Hypertension, also known as high blood pressure, is a common and potentially life-threatening medical condition. If left unmanaged, hypertension can lead to serious complications such as heart disease, stroke, and kidney failure.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), hypertension affects approximately 1 in 3 people worldwide.

What is Hypertension?

When your blood flows through your arteries, it applies pressure against the walls of your blood vessels. This pressure is known as blood pressure, and it is measured in millimeters of mercury (mmHg).

Hypertension occurs when the force of your blood against your artery walls is consistently too high. This puts added stress on your heart and blood vessels, which can lead to damage over time.

Causes of Hypertension

There are several factors that can contribute to hypertension, including:.

Age – As you get older, your blood vessels become less flexible, which can contribute to hypertension.
Family History – If your parents or other close relatives have hypertension, you are more likely to develop it as well.
Lifestyle Factors – Unhealthy lifestyle habits such as poor diet, lack of exercise, smoking, and excessive alcohol consumption can all contribute to hypertension.
Medical Conditions – Certain medical conditions such as kidney disease, sleep apnea, and thyroid disorders can contribute to hypertension.

Symptoms of Hypertension

Most people with hypertension do not experience any symptoms. This is why hypertension is often referred to as the “silent killer.” However, in some cases, hypertension can cause symptoms such as:.

Headaches
Shortness of breath
Dizziness
Chest pain
Nosebleeds

Diagnosis of Hypertension

Hypertension is usually diagnosed through a blood pressure reading. A blood pressure reading consists of two numbers, the systolic pressure (the top number) and the diastolic pressure (the bottom number).

The systolic pressure measures the force of blood against your artery walls when your heart beats, while the diastolic pressure measures the force of blood against your artery walls when your heart is at rest.

Normal blood pressure is considered to be less than 120/80 mmHg. A reading between 120/80 mmHg and 139/89 mmHg is considered to be pre-hypertension. A reading of 140/90 mmHg or higher is considered to be hypertension.

Treatment of Hypertension

If you are diagnosed with hypertension, your doctor may recommend lifestyle changes and/or medication to help manage your blood pressure. Lifestyle changes may include:.

Eating a healthy diet that is low in sodium and high in fruits and vegetables
Exercising regularly
Maintaining a healthy weight
Reducing alcohol consumption
Quitting smoking

If lifestyle changes are not enough to manage your hypertension, your doctor may prescribe medication. There are several types of medication that can be used to treat hypertension, including:.

Diuretics – These medications help your body get rid of excess salt and water, which can help reduce blood pressure.
Beta-blockers – These medications reduce the workload on your heart by slowing your heart rate and reducing the force of your heart’s contractions.
ACE inhibitors – These medications relax your blood vessels, which can help lower blood pressure.
Calcium channel blockers – These medications relax your blood vessels and reduce the workload on your heart.

Prevention of Hypertension

While there is no guaranteed way to prevent hypertension, there are several steps you can take to reduce your risk. These include:.

Eating a healthy diet that is low in sodium and high in fruits and vegetables
Exercising regularly
Maintaining a healthy weight
Reducing alcohol consumption
Quitting smoking
Managing stress

Conclusion

Hypertension is a common and potentially life-threatening medical condition that affects 1 in 3 people worldwide. While there is no cure for hypertension, it can be managed through lifestyle changes and/or medication.

If you are concerned about your blood pressure, talk to your doctor.