High Blood Pressure

What you know about hypertension could save your life.

Hypertension, or high blood pressure, often goes unnoticed, earning it the nickname "the silent killer." This condition affects people of all ages and impacts a staggering 1.28 billion adults worldwide. While there's no cure, treatment through medication and lifestyle adjustments can significantly improve health outcomes. Around 700 million people with hypertension are not receiving the treatment they need. The World Health Organization reports that hypertension contributes to premature death in one in four men and one in five women globally, highlighting the critical importance of regular blood pressure checks.

What is hypertension (high blood pressure)?

Simply put, blood pressure is the force of the blood flow against the walls of the blood vessels. When this force is above a certain threshold, blood pressure is high. Systolic pressure (the top number) reflects the force produced by the heart when it pumps blood out to the body, while diastolic blood pressure (the bottom number) is the pressure in your blood vessels when your heart is at rest.

How is blood pressure measured?

A sphygmomanometer, or blood pressure monitor, is used to measure blood pressure. A reading below 120/80 mm Hg is considered within the healthy range. The American Heart Association classifies the following as high blood pressure:

• Hypertension stage 1 – When the systolic mm Hg is between 130 – 139 or the diastolic mm Hg is 80 – 89. Your doctor will likely recommend lifestyle changes and may prescribe blood pressure medication based on your risk of cardiovascular disease.
•  Hypertension stage 2 – When the systolic mm Hg is 140 or higher or the diastolic mm Hg is 90 or higher. Your doctor will likely prescribe a combination of blood pressure medications and lifestyle changes.
• Hypertensive crisis –When the systolic mm Hg is higher than 180 and/or the diastolic mm Hg is higher than 120. This requires immediate medical attention; contact your doctor without delay.

Why is hypertension a problem?

High blood pressure can sometimes be accompanied by symptoms such as headaches, vision problems, nausea, and vomiting. If left untreated, serious complications can arise, including:

• Artery damage: Narrowed or damaged arteries and aneurysms.
• Brain damage: Transient ischaemic attacks (TIAs), strokes, dementia and mild cognitive impairment.
• Eye damage: Damage to retinal blood vessels, fluid buildup under the retina, and optic nerve damage. In severe cases, hypertensive emergencies like blindness or pulmonary oedema (fluid in the lungs) can occur.
• Heart damage: Coronary artery disease; left ventricular hypertrophy (enlarged left heart), and heart failure.
• Kidney damage: Kidney scarring and kidney failure.
• Sexual dysfunction: Erectile dysfunction in men.

Making lifestyle changes that matter

Several proven lifestyle changes can help lower blood pressure in individuals with hypertension. These include adopting a balanced, low-sodium diet; limiting alcohol consumption; engaging in regular physical activity; managing stress effectively; maintaining a healthy weight; quitting smoking; and adhering to prescribed medication regimens.