Hypertension, commonly known as high blood pressure, affects millions of people worldwide. It is a condition that occurs when the force of blood against your artery walls is too high.

This pressure can cause damage to your arteries, heart, and other organs in your body. Hypertension is often called “the silent killer” because it can go undetected for years without any noticeable symptoms. However, if left untreated, it can lead to serious health issues such as heart attacks, strokes, and kidney failure.

What Causes Hypertension?

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

Obesity or being overweight
Lack of physical activity
Smoking
High sodium intake
Stress
Genetics

While some of these factors such as genetics cannot be controlled, making lifestyle changes can help keep hypertension under control.

How is Hypertension Diagnosed?

To diagnose hypertension, a doctor or healthcare provider will take a blood pressure reading. This reading measures the force of blood against your arteries when your heart beats (systolic pressure) and when it rests (diastolic pressure).

A reading of 120/80 mmHg or lower is considered normal, while a reading of 130/80 mmHg or higher is considered hypertension. If your doctor determines that you have hypertension, they may perform additional tests to determine its cause and the amount of damage that has been done to your organs.

What are the Symptoms of Hypertension?

As mentioned earlier, hypertension is often called “the silent killer” because it can go undetected for years without any noticeable symptoms.

This is why it’s important to have your blood pressure checked regularly, especially if you have risk factors for hypertension. In some rare cases, people with hypertension may experience symptoms such as:.

Headaches
Dizziness
Nosebleeds
Shortness of breath

If you experience any of these symptoms, it’s important to see a doctor as soon as possible.

How Can You Control Hypertension?

While hypertension cannot be cured, making lifestyle changes can help keep it under control. These lifestyle changes include:.

Eating a healthy, balanced diet that is low in sodium and high in fruits and vegetables
Exercising regularly
Quitting smoking
Reducing stress through techniques such as meditation or yoga
Maintaining a healthy weight
Taking medications as prescribed by your doctor

In addition to these lifestyle changes, it’s important to see your doctor regularly and to follow their recommendations for managing your hypertension.

The Consequences of Untreated Hypertension

If left untreated, hypertension can lead to serious health issues such as:.

Heart attacks
Strokes
Kidney failure
Vision loss

These issues can have a significant impact on your quality of life and can even be life-threatening. That’s why it’s important to take hypertension seriously and to work with your doctor to manage it.

Conclusion

Hypertension is a serious condition that affects millions of people worldwide. While it can go undetected for years without any noticeable symptoms, making lifestyle changes and working with your doctor can help keep it under control.

If left untreated, hypertension can lead to serious health issues and even be life-threatening. That’s why it’s important to have your blood pressure checked regularly and to take steps to manage your hypertension.