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WHAT IS HYPERTENSION?
Hypertensive individuals have high blood pressure. Blood pressure (BP) is the amount of force being exerted on the walls of the arteries, the muscular tubes that carry blood away from the heart. If left untreated, increased BP can lead to severe arterial damage and cardiovascular disease, including heart attacks and strokes.
UNDERSTANDING BLOOD PRESSURE
Blood pressure is expressed as a ratio of two numbers: systolic and diastolic pressure.
The top number represents systolic pressure, or the blood pressure in the arteries when the heart pumps. Diastolic pressure, the arterial blood pressure when the heart is relaxed, is written underneath.
In general, 120/80 is considered a "normal" blood pressure reading. Hypertensive individuals have even higher blood pressure, usually around 140/90. A detailed classification of blood pressure ranges is included below.
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Watch this video to learn more!
(American Academy of Family Physicians, 2004; American Heart Association [AHA], n.d. -b; Cleveland Clinic, 2014; Delaney, 2009; Greer et al., 2019; Kiguli et al., 2019; Mayo Clinic, 2020b; National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, n.d.; World Health Organization [WHO], 2019)
WHAT DOES MY BLOOD PRESSURE READING MEAN?
WHAT CAUSES HYPERTENSION?
UNBALANCED DIET
A diet high in sodium (salt) and low in potassium is related to an increased risk for developing hypertension.
PHYSICAL INACTIVITY
Sedentary lifestyles don't condition or strengthen the heart. As a result, the heart has to work even harder to pump blood, thus increasing the force applied on the arteries.
ALCOHOL & TOBACCO
Over-consumption of alcohol drastically increases blood pressure. The recommended ratio of alcoholic drinks for women is 1 drink per day, and men shouldn't have more than 2 drinks per day.
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Tobacco also damages blood vessels and the heart. Nicotine, the active ingredient in cigarettes, lowers the amount of oxygen your blood can carry. This means that more blood must be pumped to compensate, leading to an increase in blood pressure.
AGE & FAMILY HISTORY
Adults and older age groups are at a higher risk than youth. The chances of acquiring hypertension are also greater if other family members have been diagnosed with the condition in the past.
CONCURRENT MEDICAL CONDITIONS
Other illnesses such as diabetes, HIV, and CVD can worsen hypertension.
SYMPTOMS
Hypertension is often called the "silent killer" because most people don't show symptoms. However, in a hypertensive emergency, patients may experience headaches, shortness of breath, and nosebleeds.
TREATMENT
Hypertension can't be cured. Sometimes, doctors may provide pills to help lower blood pressure, but simple healthy habits and lifestyle changes can also lessen the damaging effects of hypertension.
The best way to keep your hypertension under control is to frequently check your blood pressure. Visit your doctor regularly to receive up-to-date readings, and make sure to keep up with any medicines that they prescribe. For chronic diseases like this, long-term consistency is key.
(American Academy of Family Physicians, 2004; AHA, n.d. -b; AHA, 2016; Beilin & Puddey, 2006; Centers for Disease Control and Prevention [CDC], n.d. -a; CDC, 2019; Center for Science in the Public Interest, n.d.; Cleveland Clinic, 2014; Delaney, 2009; Greer et al., 2019; Kaddumukasa et al., 2016; Kaddumukasa et al., 2017; Kiguli et al., 2019; Kyamuhangire et al., 2013; Mathur & Pillai, 2019; Mayo Clinic, 2018; Mayo Clinic, 2019; Ravishankar, 2006; Tufts Health Plan, 2020; US Food and Drug Administration, n.d.; Ventury & Lavie, 2016; WHO, n.d.-b; WHO, 2019; WHO, 2020a; WHO, 2020b)
WHAT CAN I DO?
