Hypertension

What is Hypertension?

Hypertension, commonly known as high blood pressure, is a chronic medical condition where the blood pressure in the arteries is persistently elevated. It is often called the "silent killer" because it typically has no symptoms but significantly increases the risk of heart disease, stroke, and kidney problems.

Understanding Blood Pressure Readings

Blood pressure is measured in millimeters of mercury (mmHg) and recorded as two numbers:

Category	Systolic (mmHg)	Diastolic (mmHg)
Normal	< 120	< 80
Elevated	120-139	80-89
High Blood Pressure (Stage 1)	140-159	90-99
High Blood Pressure (Stage 2)	≥ 160	≥ 100
Hypertensive Crisis	≥ 180	≥ 120

• Systolic pressure: The top number, represents the pressure when the heart beats
• Diastolic pressure: The bottom number, represents the pressure when the heart rests between beats

Causes of Hypertension

Primary (Essential) Hypertension

• Accounts for 90-95% of all cases
• No single identifiable cause
• Develops gradually over many years
• Influenced by genetic factors, lifestyle, and environment

Secondary Hypertension

• Caused by an underlying condition
• Appears suddenly and causes higher blood pressure
• Common causes include kidney disease, adrenal gland tumors, thyroid problems, and certain medications

Risk Factors

Prevention and Management

Lifestyle Modifications

• Reduce sodium intake: Aim for less than 2,300 mg per day (1,500 mg ideally)
• Adopt DASH diet: Rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and low-fat dairy
• Regular physical activity: At least 150 minutes of moderate aerobic exercise weekly
• Maintain healthy weight: Even modest weight loss can significantly reduce blood pressure
• Limit alcohol: No more than 1 drink per day for women, 2 for men
• Quit smoking: Smoking cessation improves overall cardiovascular health

Medications

When lifestyle changes aren't enough, medications may be prescribed:

• Diuretics: Help kidneys remove excess sodium and water
• ACE Inhibitors: Block the formation of angiotensin II (a hormone that narrows blood vessels)
• Calcium Channel Blockers: Relax blood vessel muscles
• Beta Blockers: Slow heart rate and reduce force of contraction
• Angiotensin II Receptor Blockers (ARBs): Block the action of angiotensin II

Important Notes

If you suspect you have hypertension, please consult a healthcare provider for proper diagnosis and treatment. Never stop or change medications without medical advice.

References

1. World Health Organization. (2023). Hypertension. Retrieved from https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/hypertension

2. American Heart Association. (2023). Understanding Blood Pressure Readings. Retrieved from https://www.heart.org/en/health-topics/high-blood-pressure

3. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2023). High Blood Pressure Facts. Retrieved from https://www.cdc.gov/bloodpressure/facts.htm

4. National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute. (2023). The DASH Eating Plan. Retrieved from https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/education/dash-eating-plan

5. Whelton, P. K., et al. (2018). 2017 ACC/AHA/AAPA/ABC/ACPM/AGS/APhA/ASH/ASPC/NMA/PCNA Guideline for the Prevention, Detection, Evaluation, and Management of High Blood Pressure in Adults. Journal of the American College of Cardiology, 71(19), e127-e248.