High blood pressure, also known as hypertension, is a common condition that affects millions of people around the world.

In the United States alone, more than 100 million adults have high blood pressure, which puts them at risk of developing serious health problems such as heart disease, stroke, and kidney failure.

Understanding Blood Pressure

Blood pressure is the force of blood pushing against the walls of your arteries, which carry blood from your heart to the rest of your body. When your heart beats, it pumps blood into your arteries, creating pressure.

This pressure is known as systolic pressure. When your heart rests between beats, the pressure in your arteries decreases. This is known as diastolic pressure.

Your blood pressure is recorded as two numbers, with the systolic pressure listed first and the diastolic pressure listed second.

For example, a blood pressure reading of 120/80 mmHg means that your systolic pressure is 120 mmHg and your diastolic pressure is 80 mmHg.

What is High Blood Pressure?

High blood pressure occurs when the force of blood pushing against the walls of your arteries is consistently too high. This can put a strain on your heart and blood vessels, and increase your risk of developing serious health problems.

High blood pressure is often called “the silent killer” because it usually has no symptoms until it causes a health crisis.

The American Heart Association defines high blood pressure as a reading of 130/80 mmHg or higher. However, some people may be at risk for health problems at lower levels of blood pressure.

Causes of High Blood Pressure

There are many factors that can contribute to high blood pressure, including:.

Family history of high blood pressure
Being overweight or obese
Not getting enough physical activity
Eating a diet high in salt, fat, and/or cholesterol
Drinking too much alcohol
Smoking or exposure to secondhand smoke
Stress
Age
Gender (men are more likely to have high blood pressure than women)
Race (African Americans are at higher risk for high blood pressure than other races)
Chronic conditions such as diabetes, kidney disease, and sleep apnea

The Dangers of Uncontrolled High Blood Pressure

If left uncontrolled, high blood pressure can lead to serious health problems such as:.

Heart attack and heart failure
Stroke
Kidney failure
Vision loss and blindness
Erectile dysfunction

High blood pressure can also damage blood vessels in your body, including those in your brain and eyes.

This can increase your risk of developing dementia, including Alzheimer’s disease, and can cause problems with vision such as blurred vision and eye hemorrhages.

Preventing and Managing High Blood Pressure

Preventing and managing high blood pressure is essential for good health. Some steps you can take to prevent or control high blood pressure include:.

Eating a healthy diet that is low in salt, saturated fat, and cholesterol
Getting regular physical activity
Maintaining a healthy weight
Limited alcohol consumption
Not smoking or using tobacco products
Managing stress through relaxation techniques such as meditation, yoga, or deep breathing exercises
Taking medication as prescribed by your healthcare provider

If you have been diagnosed with high blood pressure, it is important to work with your healthcare provider to manage your condition.

This may involve regular check-ups, monitoring your blood pressure at home, making lifestyle changes, and taking medication as prescribed. Your healthcare provider may also recommend additional tests or treatments based on your individual health needs.

Conclusion

High blood pressure is a common and serious health problem that can lead to a range of complications if left uncontrolled.

By adopting a healthy lifestyle and working with your healthcare provider to manage your condition, you can reduce your risk of developing the serious health problems associated with high blood pressure.