Blood pressure is a vital indicator of a person’s overall health. It indicates the pressure in the blood vessels as blood flows through them.

It is measured in two numbers: the systolic pressure (the top number), which reflects the pressure in the arteries when the heart beats, and the diastolic pressure (the bottom number), which reflects the pressure in the arteries when the heart is resting. A healthy blood pressure reading is considered to be below 120/80 mmHg.

Hidden Health Risks

Although high blood pressure, or hypertension, is often called “the silent killer” because it has no symptoms, there are hidden health risks associated with blood pressure.

High blood pressure can increase the risk of heart disease, stroke, kidney disease, and other health problems. But there are also hidden health risks associated with low blood pressure, or hypotension. In some cases, low blood pressure can cause dizziness, fainting, or even shock.

Who is Most Vulnerable to Hidden Health Risks?

Some people are more vulnerable to hidden health risks associated with blood pressure than others. Here are 10 groups of people who are most vulnerable:.

1. Older Adults

As we age, our blood vessels become less elastic and our blood pressure tends to rise. According to the American Heart Association, about two-thirds of people over age 60 have high blood pressure.

Older adults are also more susceptible to the hidden health risks associated with low blood pressure, such as falls and dementia.

2. African Americans

African Americans have a higher risk of developing high blood pressure than any other racial or ethnic group. They are also more likely to develop complications from high blood pressure, such as kidney damage and stroke.

This may be due to genetic, environmental, and lifestyle factors.

3. People with a Family History of High Blood Pressure

If your parents or other close relatives have high blood pressure, you are more likely to develop it yourself. This suggests that there may be a genetic component to high blood pressure.

However, lifestyle factors such as diet and exercise also play a role.

4. People with Obesity

Obesity is a major risk factor for both high blood pressure and low blood pressure. This is because carrying excess weight puts extra strain on the heart and blood vessels.

Losing weight through a healthy diet and exercise can help lower blood pressure and reduce the risk of related health problems.

5. Women Taking Birth Control Pills

Birth control pills can increase the risk of developing high blood pressure, especially in women over age 35 and those who smoke.

This risk is greater for women who already have high blood pressure or other risk factors such as diabetes or kidney disease.

6. Pregnant Women

Pregnancy can cause a woman’s blood pressure to rise, especially during the third trimester. This is called gestational hypertension.

If left untreated, gestational hypertension can lead to preeclampsia, a serious complication of pregnancy that can harm both the mother and baby.

7. People with Chronic Kidney Disease

The kidneys play an important role in regulating blood pressure. Chronic kidney disease can cause high blood pressure, and high blood pressure can further damage the kidneys.

This creates a dangerous cycle that can lead to kidney failure and other health problems.

8. People with Diabetes

Diabetes can damage the blood vessels and lead to high blood pressure. This increases the risk of heart disease, stroke, and other health problems.

People with diabetes should monitor their blood pressure closely and work with their healthcare provider to manage their blood sugar and blood pressure.

9. People with Sleep Apnea

Obstructive sleep apnea, a condition in which the airways become blocked during sleep, can cause blood pressure to spike at night. This can increase the risk of heart disease and other health problems.

Treating sleep apnea can help lower blood pressure and reduce the risk of related health problems.

10. People with Anxiety and Depression

Anxiety and depression can cause a range of physical symptoms, including changes in blood pressure.

People with anxiety and depression may also be more likely to engage in unhealthy behaviors such as smoking, drinking alcohol, and eating a poor diet, which can increase the risk of high blood pressure and related health problems.

Conclusion

Blood pressure is a key indicator of overall health. Both high and low blood pressure can have hidden health risks, such as a increased risk of heart disease, stroke and kidney damage.

Certain groups of people may be more vulnerable to these hidden health risks, including older adults, African Americans, people with obesity, women taking birth control pills and pregnant women. Therefore, it is important to monitor blood pressure regularly and work with healthcare providers to reduce the risk of these associated health problems.