High blood pressure (hypertension) is a common and serious medical condition that affects millions of people worldwide. Hypertension is called the “silent killer” because it has no symptoms and can be lethal if left untreated.

What is High Blood Pressure?

Blood pressure is the force of blood against the wall of your arteries. Blood pressure is measured in millimetres of mercury (mm Hg). Blood pressure has two readings.

• Systolic pressure (top number): The force of blood during contractions of the heart.

• Diastolic pressure (bottom number): The force of blood while the heart is at rest between contractions.

Generally, blood pressure is considered normal at 120/80 mm Hg, and generally considered high after a reading of 130/80 mm Hg.

Causes and Risk Factors

High blood pressure can be caused by a number of factors, including:

• Hereditary / family history

• Older age (risk increases with age)

• Poor diet, especially high in sodium

• Not enough exercise

• Obesity

• Tobacco and/or excessive alcohol consumption

• Chronic diseases, like kidney disease or diabetes

• Stress (mental and emotional)

Why Is It Dangerous?
When your blood pressure levels stay elevated for extended periods, it increases the amount of strain on your heart and arteries and other organs. This increased strain may result in:

• Heart disease and heart attacks

• Stroke

• Kidney damage

• Vision loss

• Aneurysms

How Is It Diagnosed?
Usually, high blood pressure is diagnosed using a simple arm cuff monitor at a doctor’s office or at home. Because blood pressure levels can vary with time, it may take a few readings over a period of time to confirm a diagnosis.

Managing High Blood Pressure
Fortunately, high blood pressure can be controlled. Treatment usually includes:

1,Lifestyle Changes

• Eat a healthy, low-salt diet (like the DASH diet)

• Maintain regular physical activity (at least 30 minutes on most days)

• Get to and stay at a healthy weight

• Limit alcohol intake, and avoid tobacco use

• Manage stress

2,Medications

• Diuretics

• ACE inhibitors

• Beta-blockers

• Calcium channel blockers

Your doctor will develop a treatment plan based on your need and chronic conditions.

Prevention
Even if your blood pressure is normal, there are things you can do to help prevent hypertension:

• Check your blood pressure regularly

• Eat a heart healthy diet

• Be active

• Limit salt, caffeine, and alcohol

• Avoid tobacco

Summary
High blood pressure is a serious, but manageable condition. If you monitor blood pressure regularly, and follow healthy lifestyle habits, and medical care, you can reduce the risk of complications and live longer with better quality of life.