High Blood Pressure (Hypertension)

Understanding High Blood Pressure (Hypertension)

Brief Description:
This blog explains what high blood pressure (hypertension) is, why it matters, and how it affects your health. Learn the signs, risk factors, complications, and the steps you can take to prevent or manage it through lifestyle changes and medical support.

Its Impact on Your Health

High blood pressure, or hypertension, is a common but serious condition. Left untreated, it can lead to life-threatening problems like heart attacks, strokes, and kidney disease. In this guide, you’ll learn what high blood pressure is, how it affects the body, and what you can do to manage it.

What Is High Blood Pressure?

Blood pressure is the force of blood pushing against artery walls. It’s measured with two numbers:

• Systolic pressure (top number): when the heart beats

• Diastolic pressure (bottom number): when the heart rests

High blood pressure is defined as consistently having readings above 130/80 mmHg (American Heart Association, 2023).

Complications of High Blood Pressure

Chronic high blood pressure can damage important organs over time. Some of the most serious complications include:

• Heart disease: It raises your risk for coronary artery disease, heart attacks, and heart failure.

• Stroke: High blood pressure can lead to blocked or burst blood vessels in the brain.

• Kidney damage: Over time, it can impair kidney function.

• Vision problems: High pressure can damage the blood vessels in the eyes.

• Cognitive decline: Long-term hypertension is linked to dementia and memory issues.

Reference: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 2022

Symptoms of High Blood Pressure

Hypertension is often called the "silent killer" because it usually has no symptoms until damage occurs. Some possible warning signs include:

• Dizziness or lightheadedness

• Headaches, especially in the morning

• Fatigue

• Flushed face

• Vision problems or retinal changes seen during an eye exam

• Nervousness or anxiety

However, most people don't know they have high blood pressure until it's measured.

Reference: American Heart Association, 2023

Risk Factors for High Blood Pressure

Some risk factors can be controlled, while others cannot. Key contributors include:

• Overweight or obesity

• Lack of physical activity

• Smoking and tobacco use

• High-sodium diet and low potassium intake

• Heavy alcohol use

• Chronic stress

• Sleep apnea or poor sleep

• Diabetes

• Age: Risk increases with age (especially after 45 for men and 65 for women)

• Race: African Americans are at higher risk

• Family history of hypertension

Reference: Mayo Clinic, 2023; National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute

How to Manage High Blood Pressure

Lifestyle changes are the first line of defense:

• Eat a heart-healthy diet (like DASH)

• Lower sodium and increase potassium

• Maintain a healthy weight

• Exercise regularly

• Limit alcohol and avoid tobacco

• Manage stress through sleep, relaxation, and self-care

Sometimes, medications are needed. These may include ACE inhibitors, beta blockers, calcium channel blockers, or diuretics.

Reference: American College of Cardiology, 2022

Conclusion

High blood pressure is a major health risk, but it’s manageable. Many people lower their risk through small, consistent changes to their diet, exercise, and lifestyle.

Check your blood pressure regularly, even if you feel fine. Talk to your doctor if your numbers are above 120/80 mmHg. Early treatment helps prevent long-term damage.

Your health is your most valuable asset—take steps now to protect it.

Sources:

• American Heart Association. (2023). Understanding Blood Pressure Readings.

• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2022). High Blood Pressure Facts.

• Mayo Clinic. (2023). High Blood Pressure (Hypertension).

• National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute. Managing Hypertension.

• American College of Cardiology. (2022). Guidelines for Blood Pressure Management.