High blood pressure, also known as hypertension, occurs when the force of blood against artery walls is consistently too high. This condition often goes unnoticed because it typically shows no symptoms, earning it the nickname “silent killer.” Here’s what you need to know:
What is High Blood Pressure?
Blood pressure is measured in two numbers:
- Systolic Pressure: The pressure when the heart beats.
- Diastolic Pressure: The pressure when the heart is at rest between beats.
Healthcare providers measure blood pressure in millimeters of mercury (mmHg). Elevated blood pressure damages arteries over time, increasing the risk of serious complications like heart attacks and strokes.
Diagnosing High Blood Pressure
The only way to know if you have high blood pressure is through regular check-ups with a healthcare provider. Even without symptoms, these check-ups are crucial as they can detect high blood pressure early, allowing for timely intervention.
Blood Pressure Numbers
- In the U.S., high blood pressure is defined as:
- Systolic pressure of at least 130 mmHg, and/or
- Diastolic pressure of at least 80 mmHg.
- In Europe, it’s defined as:
- Systolic pressure of at least 140 mmHg, and/or
- Diastolic pressure of at least 90 mmHg.
Prevalence and Impact
High blood pressure is widespread, affecting 47% of adults in the U.S. and over 1.2 billion globally. Despite its commonality, many are unaware they have it. The condition contributed to more than 670,000 deaths in the U.S. in 2020.
Types of High Blood Pressure
There are two main types:
- Primary Hypertension: Linked to aging and lifestyle factors.
- Secondary Hypertension: Caused by identifiable medical conditions or medications.
Risk Factors and Causes
Risk factors include family history, age, ethnicity (being Black increases risk), certain medical conditions, obesity, lack of exercise, and unhealthy diet high in sodium.
Complications
Untreated hypertension can lead to serious complications such as coronary artery disease, stroke, heart attack, kidney disease, eye damage, and more.
Diagnosis and Tests
Healthcare providers diagnose hypertension using an arm cuff to measure blood pressure. New guidelines categorize blood pressure readings into stages, with stages 1 and 2 indicating hypertension.
Management and Treatment
Treatment often involves lifestyle changes like diet modifications (reducing sodium intake), regular exercise, weight management, and medications such as statins or other drugs that help lower blood pressure.
