinking enough fluids. Dehydration can lead to thicker blood, which may help contribute to or worsen high blood pressure.

Share
The Health Board is dedicated to providing accurate and trustworthy information. We carefully select reputable sources and employ a rigorous fact-checking process to maintain the highest standards. To learn more about our commitment to accuracy, read our editorial process.
Discussion Comments
Share
https://www.thehealthboard.com/what-is-uncontrolled-hypertension.htm
Copy this link
The Health Board, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.

The Health Board, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.