Hypertension, often dubbed the “silent killer” by cardiologists, affects nearly half of all adults in the United States, yet just over half are aware of their condition. Health experts at Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU) share practical tips to better manage this pervasive health risk.
Hypertension is a medical condition characterized by persistently high blood pressure against the arterial walls. Daniel Sangjib-Min from the MCV Foundation captured images of healthcare professionals measuring a male patient’s blood pressure as part of routine monitoring.
Understanding Hypertension
Blood pressure readings consist of two numbers: systolic pressure (the higher number) measured when the heart beats, and diastolic pressure (the lower number) measured when the heart rests between beats. Normal blood pressure is below 120/80 mmHg. Stage 1 hypertension is diagnosed when systolic pressure ranges from 130 to 139 mmHg or diastolic pressure ranges from 80 to 89 mmHg. Stage 2 hypertension occurs when systolic pressure exceeds 140 mmHg or diastolic pressure surpasses 90 mmHg.
Why Is Hypertension Called the “Silent Killer”?
The danger of hypertension lies in its often symptomless progression. Many individuals experience elevated blood pressure without any noticeable signs, allowing damage to vital organs to accumulate silently. This is why regular blood pressure checks are essential.
Causes and Risk Factors
Hypertension is classified mainly into primary (essential) and secondary types. Primary hypertension is largely influenced by genetic factors and family history, although specific genes have yet to be fully identified. It has no single reversible cause, necessitating long-term management and lifestyle adjustments.
Factors such as obesity, diabetes, and sleep apnea significantly contribute to high blood pressure, highlighting the impact of sedentary lifestyles and high-sodium diets on cardiovascular health.
Secondary hypertension arises from underlying health conditions like thyroid disorders, kidney disease, or endocrine abnormalities. Fortunately, once these causes are diagnosed and treated, blood pressure often returns to normal.
How Often Should You Check Your Blood Pressure?
There is no one-size-fits-all answer, but beginning regular monitoring early is advisable. Individuals with a family history of hypertension, diabetes, or kidney disease should be especially vigilant.
For most healthy adults without risk factors, annual blood pressure screening is generally sufficient, while those at risk benefit from more frequent checks to enable early detection and prevention.
Impact of Hypertension on Organs
Hypertension affects more than just the heart; it can damage several vital organ systems, particularly the heart, kidneys, and brain.
Prolonged high blood pressure can cause the heart muscle to thicken, reducing its flexibility and ability to fill properly during relaxation. This may lead to symptoms like shortness of breath and reduced exercise tolerance, eventually culminating in heart failure.
Additionally, hypertension promotes atherosclerosis—the buildup of plaques in arteries—raising the risk of heart attack and stroke.
Kidneys are vulnerable as well; high blood pressure damages tiny blood vessels within the kidneys, potentially causing kidney failure and the need for dialysis. In the brain, uncontrolled hypertension is a leading cause of stroke.
Though some organs may initially seem less affected, the cumulative strain of high blood pressure increases the likelihood of widespread damage.
Symptoms to Watch For
Unfortunately, hypertension rarely produces symptoms until it reaches advanced stages. Many individuals remain unaware of their condition for years until complications arise. Some may experience nonspecific symptoms such as unexplained headaches or vision problems.
One of the earliest heart-related symptoms is shortness of breath during physical activity, caused by impaired heart filling. However, this sign is often overlooked. Because hypertension progresses quietly, relying solely on symptoms is insufficient—regular monitoring is crucial.
Dr. Michael Lenhardt, a cardiologist at VCU Health Pauley Heart Center and a Fellow of the American College of Cardiology, emphasizes the importance of proactive blood pressure management and lifestyle modifications. “Small steps can have a tremendous impact. Through improved primary care and increased public awareness, we can reduce the burden of hypertension in our communities,” he said.
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