Hypertension, or high blood pressure, is a common condition in which the force of blood against the artery walls is consistently too high. This condition puts extra strain on the heart and blood vessels, increasing the risk of serious health problems such as heart disease, stroke, and kidney disease.
Hypertension is often asymptomatic, earning it the nickname “the silent killer.” Many people may not realize they have high blood pressure until they experience a hypertensive crisis or undergo routine blood pressure checks. Risk factors for hypertension include age, family history, obesity, excessive salt intake, lack of physical activity, stress, and certain chronic conditions such as diabetes and kidney disease.
Management of hypertension focuses on reducing blood pressure to prevent complications. Lifestyle changes are fundamental and include adopting a heart-healthy diet (DASH diet, low in sodium and saturated fats), engaging in regular physical activity (at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise per week), maintaining a healthy weight, limiting alcohol consumption, and quitting smoking.
Medications may also be prescribed to lower blood pressure when lifestyle changes alone are insufficient. Common classes of antihypertensive drugs include diuretics, ACE inhibitors, angiotensin II receptor blockers (ARBs), beta-blockers, and calcium channel blockers. Treatment plans are personalized based on individual blood pressure readings, overall health, and presence of other risk factors.
Regular monitoring of blood pressure is essential for individuals with hypertension to track progress and adjust treatment as needed. Lifestyle modifications should be sustained long-term to effectively manage blood pressure and reduce the risk of associated cardiovascular complications.
In conclusion, hypertension requires ongoing management through a combination of lifestyle changes and, when necessary, medication to achieve and maintain optimal blood pressure levels and reduce the risk of serious health outcomes.
