High blood pressure, also known as hypertension, is a common condition affecting millions of people worldwide. It is the force of blood pushing against the walls of your arteries as your heart pumps.

If left untreated, high blood pressure can lead to serious health issues, including heart disease, kidney problems, and stroke. However, with proper management, high blood pressure can often be controlled. Unfortunately, not everyone is able to manage their blood pressure successfully. In this article, we will explore high blood pressure, its causes, symptoms, and treatment.

We will also discuss why only one-third of patients are able to manage it.

What is High Blood Pressure?

High blood pressure is a condition in which the force of the blood against the walls of your arteries is consistently too high. Blood pressure is measured using two numbers: systolic and diastolic.

Systolic blood pressure is the top number, which measures the pressure in your arteries when your heart beats. Diastolic blood pressure is the bottom number, which measures the pressure in your arteries between heartbeats. Normal blood pressure is considered to be below 120/80 mm Hg. High blood pressure is defined as having a reading of 130/80 mm Hg or higher.

Causes of High Blood Pressure

High blood pressure can have a variety of causes, including:.

Age
Family history
Obesity
Sedentary lifestyle
Smoking
Stress
Unhealthy diet

Some medical conditions can also contribute to high blood pressure, such as sleep apnea, kidney disease, and thyroid problems.

Symptoms of High Blood Pressure

One of the reasons why high blood pressure is so dangerous is that it often has no noticeable symptoms. This is why it is sometimes referred to as the “silent killer.” If you have high blood pressure, you may experience:.

Headaches
Shortness of breath
Chest pain
Difficulty sleeping
Blurred vision

However, these symptoms are not specific to high blood pressure and can be caused by other factors.

Treatment for High Blood Pressure

Treatment for high blood pressure usually involves lifestyle changes, such as:.

Exercise – regular physical activity can help lower blood pressure
Diet – a healthy diet can reduce the risk of high blood pressure and its complications
Weight loss – losing weight can help lower blood pressure in overweight individuals
Reducing alcohol intake – alcohol can raise blood pressure
Quit smoking – smoking can damage the lining of your arteries and make them more likely to narrow
Managing stress – stress can raise blood pressure

In some cases, medication may be needed to bring blood pressure down to a safe level. Your doctor will recommend the best treatment plan based on your individual situation.

Why Only One-Third of Patients are Able to Manage High Blood Pressure?

Despite the fact that high blood pressure can often be controlled with lifestyle changes and medication, only one-third of patients are able to manage it successfully. There are several reasons for this:.

Noncompliance – some patients do not take their medication as prescribed or do not make the necessary lifestyle changes
Side effects – medication can cause side effects, such as dizziness, fatigue, and digestive issues, which can make it difficult for some patients to stick to their treatment plan
Financial barriers – medication and healthcare costs can be a barrier for some patients
Lack of education or understanding – some patients may not fully understand the importance of managing their blood pressure or how to do so
Uncontrolled underlying medical conditions – coexisting medical conditions, such as kidney disease or diabetes, can make it more difficult to manage blood pressure

The Importance of Managing High Blood Pressure

Managing high blood pressure is critical for preventing serious health issues, such as heart disease, stroke, and kidney problems. It is important to work with your healthcare provider to develop a treatment plan that is right for you.

If you are having trouble controlling your blood pressure, talk to your doctor about your options. They may be able to adjust your treatment plan or provide additional resources to help you manage your condition.

Conclusion

High blood pressure is a serious condition that affects millions of people worldwide. With proper treatment, it can often be controlled. However, only one-third of patients are able to manage their blood pressure successfully.

This can be due to a variety of factors, including noncompliance, side effects, financial barriers, and lack of education or understanding. If you are struggling to manage your blood pressure, talk to your healthcare provider about your options.