What are the symptoms of hypertension, and what causes it?

Generally speaking, there is no specific concept of "symptoms and causes of hypertension in the elderly." Hypertension may present symptoms such as headache, dizziness, palpitations, vision problems, and insomnia. These can be caused by factors including genetics, aging, unhealthy lifestyle habits, hyperthyroidism, and sleep apnea syndrome. If discomfort occurs, timely medical consultation is recommended. Detailed analysis is as follows:

I. Symptoms

1. Headache
Hypertension may cause cerebral blood vessel spasms, impairing cerebral circulation and leading to cerebral hypoxia, which in turn triggers headaches.

2. Dizziness
Hypertension can affect blood supply to the brain, resulting in dizziness.

3. Palpitations
Hypertension increases the workload on the heart, causing rapid or irregular heartbeat, thereby inducing palpitations.

4. Retinopathy
Hypertension-induced damage to retinal blood vessels may lead to retinal ischemia, atrophy, and hemorrhage.

5. Insomnia
Hypertension may cause cerebral vasospasm and dysfunction of the cerebral cortex, affecting the sleep center and leading to insomnia.

II. Causes

1. Genetics
Hypertension shows clear familial clustering, and genetic factors play a significant role in its development. Individuals with a family history of hypertension are more likely to develop the condition. Maintaining regular作息 (daily routines) and ensuring adequate sleep are essential in daily life.

2. Aging
With advancing age, arterial walls gradually stiffen, vascular elasticity decreases, and arterial compliance declines. These factors collectively weaken the blood vessels' ability to regulate blood pressure, thus contributing to hypertension. Regular moderate exercise, such as walking, jogging, or tai chi, can help control blood pressure.

3. Unhealthy Lifestyle Habits
Unhealthy habits such as smoking and excessive alcohol consumption can directly damage vascular endothelial cells and disrupt blood pressure regulation, leading to hypertension. A balanced diet low in salt, fat, and sugar, along with controlled total calorie intake, is recommended. Quitting smoking and limiting alcohol intake can reduce the adverse effects of lifestyle on blood pressure.

4. Hyperthyroidism
Long-term excessive iodine intake may lead to overproduction of thyroid hormones, disrupting hormonal secretion and metabolism. This increases the sensitivity of vascular smooth muscle cells to vasoconstrictive substances, resulting in vasoconstriction and elevated blood pressure. Symptoms may also include palpitations and excessive sweating. Patients should follow medical advice and take medications such as methimazole tablets, propylthiouracil tablets, and propranolol hydrochloride tablets as prescribed.

5. Sleep Apnea Syndrome
Obesity may lead to obstructive sleep apnea syndrome, causing hypoxia and carbon dioxide retention, which increase sympathetic nervous system activity and subsequently raise blood pressure. Symptoms may include snoring, breathing pauses during sleep, and awakening due to breathlessness. Active weight management is recommended to reduce the impact of obesity on respiration. Sleeping in a lateral position is advised to prevent airway obstruction caused by posterior displacement of the tongue when lying supine.

In daily life, maintaining a healthy lifestyle—including a balanced diet rich in fresh vegetables and fruits, avoiding excessive iodine intake, quitting smoking, limiting alcohol, and engaging in regular physical activities such as walking, jogging, or tai chi—can help manage blood pressure effectively.