Pregnancy hypertension symptoms

Written by Liu Wen Li
Obstetrics
Updated on September 15, 2024
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The symptoms of hypertension during pregnancy vary depending on the blood pressure level, individual tolerance, and other factors. Common symptoms include high blood pressure, protein in the urine, and generalized edema. Edema can vary in severity; it can start with bilateral ankle swelling, progress to the calves, thighs, and then become generalized throughout the body. Increased blood pressure can also lead to headaches, dizziness, nausea, and blurred vision. In more severe cases, pain in the upper abdomen and convulsions may occur.

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Written by Zhang Yue Mei
Cardiology
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Causes of high blood pressure

Hypertension is clinically divided into primary hypertension and secondary hypertension. Primary hypertension is characterized by elevated blood pressure without other symptoms, and the current clinical diagnostic methods cannot determine the cause of the blood pressure rise, which is referred to as primary hypertension. Secondary hypertension occurs as a result of other diseases, with the most common being hyperthyroidism, glomerulonephritis, arteritis, atherosclerosis, and other diseases causing high blood pressure. After the onset of hypertension, effective antihypertensive drugs must be used for treatment. Hypertension is not to be feared, but the damage it causes to the body is. (Specific medications should be used under the guidance of a physician)

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Written by Zhang Lu
Obstetrics
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Symptoms of Hypertension in Pregnant Women

During pregnancy, if a pregnant woman develops high blood pressure, initially there are no symptoms, because at the beginning the blood pressure just slightly exceeds 140/90mmHg. If the high blood pressure is only temporary, it generally does not affect the woman's body and therefore, she may not experience any symptoms. As the condition progresses, the symptoms of high blood pressure can cause physical harm to the woman, likely damaging the kidneys and causing proteinuria. The loss of protein can lead to edema in women, and as a result, many women's initial symptoms will appear as generalized swelling, which does not improve with rest. By measuring blood pressure and urinary protein, symptoms of hypertension in pregnant women can be detected. In the later stages of the disease, hypertension may sometimes be accompanied by dizziness, indigestion, and mild pain in the lower abdomen, which are all symptoms of hypertension in pregnant women.

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Written by Zhang Yue Mei
Cardiology
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How should one take medicine for high blood pressure?

Patients with hypertension must use effective medications to keep their blood pressure within the normal range to prevent damage to the cardiovascular and cerebrovascular systems. During medication use, patients should not arbitrarily stop taking their medication or switch to different types. It is necessary to regularly monitor blood pressure and adjust the medication dosage or switch types under the guidance of a doctor as blood pressure fluctuates. Randomly stopping medication and discontinuing antihypertensive drugs can cause blood pressure fluctuations and pose greater risks to the body, especially causing ischemia in the heart and brain.

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Written by Tang Li
Cardiology
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What is hypertension?

Hypertension is characterized by elevated arterial blood pressure in the systemic circulation, and may be accompanied by functional or organic damage to organs such as the heart, brain, and kidneys. Hypertension can be divided into primary hypertension and secondary hypertension. Secondary hypertension is due to certain identified causes or etiologies, leading to increased blood pressure, accounting for about 5% of all hypertension cases. Conditions like primary aldosteronism, pheochromocytoma, renovascular hypertension, and renin-secreting tumors are examples, and cases where the cause of increased blood pressure cannot be found are also referred to as primary hypertension and hypertensive disease. Currently, the classification and standard for blood pressure in China mostly use a systolic pressure of greater than or equal to 140 mmHg and/or a diastolic pressure of greater than or equal to 90 mmHg.

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Written by Zhang Yue Mei
Cardiology
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What should be done at the start of hypertension?

What to do at the onset of hypertension, specifically refers to mild early-stage hypertension. Mild early-stage hypertension can be managed through reasonable dietary adjustments and increased physical activity to lower blood pressure to normal levels. Generally, it is not necessary to use antihypertensive medications. Aerobic exercises such as swimming, skipping rope, square dancing, playing table tennis, volleyball, tennis, can increase vascular elasticity and improve blood circulation, thereby achieving a blood pressure-lowering effect. In terms of diet, it is important to focus on low-fat, low-salt, and low-oil intake to reduce the occurrence of arteriosclerosis and decrease blood viscosity, as well as sodium and water retention which can cause elevated blood pressure. Pay attention to rest, avoid overworking, and do not get overly excited. These are effective treatment and prevention methods for initial mild hypertension.