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Variants of Concern

illustration of virus in blue

Omicron - B.1.1.529

First identified: South Africa

Spread: Spreads more easily than other variants. CDC is working with state and local public health officials to monitor the spread of Omicron.

Symptoms:  Please refer to Symptoms of COVID-19 | CDC

Severe illness and death: Data suggest that Omicron is less severe in general. However, a surge in cases may lead to significant increases in hospitalization and death. More data are needed to fully understand the severity of illness and death associated with this variant.

Vaccine: Breakthrough infections in people who are vaccinated are expected, but being up to date on recommended vaccines is effective at preventing severe illness, hospitalizations, and death. The emergence of the Omicron variant further emphasizes the importance of vaccination and boosters.

Treatments: Some, but not all, monoclonal antibody treatments remain effective against Omicron. Public health agencies work with healthcare providers to ensure that effective treatments are used appropriately to treat patients.

Learn more about the Omicron variant

illustration of virus in green

Delta - B.1.617.2

First identified: India

Spread: May spread more easily than other variants.

Symptoms: Please refer to Symptoms of COVID-19 | CDC

Severe illness and death: May cause more severe cases than the other variants

Vaccine: Breakthrough infections in people who are vaccinated are expected, but being up to date on recommended vaccines is effective at preventing severe illness, hospitalizations, and death. Early evidence suggests that people who are up to date with their vaccines who become infected with the Delta variant can spread the virus to others. All FDA-approved or authorized vaccines are effective against severe illness, hospitalization, and death

Treatments: All FDA-authorized monoclonal antibody treatments are effective against infection with Delta.

Omicron Variant: What You Need to Know

Updated Feb. 2, 2022

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Omicron in the United States

CDC is working with state and local public health officials to monitor the spread of Omicron. As of December 20, 2021, Omicron had been detected in most states and territories and continues to be the dominant variant in the United States.


What We Know about Omicron

CDC has been collaborating with global public health and industry partners to learn about Omicron, as we continue to monitor its course. We are still learning about how easily it spreads, the severity of illness it causes, and how well available vaccines and medications work against it.

Spread

The Omicron variant spreads more easily than the original virus that causes COVID-19 and the Delta variant. CDC expects that anyone with Omicron infection can spread the virus to others, even if they are vaccinated or don’t have symptoms.

Symptoms

Persons infected with the Omicron variant can present with symptoms similar to previous variants. The presence and severity of symptoms can be affected by COVID-19 vaccination status, the presence of other health conditions, age, and history of prior infection.

Severe Illness

Omicron infection generally causes less severe disease than infection with prior variants. Preliminary data suggest that Omicron may cause more mild disease, although some people may still have severe disease, need hospitalization, and could die from the infection with this variant. Even if only a small percentage of people with Omicron infection need hospitalization, the large volume of cases could overwhelm the healthcare system which is why it’s important to take steps to protect yourself.

Vaccines

COVID-19 vaccines remain the best public health measure to protect people from COVID-19 and reduce the likelihood of new variants emerging. This includes primary series, booster shots and additional doses for those who need them.

Scientists are still learning how effective COVID-19 vaccines are at preventing infection from Omicron. Current vaccines are expected to protect against severe illness, hospitalizations, and deaths due to infection with the Omicron variant. However, breakthrough infections in people who are vaccinated are likely to occur. People who are up to date with their COVID-19 vaccines and get COVID-19 are less likely to develop serious illness than those who are unvaccinated and get COVID-19.

Treatments

Scientists are working to determine how well existing treatments for COVID-19 work. Some, but not all, monoclonal antibody treatments remain effective against Omicron. Public health agencies work with healthcare providers to ensure that effective treatments are used appropriately to treat patients.

We have the Tools to Fight Omicron

Vaccines

Getting vaccinated and staying up to date with COVID-19 vaccines is the best way to protect yourself and others against the Omicron variant.

  • CDC recommends that everyone 5 years and older protect themselves from COVID-19 by getting vaccinated. Everyone ages 12 years and older should stay up to date on their COVID-19 vaccines and get a booster shot when eligible.

Find a COVID-19 vaccine or booster: Search vaccines.gov, text your ZIP code to 438829, or call 1-800-232-0233 to find locations near you.

Masks

Well-fitting masks offer protection against all variants.

Testing

Tests can tell you if you have COVID-19. Learn how to get tested.

  • Two types of tests are used to test for current infection: nucleic acid amplification tests (NAATs) and antigen tests. NAAT and antigen tests can tell you if you have a current infection.
  • Self-tests can be used at home or anywhere, are easy to use, and produce rapid results.
    • If your self-test has a positive result, isolate and talk to your healthcare provider.
    • If you have any questions about your self-test result, call your healthcare provider or public health department.

Individuals can use the COVID-19 Viral Testing Tool to help determine what kind of test to seek.

Your test result will only tell you if you do or do not have COVID-19. It will not tell you which variant caused your infection. Visit your state, tribal, local, or territorial health department’s website for the latest local information on testing.

It is important to use all tools available to protect yourself and others.

What CDC is Doing to Learn about Omicron

Virus Characteristics

CDC scientists are working with partners to gather data and virus samples that can be studied to answer important questions about the Omicron variant. Scientific experiments are ongoing. CDC will provide updates as new information becomes available.

Variant Surveillance

In the United States, CDC uses genomic surveillance to track COVID-19 variants, to more quickly identify and act upon these findings to best protect the public’s health. CDC established multiple ways to connect and share genomic sequence data being produced by CDC, public health laboratories, and commercial diagnostic laboratories within publicly accessible databases maintained by the National Center for Biotechnology Informationexternal icon (NCBI) and the Global Initiative on Sharing Avian Influenza Dataexternal icon (GISAID). Findings from CDC’s variant surveillance are updated on CDC’s COVID Data Tracker.

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Science Brief: Omicron (B.1.1.529) Variant

On November 24, 2021, South Africa reported the identification of a new COVID-19 variant, B.1.1.529, to the World Health Organization (WHO). B.1.1.529 was first detected in specimens collected on November 11, 2021 in Botswana and on November 14, 2021 in South Africa.

More on the Omicron (B.1.1.529) Variant

Emergence of Omicron

CDC has been using genomic surveillance throughout the course of the pandemic to track COVID-19 variants, and inform public health practice.

  • November 24, 2021: A new variant of COVID-19, B.1.1.529, was reported to the World Health Organization (WHO). This new variant was first detected in specimens collected on November 11, 2021 in Botswana and on November 14, 2021 in South Africa.
  • November 26, 2021: WHO named the B.1.1.529 Omicron and classified it as a Variant of Concern (VOC).
  • November 30, 2021: The United States designated Omicron as a Variant of Concern.
  • December 1, 2021: The first confirmed U.S. case of Omicron was identified.

Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19

How to Protect Yourself

Older adults and people who have severe underlying chronic medical conditions like heart or lung disease or diabetes seem to be at higher risk for developing more serious complications from COVID-19 illness. Please consult with your health care provider about additional steps you may be able to take to protect yourself.

Know How it Spreads

  • There is currently no vaccine to prevent coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19).
  • The best way to prevent illness is to avoid being exposed to this virus.
  • The virus is thought to spread mainly from person-to-person.
    • Between people who are in close contact with one another (within about 6 feet).
    • Through respiratory droplets produced when an infected person coughs or sneezes.
  • These droplets can land in the mouths or noses of people who are nearby or possibly be inhaled into the lungs.

Take steps to protect yourself

Clean your hands often

  • Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds especially after you have been in a public place, or after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing.
  • If soap and water are not readily available, use a hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol. Cover all surfaces of your hands and rub them together until they feel dry.
  • Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.

Avoid close contact

Take steps to protect others

Stay home if you’re sick

Cover coughs and sneezes

  • Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze or use the inside of your elbow.
  • Throw used tissues in the trash.
  • Immediately wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not readily available, clean your hands with a hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol.

Wear a facemask if you are sick

  • If you are sick: You should wear a facemask when you are around other people (e.g., sharing a room or vehicle) and before you enter a healthcare provider’s office. If you are not able to wear a facemask (for example, because it causes trouble breathing), then you should do your best to cover your coughs and sneezes, and people who are caring for you should wear a facemask if they enter your room. Learn what to do if you are sick.
  • If you are NOT sick: You do not need to wear a facemask unless you are caring for someone who is sick (and they are not able to wear a facemask). Facemasks may be in short supply and they should be saved for caregivers.

Clean and disinfect

  • Clean AND disinfect frequently touched surfaces daily. This includes tables, doorknobs, light switches, countertops, handles, desks, phones, keyboards, toilets, faucets, and sinks.
  • If surfaces are dirty, clean them: Use detergent or soap and water prior to disinfection.

To disinfect:
Most common EPA-registered household disinfectants will work. Use disinfectants appropriate for the surface.

Options include:

  • Diluting your household bleach.
    To make a bleach solution, mix:
    • 5 tablespoons (1/3rd cup) bleach per gallon of water
      OR
    • 4 teaspoons bleach per quart of water

    Follow manufacturer’s instructions for application and proper ventilation. Check to ensure the product is not past its expiration date. Never mix household bleach with ammonia or any other cleanser. Unexpired household bleach will be effective against coronaviruses when properly diluted.

  • Alcohol solutions.
    Ensure solution has at least 70% alcohol.
  • Other common EPA-registered household disinfectants.
    Products with EPA-approved emerging viral pathogens pdf icon[7 pages]external icon claims are expected to be effective against COVID-19 based on data for harder to kill viruses. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for all cleaning and disinfection products (e.g., concentration, application method and contact time, etc.).

Symptoms

Call your doctor:  If you think you have been exposed to COVID-19 and develop a fever and symptoms, such as cough or difficulty breathing, call your healthcare provider for medical advice.

Watch for symptoms

Reported illnesses have ranged from mild symptoms to severe illness and death for confirmed coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) cases.

The following symptoms may appear 2-14 days after exposure.*

  • Fever
  • Cough
  • Shortness of breath

If you develop emergency warning signs for COVID-19 get medical attention immediately. Emergency warning signs include*:

  • Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
  • Persistent pain or pressure in the chest
  • New confusion or inability to arouse
  • Bluish lips or face

*This list is not all inclusive. Please consult your medical provider for any other symptoms that are severe or concerning.

What To Do if You Are Sick

Steps to help prevent the spread of COVID-19 if you are sick.

Follow the steps below:  If you are sick with COVID-19 or think you might have it, follow the steps below to help protect other people in your home and community.

Stay home except to get medical care

  • Stay home: People who are mildly ill with COVID-19 are able to recover at home. Do not leave, except to get medical care. Do not visit public areas.
  • Stay in touch with your doctor. Call before you get medical care. Be sure to get care if you feel worse or you think it is an emergency.
  • Avoid public transportation: Avoid using public transportation, ride-sharing, or taxis.

Separate yourself from other people in your home, this is known as home isolation

  • Stay away from others: As much as possible, you should stay in a specific “sick room” and away from other people in your home. Use a separate bathroom, if available.
  • Limit contact with pets & animals: You should restrict contact with pets and other animals, just like you would around other people.
    • Although there have not been reports of pets or other animals becoming sick with COVID-19, it is still recommended that people with the virus limit contact with animals until more information is known.
    • When possible, have another member of your household care for your animals while you are sick with COVID-19. If you must care for your pet or be around animals while you are sick, wash your hands before and after you interact with them. See COVID-19 and Animals for more information.

Call ahead before visiting your doctor

  • Call ahead: If you have a medical appointment, call your doctor’s office or emergency department, and tell them you have or may have COVID-19. This will help the office protect themselves and other patients.

Clean your hands often

  • Wash hands: Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. This is especially important after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing; going to the bathroom; and before eating or preparing food.
  • Hand sanitizer: If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol, covering all surfaces of your hands and rubbing them together until they feel dry.
  • Soap and water: Soap and water are the best option, especially if hands are visibly dirty.
  • Avoid touching: Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.

Avoid sharing personal household items

  • Do not share: Do not share dishes, drinking glasses, cups, eating utensils, towels, or bedding with other people in your home.
  • Wash thoroughly after use: After using these items, wash them thoroughly with soap and water or put in the dishwasher.

Clean all “high-touch” surfaces everyday

Clean high-touch surfaces in your isolation area (“sick room” and bathroom) every day; let a caregiver clean and disinfect high-touch surfaces in other areas of the home.

  • Clean and disinfect: Routinely clean high-touch surfaces in your “sick room” and bathroom. Let someone else clean and disinfect surfaces in common areas, but not your bedroom and bathroom.
    • If a caregiver or other person needs to clean and disinfect a sick person’s bedroom or bathroom, they should do so on an as-needed basis. The caregiver/other person should wear a mask and wait as long as possible after the sick person has used the bathroom.

High-touch surfaces include phones, remote controls, counters, tabletops, doorknobs, bathroom fixtures, toilets, keyboards, tablets, and bedside tables.

  • Clean and disinfect areas that may have blood, stool, or body fluids on them.
  • Household cleaners and disinfectants: Clean the area or item with soap and water or another detergent if it is dirty. Then, use a household disinfectant.
    • Be sure to follow the instructions on the label to ensure safe and effective use of the product. Many products recommend keeping the surface wet for several minutes to ensure germs are killed. Many also recommend precautions such as wearing gloves and making sure you have good ventilation during use of the product.
    • Most EPA-registered household disinfectants should be effective. A full list of disinfectants can be found hereexternal icon.

Monitor your symptoms

  • Seek medical attention, but call first: Seek medical care right away if your illness is worsening (for example, if you have difficulty breathing).
    • Call your doctor before going in: Before going to the doctor’s office or emergency room, call ahead and tell them your symptoms. They will tell you what to do.
  • Wear a facemask: If possible, put on a facemask before you enter the building. If you can’t put on a facemask, try to keep a safe distance from other people (at least 6 feet away). This will help protect the people in the office or waiting room.
  • Follow care instructions from your healthcare provider and local health department: Your local health authorities will give instructions on checking your symptoms and reporting information.

If you develop emergency warning signs for COVID-19 get medical attention immediately. Emergency warning signs include*:

  • Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
  • Persistent pain or pressure in the chest
  • New confusion or inability to arouse
  • Bluish lips or face

*This list is not all inclusive. Please consult your medical provider for any other symptoms that are severe or concerning.

How to discontinue home isolation

  • People with COVID-19 who have stayed home (home isolated) can stop home isolation under the following conditions:
    • If you will not have a test to determine if you are still contagious, you can leave home after these three things have happened:
      • You have had no fever for at least 72 hours (that is three full days of no fever without the use medicine that reduces fevers)
        AND
      • other symptoms have improved (for example, when your cough or shortness of breath have improved)
        AND
      • at least 7 days have passed since your symptoms first appeared
    • If you will be tested to determine if you are still contagious, you can leave home after these three things have happened:
      • You no longer have a fever (without the use medicine that reduces fevers)
        AND
      • other symptoms have improved (for example, when your cough or shortness of breath have improved)
        AND
        you received two negative tests in a row, 24 hours apart. Your doctor will follow CDC guidelines.

In all cases, follow the guidance of your healthcare provider and local health department. The decision to stop home isolation should be made in consultation with your healthcare provider and state and local health departments. Local decisions depend on local circumstances.

More information is available here.

Additional information for healthcare providers: Interim Healthcare Infection Prevention and Control Recommendations for Persons Under Investigation for 2019 Novel Coronavirus.

Call 911 if you have a medical emergency: If you have a medical emergency and need to call 911, notify the operator that you have or think you might have, COVID-19. If possible, put on a facemask before medical help arrives.

Page last reviewed: March 18, 2020

Content source: National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases (NCIRD), Division of Viral Diseases

What are the treatments for obesity?

Obesity can happen for a number of reasons, including diet, a sedentary lifestyle, genetic factors, a health condition, or the use of certain medications. A number of treatment options can help people to achieve and maintain a suitable weight.

Carrying excess weight can increase the risk of a number of health problems. Losing weight can be frustrating and difficult, but even losing just 5-10 percent of body weight can bring significant health benefits, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

For a person who weighs 250 pounds (lb), or 114 kilograms (kg) this would mean losing 12–25 lb, or 5.7–11.4 kg. A small reduction in weight is an important achievement.

Losing weight slowly and constantly, for example, 1–2 lb each week, is often better than losing a lot quickly, because it is more likely to stay off once a person reaches their target weight.

Exercise and dietary changes are useful weight-loss tools. For some people, however, these are not effective. In this case, medication or surgery might be an option.

Sometimes, a health condition — such as a hormonal problem - can result in weight gain. In this case, treating the imbalance can help to solve the problem. 

1. Dietary changes

One reason why excess weight and fat accumulate is when a person consumes more calories than they use. Over time, this can lead to weight gain.

Some types of food are more likely to lead to weight gain. Some processed foods contain additives, such as high-fructose corn syrup. This can cause changes in the body that result in additional weight gain.

Reducing the intake of processed, refined, and ready-made food that is high in sugar and fat, while increasing the consumption of whole grains and other high-fiber foods — such as fresh fruits and vegetables — can help a person to lose weight.

One advantage of a high-fiber diet is that the body feels full more quickly, making it less tempting to eat more. Whole grains help a person to feel full for longer, because they release their energy more slowly.

Fiber and whole grains can also help to reduce the risk of a number of conditions related to metabolic syndrome.

Metabolic syndrome is a condition that involves a number of health problems, including type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, and cardiovascular problems. It is more common in people with obesity.

A doctor or dietitian can help to suggest a strategy and possibly a suitable weight-loss program.

- Avoid crash-dieting

Trying to lose weight quickly by crash-dieting carries the following risks:

 - New health problems may develop.

- Vitamin deficiencies can occur.

- It is more difficult to achieve healthy weight loss.

In some cases, a doctor may suggest that a person with severe obesity should follow a very low-calorie liquid diet. A health professional should monitor this strategy to ensure that the person remains safe while following the diet.

2. Physical activity


While the body does burn some calories even when a person is just sitting or sleeping, for most people, the more active they are, the more calories the body will burn.

However, this can take time. To lose one pound of fat, a person needs to burn 3,500 calories.

Good ways to start getting active include:

- walking briskly

- swimming

- using the stairs instead of the elevator

- getting off the bus or train one stop earlier and walking the rest of the way

Doing chores such as gardening, housework, or walking the dog all contribute.

The CDC suggest doing 60- 90 minutes of moderately intense activity most days of the week.

People who are not used to exercising or who find it difficult to be active due to health or mobility problems should speak to a health professional about how to exercise and how to get started.

A person who is not in the habit of exercising should not start with too strenuous an activity, as this could pose a health risk.

3. Weight-loss medications

A doctor will sometimes prescribe medication, such as orlastat (Xenical) to help a person lose weight.

However, they usually only do this if:

- dietary changes and exercise have not resulted in weight loss

- the person's weight poses a significant risk to their health

The National Institute of Health note that people should use medication alongside a reduced-calorie diet. Orlastat does not replace lifestyle changes.

Side effects include gastrointestinal symptoms, such as fatty stool and increased or decreased defecation. Some people have reported unwanted effects on the respiratory system, muscles and joints, headaches, and others.

From 1997 to 2010, doctors were able to prescribe sibutramine, too, but the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) withdrew approval in 2010, due to concerns about serious adverse effects.

4. Surgery

Weight loss, or bariatric, surgery involves removing or changing a part of a person's stomach or small intestine so that they do not consume as much food or absorb as many calories as before.

This can help an individual to lose weight and also reduce the risk of high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, and other aspects of metabolic syndrome that can occur with obesity.

Surgery can either make the stomach smaller, or it can bypass part of the digestive system.

- Gastric sleeve or gastric band

The surgeon uses a gastric sleeve or a gastric band to make the stomach smaller.

After the operation, a person cannot consume more than about one cup of food during each sitting. This significantly reduces food intake.

- Gastric bypass

The procedure enables food to bypass parts of the digestive system, specifically the first part of the mid-section of the small intestine. It may also reduce the size of the stomach.

This is generally more effective than restrictive procedures, but there is a higher risk of vitamin and mineral deficiencies, as the body can no longer absorb as many nutrients.

A doctor may recommend surgery for a person who has a BMI of 30 or above, depending on their individual needs.

These include:

- whether or not they have complications due to obesity

- the effectiveness of non-surgical treatments they have already undertaken

Surgeons often do bariatric surgery as a laparoscopic, or keyhole procedure.

5. Hormonal treatment

Hormonal treatment might one day help people with obesity. Scientists who published a study in 2014 noted that part of the success of bariatric surgery may be the impact it has on gut hormones.


Harnessing these hormones could lead to novel, non-surgical options. The researchers suggest that combining certain hormones might provide an effective therapy.

6. Browning white fat cells

Humans and other mammals contain two types of fat cell:

- Brown-fat cells burn calories and produce heat.

- White-fat cells store calories.

Scientists have been looking for ways to reprogram white-fat cells so that they behave more like brown-fat cells. They call this "beiging" fat cells.

If they can do this, they might be able to produce a therapy that can cause the body to burn fat more quickly.

Experts do not yet know how to achieve this, but a research team who published a review in Nature Reviews Molecular Cell Biology expressed hope that new genetic tools in the pipeline might hold the key.

Health risks and weight

Obesity increases the risk of a number of health problems. Some of these — such as type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and high blood pressure — come under the umbrella of metabolic syndrome, a collection of features that often occur together, frequently with excess weight and obesity.

Health risks that increase with obesity include:

Osteoarthritis: Additional strain on the joints can lead to bone and cartilage degeneration.

Coronary heart disease: Heart disease becomes more likely when a person carries extra weight. This is often due to high cholesterol levels and the extra weight putting additional strain on the heart and blood vessels.

Gallbladder disease: Consuming foods that are high in sugar and fat may not necessarily lead to obesity, but it can cause the liver to overproduce cholesterol, resulting in gallstones. This can result in high blood pressure, or hypertension. The body may also produce extra insulin, and this, too, can raise blood pressure.

Respiratory problems: These can occur if the extra weight puts pressure on the lungs, reducing the space available for breathing.

Several cancers: According to the CDC, 13 types of cancer become more likely to occur if a person has obesity, including colorectal cancer.

Sleep apnea: The National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI) note that weight reduction often improves the symptoms of sleep apnea.

Stroke: Obesity often develops alongside a buildup of cholesterol. In time, this increases the risk of blockages in the blood vessels. These, in turn, can lead to heart disease and stroke.

Type 2 diabetes: This is a key aspect of metabolic syndrome.

Takeaway

Help is available for people who are concerned that they have too much weight. A change in diet and increase in exercise can help in many cases.

If these do not work, your doctor may be able to recommend another solution.

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Hypertension News

You are at an increased risk of high blood pressure or hypertension if you are overweight, have a relative with high blood pressure, smoke, eat too much salt, do not eat enough fruits and vegetables, do not exercise, drink too much coffee and alcohol, or are over the age of 65. High blood pressure can be prevented by making changes to your lifestyle, eating healthily, exercising and avoiding excessive salt intake, smoking and too much alcohol.

What to know about high blood pressure 

When doctors take a person's blood pressure, they measure the force that blood exerts on the walls of the arteries as it flows through them. 
If blood pressure is too high for too long, it can cause serious damage to the blood vessels. 

This damage can result in a range of complications, some of which can be life threatening. They include heart failure, vision loss, stroke, kidney disease, and other health problems.

There are ways of managing high blood pressure, or hypertension. High blood pressure often does not cause symptoms, but regular screening can help a person know if they need to take preventive action.

In the United States, around 75 million people, or 29% of the population, have high blood pressure, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

In this article, we look at the causes of high blood pressure and how to treat it. We also explain the blood pressure measurements that health authorities consider to be healthy and too high. 

What is high blood pressure?

The heart is a muscle that pumps blood around the body. As it travels, the blood delivers oxygen to the body's vital organs.

Sometimes, a problem in the body makes it harder for the heart to pump the blood. This could happen, for example, if an artery becomes too narrow.

Persistent high blood pressure can put a strain on the walls of the arteries. This can lead to a variety of health problems, some of which can be life threatening. 

High blood pressure chart


The chart below shows measures for normal and high blood pressure, according to the American Heart Association (AHA).

Doctors measure blood pressure in millimeters of mercury (mm Hg).

                                              Systolic (mm Hg)                    Diastolic (mm Hg)

Normal                                 Below 120                                Below 80

Elevated (hypertension) 120-129                                    Below 60

Stage 1 hypertension      130-139                                   80- 90

Stage 2 hypertension      140 or above                           90 or above

Hypertensive crisis           Over 180                                  Over 120

Systolic pressure measures the pressure in the arteries as the heart contracts and is the top number on a blood pressure reading.

Diastolic, which is the lower number, represents the blood pressure when the heart is resting between beats. 

Signs and symptoms


Most people with high blood pressure will not experience any symptoms, which is why people often call hypertension the "silent killer."

However, once blood pressure reaches about 180/120 mm Hg, it becomes a hypertensive crisis, which is a medical emergency.

At this stage, a person may have:

- a headache
- nausea
- vomiting
- dizziness
- blurred or double vision
- nosebleeds heart palpitations
- breathlessness
Anybody who experiences these symptoms should see their doctor immediately.

Symptoms in women
Hormonal factors mean that the risk of high blood pressure may be different in males and females.

Factors that can increase the risk of high blood pressure in females include:

- pregnancy
- menopause
- the use of birth control pills
During pregnancy, high blood pressure can be a sign of pre-eclampsia, a potentially dangerous condition that can affect the woman and her unborn baby.

Symptoms of pre-eclampsia include:

- headaches
- vision changes
- abdominal pain
- swelling due to edema
All women should follow the guidelines for screening and attend all health checks, especially during pregnancy.

Symptoms in teens- 
Teenagers can develop high blood pressure due to obesity or an underlying medical condition.

Possible medical factors include:

- aspects of metabolic syndrome, such as type 2 diabetes
- kidney disease
- endocrine disease, which affects the hormones
- vascular disease, which affects the blood vessels
- a neurological condition
- These conditions may have symptoms of their own.

The symptoms of high blood pressure, if they occur, will be the same as for other groups.

Symptoms in children- 
High blood pressure can affect children. Having obesity and diabetes increases the risk, but it can also be a sign of:

- a tumor
- heart problems
- kidney problems
- thyroid problems
- a genetic condition, such as Cushing's syndrome
As with adults, high blood pressure often does not cause symptoms in children.

However, if symptoms do occur, they may include:

- a headache
- fatigue
- blurred vision
- nosebleeds
- They may also have signs of another condition.

Symptoms in babies: 
Newborns and very young babies can sometimes have high blood pressure due to an underlying health condition, such as kidney or heart disease.

Symptoms may include:

- a failure to thrive
- seizures
- irritability
- lethargy
- respiratory distress
Other symptoms will depend on the condition that is causing the high blood pressure.

Causes:
High blood pressure can occur when certain changes happen in the body or if a person is born with specific genetic features that cause a health condition.

It can affect people with:

- obesity
- type 2 diabetes
- kidney disease
- obstructive sleep apnea
- lupus
- scleroderma
- underactive or overactive thyroid
- congenital conditions, such as Cushing's syndrome, acromegaly, or pheochromocytoma Sometimes, there is no apparent cause. In this case, a doctor will diagnose primary hypertension.

Consuming a high fat diet, carrying excess weight, drinking a lot of alcohol, smoking tobacco, and the use of some medications also increase the risk.

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Six Diseases Often Mistaken for Mental Disorders

It just so happens, anxiety and depression are not solely indicative of a mental health disorder. Sometimes, these dark sentiments are actually symptoms of physical medical issues. It’s a fine line, as symptoms of mood disorders and physical health issues unravel in such similar ways.

Here are six health issues that can easily be mistaken for serious mood disorders:

- Chronic Fatigue Syndrome. Considering that Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS) is characterized mainly by poor sleep, memory loss, lack of concentration and extreme lack of energy, it’s easy to see why CFS is so easily confused for depression.

- Lyme Disease. As it results from a tick bite, the bite can so often go unnoticed, that this disease is rather insidious by nature. Lyme Disease’s symptoms vary from cognitive decline, depression, headaches, dizziness, and great fatigue. Note: Isolate the tick, if caught, and get tested immediately if the tick remains on the bite for over 24-hours.

-Thyroid Disorder The symptoms stemming from a thyroid disorder are so alarmingly similar to a state of depression that it would be wise if a thyroid blood test were administered whenever issues of depression are suspected. Thyroid levels can very easily alter one’s overall quality of life, disrupting energy levels and mood.

- Syphilis. Yet another serious reminder of why frequent STI testing is so necessary. Syphilis can cause an infection in the spinal cord or in the brain, resulting in a severe neurocognitive disorder. This disease can alter one’s personality, hinder one’s memory, elevate states of confusion and lead to severe depressive thoughts.

- Obstructive Sleep Apnea. Obstructive sleep apnea can cause excess daytime fatigue and an inability to get sufficient rejuvenation from sleep. This can cause attention issues, moodiness, irritability, depression, and anxiety. Symptoms to also be on the lookout for are weight gain, snoring and high blood pressure.

- Neuroendocrine Tumors. Ever heard of “pheochromocytoma”? Well, for your information it’s a rare and usually noncancerous tumor of adrenal gland tissue that produces excess adrenaline. The surge can sometimes be misconstrued as a panic or anxiety disorder, as it’s so often unrecognized. It’s often matched with bouts of excess sweating, headaches, and tremors.

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How Your Body Reacts To Taking Acetaminophen Or Ibuprofen

You have to be informed about the best type of pain reliever to take depending on your pain and at the same time, be in the know about its side effects. NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) help ease pain, reduce fever, and decrease inflammation. However, not all drugs have these same effects. “Acetaminophen/Tylenol helps to reduce pain and fever, but it does not affect or help with inflammation. If you don’t know which type of pain reliever is best for your particular situation, then definitely contact your healthcare provider for advice.

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Have You Tested Your MMR Immunity?

Did You Know: Measles, mumps, and rubella are incredibly contagious diseases? Mumps doesn’t even have a known cure. That’s why staying on top of your MMR immunity is so important. If you’re not one to gamble with your health, you may want to look into getting a blood test to review your immunity.


 

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