Understanding High Blood Pressure (Hypertension)

Introduction

Blood pressure is the force exerted by circulating blood against the walls of the arteries. It is measured in millimeters of mercury (mmHg) and represented by two numbers: - Systolic Pressure (the top number): The pressure in your arteries when your heart beats. - Diastolic Pressure (the bottom number): The pressure in your arteries when your heart rests between beats.

What is Considered High Blood Pressure?

According to the American Heart Association (AHA) and the European Society of Cardiology (ESC) , the classification of blood pressure is as follows:

Why is High Blood Pressure Dangerous?

Hypertension is a silent killer because it often has no noticeable symptoms. If left untreated, it can lead to: - Heart disease (heart attack, heart failure) - Stroke - Kidney damage - Vision loss - Cognitive decline

Causes and Risk Factors

Several factors contribute to high blood pressure, including: - Unhealthy diet (high salt, processed foods, alcohol) - Lack of physical activity - Obesity - Genetics - Chronic stress - Smoking and excessive alcohol intake - Conditions like diabetes and kidney disease

How to Control High Blood Pressure?

Lifestyle Modifications:

• Healthy Diet : Reduce salt intake, eat more fruits and vegetables.
• Regular Exercise : At least 150 minutes of moderate activity per week.
• Weight Management : Maintain a healthy BMI.
• Reduce Alcohol and Stop Smoking
• Manage Stress : Practice relaxation techniques (meditation, deep breathing).

Medication:

If lifestyle changes are not enough, doctors may prescribe medications like: - ACE inhibitors (e.g., lisinopril) - Beta-blockers (e.g., metoprolol) - Diuretics (e.g., hydrochlorothiazide) - Calcium channel blockers (e.g., amlodipine)

When to See a Doctor?

• If your blood pressure is consistently above 130/80 mmHg
• If you experience symptoms of a hypertensive crisis (severe headache, vision problems, chest pain, or difficulty breathing)

Taking proactive steps to monitor and manage your blood pressure can significantly reduce the risk of life-threatening complications.

Source recommendations

1. 2023 American Heart Association (AHA) and American College of Cardiology (ACC) Hypertension Guidelines

1. https://www.ahajournals.org/doi/10.1161/CIR.0000000000001168
2. https://www.acc.org/Latest-in-Cardiology/Articles/2024/02/05/11/43/2023-ESH-Hypertension-Guideline-Update
3. https://www.jacc.org/doi/10.1016/j.jacadv.2024.101230
4. https://www.acc.org/Guidelines
5. https://tools.acc.org/ascvd-risk-estimator-plus/

2. 2023 European Society of Cardiology (ESC) and European Society of Hypertension (ESH) Guidelines for the Management of Arterial Hypertension

1. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37345492/
2. https://journals.lww.com/jhypertension/fulltext/2023/12000/2023_esh_guidelines_for_the_management_of_arterial.2.aspx
3. https://www.escardio.org/Guidelines/Clinical-Practice-Guidelines/Elevated-Blood-Pressure-and-Hypertension
4. https://www.portailvasculaire.fr/sites/default/files/docs/2023_esh_guidelines_for_the_management_of_arterial.271_0.pdf
5. https://www.acc.org/Latest-in-Cardiology/Articles/2024/02/05/11/43/2023-ESH-Hypertension-Guideline-Update