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Blood pressure is the measure of the force of blood pushing against blood vessel walls. The heart pumps blood into the arteries (blood vessels), which carry the blood throughout the body.
High blood pressure, also called hypertension, is dangerous because it makes the heart work harder to pump blood to the body and contributes to hardening of the arteries, or atherosclerosis, and to the development of heart failure.
Most people with high blood pressure have no signs or symptoms, even if blood pressure readings reach dangerously high levels. Although a few people with early-stage high blood pressure may have dull headaches, dizzy spells or a few more nosebleeds than normal, these signs and symptoms usually don’t occur until high blood pressure has reached a severe or life-threatening stage.
High blood pressure is a blood pressure that is 140/90 mm Hg or above each time it is taken at the GP surgery (or home or ambulatory readings always more than 135/85 mm Hg). That is, it is sustained at this level. High blood pressure can also be:
Just a high systolic pressure – for example, 170/70 mm Hg.
Just a high diastolic pressure – for example, 120/104 mm Hg.
Or both – for example, 170/110 mm Hg.
However, it is not quite as simple as this. Depending on various factors, the level at which blood pressure is considered high enough to be treated with medication can vary from person to person.
Causes of hypertension
The exact causes of high blood pressure are not known, but several factors and conditions may play a role in its development, including:
- Smoking
- Being overweight or obese
- Lack of physical activity
- Too much salt in the diet
- Too much alcohol consumption (more than 1 to 2 drinks per day)
- Stress
- Older age
- Genetics
- Family history of high blood pressure
- Chronic kidney disease
- Adrenal and thyroid disorders
Stages of the check-up
To optimize the time at disposal of the patient, it’s suggested to perform a progressive medical investigation:
- Appointment schedule – Program organisation.
- Specialized consultation with internist. Medical history, to evaluate risk factors such as smoking or family history of high blood pressure.
- Fasting morning – Blood and urine sample between 08:00 and 08:45 including the biocheckup and heavy metals detection
- Consultation with vein specialist, vein Doppler.
- Consultation with cardiology specialist, stress test, echocardiography
- Final consultation and recommendations.
Price: CHF 7’450.00, 3 days