Understanding Hypertension

Introduction

Hypertension, commonly known as high blood pressure, is a condition where the force of blood against the artery walls is too high. It is often called the "silent killer" because it may not show symptoms but can lead to serious health complications.

Why is Hypertension Dangerous?

Persistent high blood pressure can damage vital organs, including the heart, brain, kidneys, and eyes. It significantly increases the risk of heart disease, stroke, kidney failure, and other complications.

Causes and Risk Factors

• Lifestyle Factors: Excessive salt intake, unhealthy diet, lack of physical activity, stress, and smoking.
• Medical Conditions: Diabetes, kidney disease, and hormonal disorders.
• Genetics: A family history of hypertension increases the risk.
• Age and Gender: The risk increases with age, and men are generally more prone at younger ages, though postmenopausal women also have a higher risk.

Symptoms

Hypertension often has no obvious symptoms. However, in severe cases, it may cause headaches, dizziness, blurred vision, or chest pain. Regular check-ups are essential.

Diagnosis

Blood pressure is measured in millimeters of mercury (mmHg) and recorded as systolic/diastolic pressure (e.g., 130/80 mmHg). A reading consistently above 140/90 mmHg typically indicates hypertension.

Treatment and Prevention

Lifestyle Changes:

• Healthy Diet: Reduce salt and processed foods, increase fruits and vegetables, and adopt the DASH diet.
• Physical Activity: Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise per week.
• Weight Management: Maintain a healthy body weight.
• Limit Alcohol and Quit Smoking: Both worsen hypertension.
• Manage Stress: Practice meditation, deep breathing, or other relaxation techniques.

Medications:

Doctors may prescribe antihypertensive medications, including:

• Diuretics (help remove excess salt and water)
• Beta-blockers (reduce heart rate)
• ACE inhibitors or ARBs (relax blood vessels)
• Calcium channel blockers (prevent arteries from narrowing)

Conclusion

Hypertension is a manageable but serious condition. Early detection, lifestyle changes, and medication when needed can help prevent serious complications. Regular blood pressure check-ups are key to maintaining good health.

Source recommendations

1. 2023 European Society of Cardiology Guidelines on Hypertension

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

2. 2022 American Heart Association Hypertension Guidelines

1. https://www.heart.org/en/health-topics/high-blood-pressure
2. https://www.ahajournals.org/doi/10.1161/CIR.0000000000001063
3. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1050173819300684
4. https://www.ahajournals.org/doi/10.1161/CIRCULATIONAHA.121.054602
5. https://www.heart.org/-/media/Files/Professional/Quality-Improvement/Pain-Management/AHA-GUIDELINEDRIVEN-MANAGEMENT-OF-HYPERTENSION--AN-EVIDENCEBASED-UPDATE.pdf