Latinas have the same rate of hypertension as the rest of the population. However and due to the fact that this is a silent illness and also that we do not always have regular medical coverage, it is common for us to discover during pregnancy that our blood pressure is high. This can go from being something without repercussions for the pregnancy to being the symptom of a serious illness known as preeclampsia.

What is hypertension?

The blood that circulates in our veins exerts pressure on them. Hypertension is an excess of pressure, or stress, on these veins.

The heart contracts to propel the movement of the blood through our veins and arteries and then it relaxes. Then it contracts and relaxes again. These movements comprise heart beats.

Normal blood pressure is around 120/80 mm Hg. Although now there are digital systems to read blood pressure, what originally measured these figures were the millimeters that mercury would rise in the blood-pressure machine. The first figure measures the pressure when the heart contracts and there is a maximum drive of the blood, that is to say, when the veins sustain the highest pressure. The second figure measures the pressure on the veins when the heart relaxes. These readings give a clear idea as to whether the pressure is normal, high or low.

The first figure is the high or maximum reading, and the second the low or minimum reading. When the higher reading is over 140 mm, and the lower reading is over 90 mm it is considered hypertension.

Types of hypertension.

During pregnancy a series of changes occur in the circulation of the blood which can alter blood pressure. What usually happens is that the mother’s veins relax in order to adapt to the increase in blood volume. That’s why people who suffer from high blood pressure can have normal readings during the first months of the pregnancy. However there are certain cases where this does not occur and veins do not adapt to the increase in blood flow.

The consequence of the blood not flowing normally now that the volume is larger is that the baby may not get sufficient oxygen or nourishment, because he receives everything through the mother’s blood.

• Chronic hypertension. This is the most common type of hypertension which is usually present before pregnancy. As a general rule, if this is under control, there is no reason for this type of hypertension to create problems during pregnancy. But it is important to constantly monitor blood pressure because chronic hypertension can contribute to the onset of an illness known as preeclampsia which can have serious consequences for the pregnancy.

• Hypertension caused by the pregnancy. It’s a similar hypertension to the previous one but it is created by the pregnancy itself. It is also known as gestational hypertension. This type of high blood pressure is different from the one caused by preeclampsia. Its symptoms are not so severe and it is usually possible to control.  Preeclampsia. It is also known as toxemia and is an illness that can present severe risks both to the mother and the baby.

If you have been diagnosed with some type of hypertension, your doctor will watch your pregnancy closely to make sure you do not develop the more serious types of the illness. Besides monitoring your blood pressure regularly, checking for the presence of protein in your urine and doing other tests, your doctor will make sure that the baby is growing normally (which means that he is getting adequate oxygen and nourishment) by means of ultrasounds or sonograms and other tests.

Symptoms of Hypertension

If you suffer from headaches, especially during the second half of your pregnancy, you must report it to your doctor as soon as possible. Changes in vision can also be an indication of high pressure.

If you experience a sudden swelling in your face and hands, or a fast rise in your pressure you must contact your doctor immediately or go to the hospital.

After delivery, if your high blood pressure was due to your pregnancy everything will probably go back to normal. If your hypertension was chronic you should continue to monitor it.