Hypertension (High Blood Pressure): Everything You Should Know
High blood pressure, also called hypertension, is one of the most common health problems in the world. Many people have it without even knowing. If not treated, it can lead to serious problems like heart disease, stroke, and kidney damage.
In this blog, we will explain what hypertension is, its causes, symptoms, risks, prevention tips, and treatment options in simple words.
What Is Hypertension?
Blood pressure is the force of blood pushing against the walls of your blood vessels. Your heart pumps blood through these vessels to different parts of your body.
When this pressure is too high for a long time, it is called high blood pressure or hypertension.
Blood pressure is measured in two numbers:
- Systolic pressure (the top number) – the pressure when your heart beats.
- Diastolic pressure (the bottom number) – the pressure when your heart relaxes between beats.
Example: If your blood pressure is 120/80 mmHg, 120 is systolic and 80 is diastolic.
Normal and High Blood Pressure Levels
Here is a simple chart:
Category Systolic (Top) Diastolic (Bottom)
Normal Less than 120 Less than 80
Elevated 120–129 Less than 80
Hypertension Stage 1 130–139 80–89
Hypertension Stage 2 140 or higher 90 or higher
Hypertensive Crisis Over 180 Over 120
If your readings are often higher than normal, you should talk to a doctor.
Types of Hypertension
There are mainly two types:
- Primary (Essential) Hypertension
- Most common type.
- Develops slowly over many years.
- The exact cause is not known.
- Secondary Hypertension
- Caused by another health problem like kidney disease, thyroid problems, or certain medicines.
- It can appear suddenly and cause higher blood pressure than primary hypertension.
Causes and Risk Factors
High blood pressure can happen for many reasons. Some causes we can control, and some we cannot.
Risk factors you cannot change:
- Age (risk increases as you get older)
- Family history (genetics)
- Gender (men are at higher risk earlier, women after menopause)
Risk factors you can change:
- Eating too much salt
- Being overweight or obese
- Not being physically active
- Drinking too much alcohol
- Smoking
- Stress
- Poor sleep
- Eating unhealthy food
Symptoms of High Blood Pressure
Hypertension is called a silent killer because it often has no symptoms in the early stages. Many people do not feel anything until it causes serious problems.
When symptoms appear, they may include:
- Headaches
- Dizziness
- Blurred vision
- Shortness of breath
- Chest pain
- Nosebleeds
If you have these symptoms, especially with very high readings, get medical help quickly.
Why Hypertension Is Dangerous
Untreated high blood pressure can damage your body slowly. It increases the risk of:
- Heart disease – Can cause a heart attack or heart failure.
- Stroke – High pressure can block or burst blood vessels in the brain.
- Kidney damage – Can reduce kidney function or cause kidney failure.
- Eye damage – Can harm blood vessels in the eyes, leading to vision problems.
- Memory problems – May increase risk of dementia.
How Hypertension Is Diagnosed
High blood pressure is diagnosed with a blood pressure monitor. Your doctor will:
- Measure your blood pressure several times on different days.
- Check your medical history.
- Order tests like blood tests, urine tests, ECG, or echocardiogram to see if your organs are affected.
Sometimes, doctors may ask you to wear a 24-hour blood pressure monitor to get an accurate picture.
Prevention Tips
Even if your blood pressure is normal, you should take steps to keep it healthy. Prevention is always better than cure.
Healthy lifestyle tips:
Eat a balanced diet – Include fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins.
Reduce salt – Too much salt makes your body hold extra water, which raises blood pressure.
Exercise regularly – At least 30 minutes of walking, cycling, or swimming most days.
Maintain a healthy weight – Losing even a small amount of weight can lower your blood pressure.
Limit alcohol – No more than 1 drink per day for women and 2 for men.
Avoid smoking – Smoking damages blood vessels and raises blood pressure.
Manage stress – Try yoga, meditation, deep breathing, or hobbies.
Get enough sleep – 7–8 hours every night.
Treatment for Hypertension
If lifestyle changes are not enough, your doctor may prescribe medicines.
Common types of medicines:
Diuretics – Help remove extra salt and water from your body.
Beta-blockers – Slow your heartbeat and reduce pressure.
ACE inhibitors – Relax blood vessels.
Calcium channel blockers – Prevent calcium from entering heart cells and vessel walls.
Always take medicines as prescribed. Do not stop without asking your doctor.
Living with High Blood Pressure
If you have hypertension, you can still live a healthy life. The key is regular monitoring and care.
- Check your blood pressure at home with a reliable machine.
- Keep a record and show it to your doctor during visits.
- Follow your treatment plan without skipping medicines.
- Stay active and eat healthy every day.
- Avoid stress and learn relaxation techniques.
When to Seek Emergency Help
Call a doctor or go to the hospital if you have:
- Severe headache
- Chest pain
- Shortness of breath
- Weakness or numbness in the face, arms, or legs
- Trouble speaking
- Vision changes
These may be signs of a hypertensive crisis, heart attack, or stroke.
Key Takeaways
- Hypertension is common and dangerous if untreated.
- Often has no symptoms in the early stages.
- Can be prevented by healthy habits.
- Treatment includes lifestyle changes and medicines.
- Regular checkups are important for control.
Final Words:
High blood pressure is not something to ignore. By checking your blood pressure regularly, eating healthy, staying active, and following your doctor’s advice, you can manage it effectively and live a long, healthy life.
