High Blood Pressure (Hypertension)

High blood pressure is a common but serious condition that increases the risk of heart disease, stroke, and other complications.

What is High Blood Pressure?

High blood pressure, or hypertension, occurs when the force of blood against the walls of the arteries is consistently too high. Over time, this increased pressure can lead to serious cardiovascular diseases, kidney damage, and other health issues.

Understanding Blood Pressure Readings

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

Systolic pressure (top number): Pressure when the heart pumps blood.
Diastolic pressure (bottom number): Pressure when the heart rests between beats.

Blood Pressure Categories:

Category	Systolic (mmHg)	Diastolic (mmHg)
Normal	Less than 120	Less than 80
Elevated	120-129	Less than 80
Hypertension Stage 1	130-139	80-89
Hypertension Stage 2	140 or higher	90 or higher
Hypertensive Crisis	Higher than 180	Higher than 120

Note: Hypertensive crisis is a medical emergency that requires immediate attention.

Causes & Risk Factors

Several factors contribute to high blood pressure, including genetics, lifestyle, and medical conditions.

1. Lifestyle Factors

High-sodium diet (processed and fast foods).
Lack of physical activity (sedentary lifestyle).
Smoking (damages blood vessels and raises blood pressure).
Excessive alcohol consumption.
Chronic stress.
Being overweight or obese.

2. Medical Conditions

Chronic kidney disease(damaged kidneys can’t regulate blood pressure).
Diabetes (high sugar levels damage blood vessels).
Sleep apnea (disrupts oxygen flow and strains the heart).
Thyroid disorders (affect metabolism and blood pressure).

Symptoms of High Blood Pressure

High blood pressure is often called the “silent killer” because it may not cause noticeable symptoms until it has damaged vital organs.

Possible Symptoms:

Headaches
Dizziness
Shortness of breath
Blurred vision
Chest pain (seek emergency help immediately!)
Nosebleeds (in severe cases)

Regular blood pressure checks are essential for early detection.

Complications of Untreated Hypertension

If left uncontrolled, high blood pressure can lead to serious complications, including:

Heart attack and stroke (due to blocked or burst arteries).
Heart failure (the heart struggles to pump blood).
Kidney damage (high pressure affects kidney function).
Vision loss (hypertension damages blood vessels in the eyes).
Cognitive issues (linked to dementia and memory loss).

How to Lower & Manage High Blood Pressure

Managing hypertension requires a combination of lifestyle changes and medications.

1. Lifestyle Changes

Adopt a DASH diet (rich in vegetables, fruits, and lean proteins).
Exercise regularly (150 minutes of moderate exercise per week).
Reduce sodium intake (less than 2,300mg per day).
Maintain a healthy weight.
Limit alcohol and avoid smoking.
Manage stress (through yoga, meditation, and relaxation techniques).

2. Medications for Hypertension

Diuretics (help remove excess sodium and water).
Beta-blockers (slow heart rate and reduce blood pressure).
ACE inhibitors & ARBs (relax blood vessels).
Calcium channel blockers (widen blood vessels and lower pressure).

Important: Always take medications as prescribed and never stop treatment without consulting a doctor.