What is Hypertension?

Hypertension, also known as high blood pressure, is a chronic medical condition where the force of the blood against the walls of the arteries is consistently too high. Over time, this increased pressure can lead to serious health problems such as heart disease, stroke, and kidney damage.

Blood pressure is measured using two numbers:

Systolic Pressure (the top number): Measures the pressure in the arteries when the heart beats.

Diastolic Pressure (the bottom number): Measures the pressure in the arteries when the heart is at rest between beats.

  • Normal Blood Pressure: Less than 120/80 mmHg.
  • Elevated Blood Pressure: Systolic 120–129 mmHg and diastolic less than 80 mmHg.
  • Hypertension (Stage 1): Systolic 130–139 mmHg or diastolic 80–89 mmHg.
  • Hypertension (Stage 2): Systolic 140 mmHg or higher, or diastolic 90 mmHg or higher.
  • Hypertensive Crisis: Systolic over 180 mmHg and/or diastolic over 120 mmHg (requires immediate medical attention).
  • Nearly half of all U.S. adults have hypertension.

Prevalence by Gender:

  • Men: 51.0% of men have hypertension.
  • Women: 39.7% of women have hypertension.

Prevalence by Age Group:

  • Ages 18–39: 22.4%.
  • Ages 40–59: 54.5%.
  • Ages 60 and older: 74.5%.

Hypertension can develop for various reasons, including:

Primary (Essential) Hypertension:

  • No identifiable cause.
  • Develops gradually over years.
  • Risk factors include age, genetics, and lifestyle factors.

Secondary Hypertension:

  • Caused by an underlying condition, such as kidney disease, hormonal disorders, or medication side effects.
  • Age: Risk increases as you get older.
  • Family History: A genetic predisposition to hypertension.
  • Obesity: Excess weight increases the strain on the heart.
  • Lack of Physical Activity: Inactivity contributes to weight gain and increased heart strain.
  • Diet: High salt, low potassium, and poor nutrition can elevate blood pressure.
  • Alcohol and Tobacco Use: Both can raise blood pressure levels.
  • Chronic Stress: Sustained stress can contribute to elevated blood pressure.
  • Other Conditions: Diabetes and high cholesterol often coexist with hypertension.

Hypertension is often called the “silent killer” because most people do not experience symptoms. However, in severe cases, symptoms may include:

  • Severe headaches.
  • Shortness of breath.
  • Nosebleeds.
  • Vision problems.

If left untreated, hypertension can lead to:

  • Heart Disease: Increases the risk of heart attack, heart failure, and left ventricular hypertrophy (enlarged heart).
  • Stroke: Due to damage to blood vessels in the brain.
  • Kidney Damage: Can lead to kidney failure over time.
  • Eye Damage: Hypertension can damage the blood vessels in the eyes, leading to vision problems.
  • Aneurysms: Increased pressure can cause blood vessels to weaken and bulge.

Lifestyle Changes:

  • Maintain a healthy weight.
  • Eat a heart-healthy diet, such as the DASH diet (rich in fruits, vegetables, and low in salt).
  • Engage in regular physical activity (at least 30 minutes a day, most days of the week).
  • Limit alcohol intake and avoid smoking.

Medications:

  • Commonly prescribed medications include diuretics, ACE inhibitors, beta-blockers, and calcium channel blockers.

Monitor Blood Pressure:

  • Regularly check blood pressure at home or at a healthcare provider’s office.

Hypertension is a common but serious condition that affects a large portion of the U.S. population. With nearly half of all adults affected, it is essential to adopt healthy lifestyle habits, monitor blood pressure regularly, and seek medical advice to prevent complications and improve long-term health.

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