Understanding Hypertension: What You Need to Know

Hypertension, commonly known as high blood pressure, affects millions of Americans and is a leading risk factor for heart disease and stroke. Understanding this condition is the first step toward effective management.

What is Hypertension?

Hypertension occurs when the force of blood against your artery walls is consistently too high. Blood pressure is measured in millimeters of mercury (mm Hg) and recorded as two numbers:

Systolic pressure: The pressure when your heart beats
Diastolic pressure: The pressure when your heart rests between beats

Normal blood pressure is typically below 120/80 mm Hg. Hypertension is generally defined as:

Stage 1: 130-139/80-89 mm Hg
Stage 2: 140/90 mm Hg or higher

Causes and Risk Factors

Several factors can contribute to high blood pressure:

Age: Risk increases with age
Family history: Genetics play a role
Lifestyle factors: Poor diet, lack of exercise, smoking, excessive alcohol
Medical conditions: Diabetes, kidney disease, sleep apnea
Medications: Some medications can raise blood pressure

Symptoms

Hypertension is often called the "silent killer" because it typically has no symptoms. Some people may experience:

Headaches
Shortness of breath
Nosebleeds
Dizziness

However, these symptoms are rare and usually occur only when blood pressure is extremely high.

Complications

Untreated hypertension can lead to serious health problems:

Heart attack
Stroke
Heart failure
Kidney disease
Vision loss
Metabolic syndrome

Management and Treatment

Effective hypertension management typically involves:

Lifestyle Modifications

Dietary changes: Follow the DASH (Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension) diet
Regular exercise: At least 30 minutes most days
Weight management: Maintain a healthy weight
Stress reduction: Practice relaxation techniques
Limit alcohol and quit smoking

Medications

When lifestyle changes aren't enough, your doctor may prescribe medications such as:

ACE inhibitors
Diuretics
Beta-blockers
Calcium channel blockers

Prevention

You can reduce your risk of developing hypertension by:

Maintaining a healthy weight
Eating a balanced diet
Exercising regularly
Limiting sodium intake
Managing stress
Getting regular checkups

When to See a Doctor

Schedule an appointment if you:

Have consistently high blood pressure readings
Experience symptoms that concern you
Have a family history of hypertension
Want to develop a prevention plan

Early detection and treatment are key to preventing complications. Regular monitoring and working closely with your healthcare provider can help you maintain healthy blood pressure levels.