Hypertension, or high blood pressure, often doesn’t show symptoms but can lead to serious health issues like heart disease, stroke, and kidney problems. Blood pressure measures the force of blood against blood vessel walls. It’s determined by how hard the heart has to work and the resistance in the blood vessels.
Hypertension is defined as consistently having a blood pressure higher than 140/90 mm Hg. The top number (systolic) measures the pressure when the heart pumps, and the bottom number (diastolic) is when the heart rests.
Although most people with hypertension feel fine, long-term blood pressure can cause damage to organs like the heart and kidneys. Severe cases can lead to headaches, nosebleeds, and even anxiety. Overtime, hypertension can lead to atherosclerosis, where plaque narrows blood vessels, making the heart work harder. This can cause heart attacks, kidney failure, strokes, or even blindness due to damage in the eye.
There are two types of hypertension: primary (essential) and secondary.
Primary hypertension is usually caused by factors like obesity, a poor diet, excessive alcohol, or smoking.
Secondary hypertension is due to another condition, like kidney disease or sleep apnea.
Hypertension is more common as people age, especially in those over 65 years, and it’s more prevalent in certain ethnic groups, like African Americans.
The best way to manage it is through lifestyle changes — regular exercise, a healthy diet, reducing alcohol and tobacco use, and monitoring blood pressure regularly.
