- https://medlineplus.gov
- https://www.heart.org
- https://www.cdc.gov - prevention
- https://www.cdc.gov - management
- https://www.mayoclinic.org/
- https://www.heart.org/ risks
Chronic High Blood Pressure (Hypertension)
Why it's Called the Silent Killer and What You Can Do to Prevent It
When a person's blood pressure reading is high (systolic pressure is 130 or higher, OR diastolic pressure is 80 or higher) at two or more separate appointments, the result is a Hypertension diagnosis. Hypertension is the medical term for chronic high blood pressure.
Blood pressure is the force of the blood pushing against the walls of the arteries. Each time the heart beats, it pumps blood into the arteries. Blood pressure is highest when the heart beats, pumping the blood, and is called systolic pressure. When the heart relaxes between beats, the blood pressure falls, which is called diastolic pressure. A blood pressure of 120/80 means a systolic of 120 and a diastolic of 80. Less than 120/80 is considered normal for most people.
About Hypertension
There are two main types of Hypertension, Primary or Essential and Secondary.
Primary or essential, Hypertension is the most common, occurring in over 90% of patients with high blood pressure. It tends to develop over time as you get older or when other risk factors exist, such as diabetes, obesity, inactivity, and alcohol use.
Secondary Hypertension is caused by another medical condition or the use of certain medicines. It usually improves after you treat that condition or stop taking the medications that are causing it. Various conditions and medications that can lead to secondary Hypertension include:
Risk Factors
Some factors can put you at higher risk for Hypertension (high blood pressure), including:
- Age Risk increases with age.
- Race Hypertension is more common among people of color often developing at an earlier age.
- Family History High blood pressure tends to run in families.
- Overweight/Obesity More weight requires more blood volume to circulate through the body, causing extra stress on artery walls.
- Inactivity Lack of activity tends to lead to higher heart rates, causing the heart to pump harder and increase pressure in arteries.
- Tobacco Use Smoking or chewing tobacco immediately raises blood pressure temporarily, but chemicals in tobacco can also damage the lining of artery walls, causing them to narrow.
- Too much salt (sodium) Excess salt in the diet causes the body to retain fluid, which increases blood pressure.
- Too little potassium Potassium helps balance sodium in cells. Potassium supplements are discouraged, as they can lead to serious cardiac complications.
- Drinking too much alcohol Over time, heavy drinking can damage the heart. In the short term, it elevates blood pressure.
- Certain chronic conditions Conditions such as kidney disease, diabetes and sleep apnea can put you at risk for high blood pressure.
- Pregnancy Pregnancy can sometimes contribute to high blood pressure.
Symptoms
Unfortunately, Hypertension usually has no symptoms, earning it the nickname, "the silent killer." While a few people may experience headaches, shortness of breath, or nosebleeds, these signs and symptoms are not specific, and usually don't occur until high blood pressure has reached a severe or life-threatening stage. The only way to know if you have Hypertension is to get regular blood pressure checks from your healthcare provider.
Blood pressure readings above 160/100 when accompanied by confusion, difficulty breathing, chest pain or symptoms of a stroke are dangerously high and require immediate medical attention.
Prevention & Control
For many people, making healthy changes and forming healthy lifestyle habits can prevent high blood pressure and protect against heart disease and stroke.
- Eat a healthy diet - Talk with your health care team about eating a variety of foods rich in potassium, fiber, protein, and lower in salt (sodium) and saturated fat
- Follow DASH (Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension), a proven healthy diet plan to lower blood pressure
- Maintain a healthy weight, with a BMI <25
- Stay physically active - Physical activity can help keep you at a healthy weight and lower your blood pressure. Adults need at least 2 ½ hours of moderate exercise (like brisk walking /bicycling) every week. That's about 30 minutes a day, five days a week and two days of full-body strength training
- DO NOT SMOKE
- Limit alcohol intake - It can raise your blood pressure. Men should have no more than two alcoholic drinks per day, and women should have no more than one alcoholic drink per day
- Get Enough Sleep - At least 7 hours/night for adults
- Manage Diabetes - Most people with diabetes (about 6 in 10) also have Hypertension
- Take Your Medicine - If you take medicine to treat high blood pressure or other health conditions, follow your doctor's instructions carefully. Never stop taking your medicine without talking to your doctor or pharmacist first as it could lead to serious health consequences.
Complications
Left uncontrolled Hypertension can lead to the following complications:
Heart Attack or Stroke
Aneurysm
A bulge in the artery caused by a weakening of the artery wall. The bulge can rupture and cause internal bleeding.
Heart Failure
When the overworked heart gives out
Impaired Kidney Function
Weakened and narrowed blood vessels in kidneys impairs function
Loss of Vision
Thickened, narrowed or torn blood vessels in the eyes that can result in loss of vision
Image Source: heart.org
Metabolic Syndrome
A cluster of disorders of body metabolism, including:
Increased waist circumference; high triglycerides; low HDL cholesterol "good" cholesterol; high blood pressure and high insulin levels;
Makes development of diabetes, heart disease and stroke more likely
Trouble with Memory or Understanding
May affect your ability to think, remember and learn
Dementia
Narrowed or blocked arteries can limit blood flow to the brain leading to vascular dementia
stroke that interrupts blood flow to the brain and can cause vascular dementia
High Blood Pressure Can Lead to Sexual Dysfunction
Blood vessel damage reduces blood flow throughout body, leading to erectile dysfunction and loss of libido
