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With hypertension, there are no symptoms, so it is often referred to as the "silent killer." You may not even be aware something is wrong until it's too late.
The measurement of the pressure or force of your blood pushing against the blood vessel walls is known as your blood pressure or BP. There is a top number, the systolic blood pressure, and a bottom number known as the diastolic blood pressure.
It's essential to get your blood pressure checked regularly as it's the only way to know if it's too high. You can find blood pressure machines at places like your local pharmacy or with your medical provider.
Hypertension, also known as high blood pressure, occurs when the force of your blood pushing against your artery walls is too high.
Ultimately what's considered "high" will depend on where you live. For example, in the US, a top number of 130 mmHg and/or a bottom number of at least 80 mmHg can signal high blood pressure. In Europe on the other hand, a top number of 140 and/ or a bottom number of at least 90 mmHg are concerning.
In 2020, high blood pressure contributed to over 670,000 deaths in the US alone.
Common causes of secondary hypertension include certain medications like immunosuppressants, NSAIDs, and oral contraceptives.
The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that over 1.2 billion people globally between the ages of 30 and 79 have hypertension. Additionally, about two in three of those individuals reside in a alow or middle-income country.
Usually, many factors combine to cause hypertension. Examples include a diet high in sodium, a lack of physical activity, or a high consumption of alcohol.
The more common type of high blood pressure is known as primary hypertension. It's found in about 90% of all adult cases in the US. It includes lifestyle factors like not exercising enough as well as aging.
This type of high blood pressure is caused by different medical conditions you may have or medicine you're taking.
Researchers believe that if one or more of your close, biological family members has high blood pressure then you are at an increased risk for developing it.
Risk factors for having high blood pressure include being over 55 years old, being Black, and having certain medical conditions like thyroid disease or chronic kidney disease.
Yes, primary and secondary high blood pressure can exist simultaneously. You may already have primary high blood pressure that is then exacerbated by a secondary cause.
Additionally, kidney disease, obstructive sleep apnea, renal vascular diseases, and recreational drug use can cause secondary hypertension.
If you are obese or overweight and not getting enough exercise, you can be at a higher risk for hypertension.
Other complications include kidney disease, kidney failure, complications during pregnancy, and vascular dementia.
There are very serious complications that can arise from hypertension including Coronary Artery Disease (CAD), stroke, heart attack, or peripheral artery disease.
Potassium is an important nutrient for keeping your blood pressure in check. Try and consume 3,500 to 5,000 milligrams per day and ideally do so through the foods you eat instead of taking supplements.
Your doctor or a healthcare provider can diagnose you with high blood pressure by measuring it with an arm cuff.
Maintaining a healthy weight is essential in minimizing high blood pressure. Additionally, it's important to eat a healthy diet such as the DASH diet, which is filled with fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and low-fat dairy.
Unfortunately, if you have primary high blood pressure, you will have to manage it for the rest of your life.
If at two appointments, your provider tells you that your blood pressure is high, then you should make sure to really explore hypertension further and make lifestyle and other changes before it gets worse.
If you're dealing with secondary high blood pressure then the pressure will likely decrease after you receive treatment for the medical problem that was originally the cause.
You should seek emergency services or dial 911 if you are experiencing shortness of breath alongside a headache, chest pain, blurry vision, or anxiety. When in doubt, call your medical provider immediately.
Other questions you might ask your medical provider in a non-emergency setting can include which types of exercises you should do, if medication is needed, and if yes, which ones and why.
If your doctor suggests you check your blood pressure regularly then an at-home blood pressure monitor may be in order.
Sources: (CNN Health) (Cleveland Clinic)
See also: Key foods to avoid if you have high blood pressure
It is very common to have high blood pressure. In fact, in the US, 47% of adults are affected. This is around 116 million people.
Hypertension, or high blood pressure, is a serious but common condition. This "silent killer" is one that's found all over the world, and in the US a staggering 47% of people are affected by it. There are numerous risk factors associated with hypertension, and we must make active decisions in our everyday lives to prevent it.
In the gallery, you'll find out everything you need to know about what hypertension is, how it happens, how to prevent it, and what to do if you have it. Curious if you're at risk? Click through to find out now.
Understanding the health risks of hypertension
The importance of checking your blood pressure
HEALTH Blood pressure
Hypertension, or high blood pressure, is a serious but common condition. This "silent killer" is one that's found all over the world, and in the US a staggering 47% of people are affected by it. There are numerous risk factors associated with hypertension, and we must make active decisions in our everyday lives to prevent it.
In the gallery, you'll find out everything you need to know about what hypertension is, how it happens, how to prevent it, and what to do if you have it. Curious if you're at risk? Click through to find out now.