Hypertension Profile Test - Routine

Hypertension profile is done to evaluate a person's blood pressure and assess the risk of hypertension, which is a common condition that affects many people worldwide. High blood pressure, also known as hypertension, can increase the risk of serious health problems such as heart disease, stroke, and kidney disease.

Hypertension profile test is done for several reasons, including:

• To screen for hypertension: The test can detect high blood pressure early, allowing for early treatment and management of the condition.
• To monitor hypertension: If a person has been diagnosed with hypertension, the test can be used to track their blood pressure over time and assess the effectiveness of treatment.
• To identify underlying causes: The test can help identify underlying causes of hypertension such as diabetes, kidney disease, and high cholesterol which can be addressed and treated.

To evaluate for other risk factors: The test can evaluate for other risk factors of hypertension such as high uric acid, creatinine, FBS and cholesterol, that can indicate other diseases or conditions that may be related to hypertension

Hypertension testing is typically recommended for certain groups of people, including:

• Adults over the age of 18: All adults should have their blood pressure checked and get the hypertension profile done at least once every two years, and more frequently if they have a high risk of hypertension.
• People with risk factors: People who have one or more risk factors for hypertension, such as a family history of hypertension, obesity, diabetes, high cholesterol, or a history of smoking, should have their blood pressure checked and get the hypertension profile done more frequently.
• Pregnant women: Pregnant women should have their blood pressure checked and get the hypertension profile done at each prenatal visit.
• People with symptoms: People who have symptoms of hypertension, such as headaches, shortness of breath, dizziness or nosebleeds, should have their blood pressure checked and get the hypertension profile done as soon as possible.
• People with hypertension: People who have been diagnosed with hypertension should have their blood pressure checked regularly and get the hypertension profile done, as directed by their healthcare provider, to ensure that their treatment is working and to monitor for any complications.

It's important to note that hypertension is often referred to as the "silent killer" because it often doesn't cause any symptoms, so even people without symptoms should have their blood pressure checked regularly.

The Hypertension profile measures CBC, Urine Routine, FBS, BUN, Creatinine, Uric Acid, Electrolytes, Bicarbonate and Lipid Profile-2

This test requires a blood sample. A tourniquet (elastic) band is placed tightly on the upper arm. The patient is then asked to make a fist. This helps in the build-up of blood filling the veins. The skin is disinfected before needle insertion and the blood sample is collected in vacutainer.

A positive result for a hypertension profile test can indicate a variety of issues related to hypertension and cardiovascular disease. The specific test results will provide more information about what is causing hypertension and the risk factors associated. Here is a brief overview of what some of the positive test results may indicate:

• Complete Blood Count (CBC): A high white blood cell count could indicate an inflammation in the blood vessels.
• Urine Routine: Protein or blood in the urine can be a sign of kidney damage or disease, which can be a complication of hypertension.
• Fasting Blood Sugar (FBS): High blood sugar levels can be a sign of diabetes, which is a leading cause of hypertension.
• Blood Urea Nitrogen (BUN) and Creatinine: High levels of these waste products in the blood can indicate that the kidneys are not functioning properly, which can be a complication of hypertension.
• Uric Acid: High levels of uric acid can indicate gout, a condition that can be related to hypertension.
• Electrolytes: Imbalances in electrolytes such as potassium, sodium and chloride can occur as a result of hypertension and can lead to other health issues.
• Bicarbonate: Low levels can indicate metabolic acidosis, a condition where the body has too much acid and not enough bicarbonate, which can be caused by kidney dysfunction, and could be a complication of hypertension.
• Lipid Profile-2: High levels of total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, and triglycerides, and low levels of HDL cholesterol can increase the risk of hypertension and cardiovascular disease.