Symptoms in Hypertensive Patients Presented to the Emergency Medical Service: A Comprehensive Retrospective Analysis in Clinical Settings
Sebastian Kowalski, Krzysztof Goniewicz, Adrian Moskal, Ahmed M. Al-Wathinani, Mariusz Goniewicz
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Hypertension is a prevalent condition with a variety of accompanying symptoms. Gender differences, specific blood pressure readings, and early signs of organ complications present intricate interplays in hypertensive individuals. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to investigate the relationship between hypertension and its accompanying symptoms, emphasizing gender-specific differences and potential indicators of organ complications. METHODS: Data from 2002 participants were analyzed from a retrospective study, focusing on the presentation of symptoms, blood pressure values, and potential organ complications associated with these symptoms. RESULTS: Of the participants, 68.8% were women with an average age of 69. Women were, on average, 8 years older than men. The average systolic blood pressure (SBP) was 188 mmHg. High-blood pressure was accompanied by symptoms in 84.9% of participants. Among those with an SBP > 180 mmHg, headaches were reported by 24.7%, and dizziness by 15.7%. Interestingly, as SBP increased, heart palpitations reports diminished with a mere 4.8% of those with SBP > 180 mmHg noting this symptom. Younger men exhibited increased chest pain and heart palpitations, while younger women more commonly reported headaches and nausea/vomiting. A significant relationship was identified between pulse pressure (PP) and symptoms, with dizziness in women and chest pain/discomfort in men being most pronounced. CONCLUSIONS: The study underlines the importance of in-depth research on hypertensive individuals for improved symptom recognition and management. The data highlight the gender and age-specific symptom presentations and their correlation with blood pressure metrics, suggesting a need for patient-specific intervention strategies.