Hypertension: Complete Medical Guide
Hypertension (High Blood Pressure): A Complete Guide for 2025
Understand causes, symptoms, treatment, and prevention of this silent killer.
What Is Hypertension?
Hypertension, or high blood pressure, is a chronic condition where the force of the blood against artery walls is consistently too high. It's defined as systolic pressure (top number) ≥ 140 mmHg and/or diastolic pressure (bottom number) ≥ 90 mmHg, or taking antihypertensive medications.
Because it's often symptomless, it’s nicknamed the “silent killer” — leading to heart disease, stroke, kidney failure, and more without obvious warning signs.
Global Statistics & Burden
- Over 1.4 billion adults globally live with hypertension (WHO, 2024).
- Only 23% of hypertensive individuals have their blood pressure under control.
- Two-thirds of cases occur in low- and middle-income countries.
- Hypertension is a leading contributor to cardiovascular death worldwide.
Causes and Risk Factors
Non-Modifiable Factors
- Age (risk increases with age)
- Family history / genetics
- Ethnicity (higher in African descent populations)
- Pre-existing conditions (e.g. kidney disease, endocrine disorders)
Modifiable Risk Factors
- High salt intake
- Obesity or being overweight
- Inactivity or sedentary lifestyle
- Excess alcohol consumption
- Smoking and tobacco use
- Chronic stress and poor sleep quality
Symptoms of Hypertension
Most cases show no symptoms. However, in severe cases or hypertensive emergencies, symptoms can include:
Diagnosis & Monitoring
Diagnosis is based on multiple blood pressure readings taken across separate days.
- Clinic readings: Standard measurements using validated cuffs.
- Ambulatory BP Monitoring (ABPM): 24-hour readings to detect white coat or masked hypertension.
- Home BP Monitoring (HBPM): Often used for diagnosis confirmation and follow-up.
Treatment Options
Lifestyle Changes
| Intervention | Impact on Blood Pressure |
|---|---|
| Low-sodium DASH diet | Reduces systolic BP by 5–11 mmHg |
| Weight loss (5–10% body weight) | Reduces systolic BP by 4–8 mmHg |
| Physical activity | Reduces BP by 4–9 mmHg |
| Alcohol reduction | Reduces systolic BP by 2–4 mmHg |
Medications
Common drug classes include:
- ACE Inhibitors (e.g., enalapril, lisinopril)
- ARBs (e.g., losartan, valsartan)
- Calcium Channel Blockers (e.g., amlodipine)
- Thiazide Diuretics (e.g., hydrochlorothiazide)
- Beta-blockers (used in certain cases)
New & Emerging Treatments
- Baxdrostat: a new aldosterone synthesis inhibitor showing promise in resistant hypertension.
- Digital health tools for remote monitoring.
- Device-based therapy (e.g., renal denervation in select cases).
Complications of Uncontrolled Hypertension
If left unmanaged, hypertension can lead to:
- Heart attack and heart failure
- Stroke
- Kidney failure
- Vision loss (hypertensive retinopathy)
- Aneurysms and vascular damage
- Vascular dementia
How to Prevent Hypertension
- Eat a heart-healthy, low-sodium diet
- Stay physically active (at least 150 minutes/week)
- Maintain a healthy weight
- Limit alcohol and avoid smoking
- Manage stress and sleep well
- Get regular check-ups if you have risk factors
Conclusion
Hypertension remains a critical global health issue. Early diagnosis, consistent treatment, and healthy living can significantly reduce the risk of complications. With emerging therapies and greater awareness, controlling blood Instagram@ Gone Sun Where
