Hypertension—often called the “Silent Killer” has affected more than 1.28 billion adults around the globe according to the World Health Organization (WHO). Diabetes and Hypertension both have affected a major chunk of the population. Despite the prevalence of hypertension many people live with high blood pressure without even knowing it. It is discovered when a serious complication arise due to it such as Heart Attack, Stroke, Aneurysm or Kidney Failure.
Hypertension cannot be cured but it can be prevented and managed. Whether you are a medical student, a doctor or a patient of hypertension, understanding it can help you in many ways.
In this blog we will cover every aspect of hypertension from causes to treatment in a clear and engaging way backed up by scientific evidence.
What is Hypertension (HTN)?
Blood circulates in blood vessels. The force of the blood against the walls of your arteries when too high is considered as hypertension. It is measured in millimeters of mercury (mmHg). It has two values, the systolic pressure and the diastolic pressure.
Systolic pressure: It is written on top, it is the pressure in the arteries when your heart beats.
Diastolic pressure: It is written lower, it is the pressure in the arteries when your heart rests.
The normal blood pressure for adults is 120/80 mmHg. If this value remains elevated for a long time it causes your heart to work harder than normal which can lead to many complications.
Why is Hypertension Called the “Silent Killer”?
Even a mild disease can make us feel sick and weak. Most people with hypertension don’t get this feeling of being sick, nor do they notice any obvious symptom. It is due to this reason why it is referred to as the “Silent Killer”. It damages the blood vessels and many vital organs like brain, heart and kidneys. It can take years for symptoms to appear.
If Hypertension is not monitored it can go unnoticed for a long time leading to life threatening events like Stroke, Heart Attack. Aneurysm, Kidney Failure or Heart failure.
What Causes Hypertension?
Hypertension can arise on its own without the presence of a single identifiable cause and is called Primary Hypertension or it can arise as a result of some ongoing medical condition and is called Secondary Hypertension.
Primary HTN is also called “Essential Hypertension” and accounts for more than 90% of the total cases. It is linked with risk factors such as aging, poor diet, physical inactivity, family history, obesity, excessive alcohol, smoking or chronic stress.
Secondary HTN is cause by some ongoing medical condition like thyroid disorders, kidney disease, obstructive sleep apnea, adrenal glands tumors or by using certain medications like NSAIDs, steroids or OCPs.
Usually in clinical practice Primary HTN is suspected when a person is aged, obese or living sedentary lifestyle. If HTN develops suddenly, at a younger age or due to some known cause then Secondary HTN is suspected. It is for a healthcare professional to investigate and differentiate between primary and secondary hypertension.
Symptoms of Hypertension:
It is clear from the word “Silent Killer” that the symptoms do not appear until significant damage has occurred. However people with HTN may experience the symptoms of morning headaches, blurred vision, dizziness, epistaxis, chest pain, fatigue and irregular heartbeat.
Do keep it in mind that the presence of these symptoms do not confirm the presence of HTN. For that you need to regularly check your blood pressure.
How is HTN diagnosed?
Sphygmomanometer is a device used for monitoring blood pressure. It consists of a cuff, bulb, mercury gauge and a stethoscope. In order to make the diagnosis of HTN you need multiple readings of high blood pressure on different days and in resting position.
According to guidelines from the American College of Cardiology (ACC) and American Heart Association (AHA), a diagnosis requires persistent readings above 130/80 mmHg. Your doctor may also recommend blood and urine tests to rule out secondary causes or may advice ECG or Echo to assess heart function.
Why is Hypertension Dangerous?
Long term uncontrolled hypertension can damage many organs leading to problems like;
Heart Attack
Heart failure
Stroke
Kidney failure
Vision loss
Aneurysms
Dementia
Cognitive Decline
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) states that nearly 50 percent of the US population is hypertensive, and unfortunately 3 out of every 4 are uncontrolled.
Treatment of Hypertension:
HTN is highly prevalent yet highly treatable as well. The treatment mostly include lifestyle changes, medications or combination of both. The treatment plan depends upon the risk factors, blood pressure levels and overall health.
1. Lifestyle Modification:
Adopting a healthy lifestyle does not only prevent HTN but a cascade of diseases. Some common lifestyle modifications include:
Diet: Anyone with HTN should have a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean protein and low fat dairy. Reduce the consumption of sodium and increase the consumption of potassium and magnesium rich food.
Reduce Sodium Intake: Sodium plays a major role in blood pressure. Ideally sodium intake should be 1500 mg. Avoid processed food and minimize salt intake.
Exercise Regularly: Exercising is crucial for living a healthy life. 30 to 45 minutes of moderate exercise like walking and cycling every day is recommended with strength training two times a week.
Weight Loss: Weight management is important. Researches have confirmed that losing 1 kg of weight reduces systolic blood pressure by 1 mmHg.
Stop Smoking: Both Smoking and Alcohol consumption are risk factors for HTN. Smoking damages arteries and raises the blood pressure.
Stress Management: Our website has a separate blog on how depression and stress affects the human body. If you want to read that click here! Techniques like yoga, meditation, deep breathing and cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) can proof helpful in reducing hypertension.
2. Medications for Hypertension:
If someone fails to manage HTN with changing his or her lifestyle then it’s time to start medications. Some of the most common medicines prescribed to patients of hypertension are as follow:
1. ACE Inhibitors: This class include drugs like Lisinopril and Enalapril that block the production of angiotensin by inhabiting angiotensin converting enzyme.
2. ARBs: This class of include drugs like Losartan and Valsartan. They act similarly to ACE Inhibitors and blocks angiotensin II receptors.
3. Calcium Channel Blockers: this class include drugs like Amlodipine and Diltiazem. They reduce blood pressure by relaxing the blood vessels.
4. Diuretic: These are the drugs like Hydrochlorothiazide responsible for removing excess salt and water in urine.
5. Beta Blockers: This class include drugs like Metoprolol and Atenolol. They slow the heart rate and reduce cardiac output.
Conclusion:
Hypertension might be silent but its consequences are not. In order to properly manage HTN one need to control his blood pressure by bringing positive changes into his or her lifestyle. HTN goes unnoticed for years damaging your body without you even realizing. Regular monitoring is very important in order to avoid dreadful complications like Stroke, Heart attack or Aneurysms. If you are unable to manage high blood pressure with lifestyle changes then you can consider taking medications like ACE Inhibitors, ARBs, Calcium Channel Blockers or Diuretics. If you liked this blog and want to know more abut the human body go to my website Medrizz.com.
Sources:
• World Health Organization. Hypertension Fact Sheet
• American Heart Association. Understanding Blood Pressure Readings
• Whelton PK, et al. Hypertension. 2020; doi:10.1161/HYPERTENSIONAHA.119.13692
• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). High Blood Pressure
FAQs:
What is Hypertension?
Hypertension, also known as high blood pressure, is a condition in which the force of the blood against the artery walls is consistently too high.
What are the normal blood pressure readings?
Normal adult blood pressure is around 120/80 mmHg. Persistent readings above 130/80 mmHg are considered high and may require lifestyle changes or medical treatment.
How is hypertension diagnosed?
HTN is diagnosed using a sphygmomanometer. A healthcare provider needs multiple elevated readings taken on different days, in a resting state, to confirm the diagnosis.
Why is hypertension called the “Silent Killer”?
Because it can go unnoticed for years while silently damaging vital organs like the heart, brain, and kidneys. By the time symptoms appear, significant damage may already have occurred.
Can hypertension be cured?
HTN cannot be cured, but it can be effectively managed through lifestyle changes and/or medications.
How often should I check my blood pressure?
If you’re at risk or already diagnosed, check at least once a week at home and visit your doctor regularly. If you’re healthy, annual checks during physical exams are often sufficient.
Is hypertension common?
Yes. According to the World Health Organization, over 1.28 billion adults globally have hypertension, and many remain undiagnosed or untreated.
What lifestyle changes help manage hypertension?
Managing HTN often begins with lifestyle changes. Eating a balanced diet low in sodium and rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains can help. Regular exercise, weight loss, quitting smoking, limiting alcohol, and managing stress also play a major role in keeping blood pressure under control.
What are the risks of untreated hypertension?
Untreated hypertension can lead to serious health problems over time, including heart attack, stroke, kidney damage, vision loss, and cognitive decline. Since symptoms often don’t appear early on, regular monitoring is key to preventing complications.