You can’t see it. You can’t feel it. But right now, it could be silently straining your Heart, damaging your arteries, and increasing your risk for heart attack and stroke. This unnoticed threat is Hypertension, more commonly known as High Blood Pressure. It affects nearly half of adults globally, yet millions are unaware they are living with it. This article gives you the knowledge to take care of your heart.
According to the World Health Organisation, globally 1.28 billion people aged 30-79 have hypertension.
Table of Contents
What is Hypertension?
Hypertension is when the pressure or force of blood against artery walls is too high. It is very common but can be serious if untreated. Every time your heart beats, it pumps oxygen-rich blood through arteries, creating pressure against their walls. Blood pressure is the measurement of this force.
Blood pressure reading is written as systolic over diastolic (e.g., 120/80 mmHg).
Systolic pressure
The pressure in your arteries occurs when your heart beats and pumps blood to the other organs. The top number represents the systolic pressure. This is the maximum force exerted during a heartbeat.
Diastolic pressure
The pressure in your arteries occurs when your heart rests between beats. The bottom number represents the baseline pressure in the system.
When does it become Hypertension?
A person’s blood pressure fluctuates throughout the day. It increases with exercise, excitement, or stress and lowers during sleep. This is quite normal. Hypertension is diagnosed when your blood pressure readings are consistently too high.
According to the American Heart Association and other health organizations:
| Stages of blood pressure | Readings of blood pressure |
|---|---|
| Optimal level | 120/80 mmHg |
| Elevated level | 120-129/ less than 80 mmHg |
| Hypertension stage 1 | 130-139/ 80-89 mmHg |
| Hypertension stage 2 | 140/90 mmHg |
| Hypertensive crisis | >180/120 mmHg |
Note: A diagnosis is typically made after several high readings are taken on separate occasions.
Causes
For about 90-95% of cases, there is no single identifiable cause. This is known as Primary Hypertension. It develops gradually over many years due to a combination of factors, including:
- Age: Risk increases with age due to the natural stiffening of arteries.
- Genetics: A family history of high blood pressure increases your risk.
- Lifestyle factors: This is the major and most modifiable cause, including diet, weight, physical activity, and stress levels.
The remaining 5-10% of cases are Secondary Hypertension, which is caused by an underlying condition. The most common causes include thyroid problems, kidney diseases, and obstructive sleep apnea.
Symptoms
Usually, people with Hypertension may not feel any symptoms. That’s why it is called a “Silent killer”. But very high blood pressure can cause:
- Severe headache
- Heart attack
- Nosebleeds
- Blurred vision
- Chest pain
- Abnormal Heart Rhythm
- Stroke
- Heart and kidney failure
Prevention
Untreated hypertension can cause severe health complications. Treatment is always personalized. Adopt a heart-healthy diet (fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains). Lifestyle changes can reduce or prevent high blood pressure. These include:
- Adopt a heart-healthy diet (fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains), while being low in salt (sodium), added sugars, and saturated fats.
- Losing weight if you are obese.
- Cut down on alcohol and tobacco.
- Get regular physical exercise for at least 150 minutes per week.
- Manage stress by doing yoga, meditation, and breathing exercises in your daily routine.
Conclusion
Hypertension is a serious but controllable condition. While you cannot feel high blood pressure, you have immense power to control it. Manage it by getting your blood pressure checked regularly. Let this understanding be your motivation. View your elevated reading not with fear, but with clarity. You have the knowledge; now you have the power to act. Commit to the small, daily choices that add up to a lifetime of better health.
