Hypertension: The Silent Killer

Introduction to Hypertension

Hypertension simply means high blood pressure.

It occurs when blood moving through blood vessels puts too much force against the blood vessel walls.

Blood pressure (BP) normally rises and falls throughout the day, but when it consistently stays too high for too long, it is called hypertension.

In essence, a person is told he/she has high blood pressure if his/her blood pressure readings are repeatedly above normal for a long time.

In 90–95% cases of hypertension, the cause is unknown.

This is referred to as primary hypertension.

However, there are risk factors leading to such hypertension.

In 5–10% cases, it results from certain medical problems; such cases are termed secondary hypertension.

Diseases that may result in this form of hypertension include chronic kidney diseases.

Secondary hypertension is curable once the underlying cause is removed either pharmacologically or surgically.

High blood pressure is a major risk factor for heart disease and stroke in adulthood.

Causes of Hypertension

•   Age

•   Obesity

•   Diabetes mellitus

•   Alcoholism

•   Frustration (Pain)

•   High fat intake

•   Salt abuse

•   Genetic factors

•   Stress

•   Sedentary lifestyle (inactivity/lack of exercise)

In addition, some medicines can cause high blood pressure, but when they're discontinued, blood pressure usually returns to normal, e.g., caffeine, contraceptive pills.

The normal blood pressure is 100/70–130/90.

On the contrary, it is said to be abnormal when the blood pressure’s reading is 140/90 mm Hg or greater.

Signs and Symptoms of Hypertension

•   Numbness and tingling in hands and feet

•   Coughing up blood or severe nosebleeds

•   Difficult breathing

•   Chest pain/noisy chest

•   Leg-swelling (Oedema)

•   Sudden, severe headache without a certain cause

In respect of signs and symptoms, hypertension is called the “silent killer” because most people have no symptoms until they develop life-threatening complications.

So, it is important to have your BP checked regularly for early detection, as high blood pressure can be controlled and its complications avoided with lifestyle changes and medication.

Treatment of Hypertension

The treatment of high blood pressure entails the following:

•   Taking one’s BP at home.

•   Reduce salt intake.

•   Get adequate sleep.

•   Regular visitation to one's physician for BP measurement.

•   Anything stressful and strenuous should be avoided.

•   Limit caffeine, fats, and sweets.

•   Maintain a healthy diet, shift from a meat-based diet to a plant-based diet, diet rich in apples, cabbage, carrots, garlic, ginger, Irish potatoes, and so on.

•   Exercise is a good way to control weight and lower stress level; sixty minutes of brisk walking three to six times a week will help lower one’s BP.

In respect of treatment, high blood pressure can be treated with both lifestyle modifications and anti-hypertensive medications.

Lifestyle changes are usually the first step adopted, and sometimes this approach alone is enough to bring blood pressure down to a normal range.

Kindly note that high blood pressure cannot be cured but it can be controlled.

The goals of treatment are: first, to lower BP to a level as near normal as possible; and second, to reduce the risk of getting its complications, which are:

•   Heart diseases (heart attack and heart failure)

•   Stroke (brain attack)

•   Kidney diseases

Conclusively, hypertension requires lifelong monitoring, hence the importance of keeping BP under control with treatment.

Complications can be preventable, and it is very important that “a hypertensive patient” not stop or change his/her medication unless advised by the physician.

Please make your health your first priority by taking the right step now, not later.

Always remember that “health is wealth.”