High Blood Pressure or Hypertension: Causes, Symptoms and Treatment

High blood pressure, or hypertension, is often referred to as a "silent killer" because it doesn’t always show noticeable symptoms until it’s too late. It's one of the most common medical conditions worldwide, and its effects can be far-reaching, contributing to serious health issues like heart disease, stroke, and kidney damage.

In this blog, we'll break down the causes, symptoms, and treatments of high blood pressure. By understanding hypertension, you can take the necessary steps to manage or prevent it, leading to a healthier life. Whether you’re dealing with high blood pressure yourself or want to learn more to help loved ones, this guide will give you the information you need.

What is High Blood Pressure (Hypertension)?

Before diving into the specifics, let’s define high blood pressure. Hypertension is a condition where the force of blood against the walls of your arteries is consistently too high. Blood pressure is measured in millimeters of mercury (mmHg), and it’s recorded with two numbers: systolic (the pressure when your heart beats) and diastolic (the pressure when your heart rests between beats).

• Normal blood pressure: Below 120/80 mmHg
• Elevated blood pressure: 120-129/80 mmHg
• Hypertension (Stage 1): 130-139/80-89 mmHg
• Hypertension (Stage 2): 140/90 mmHg or higher
• Hypertensive crisis: Above 180/120 mmHg (requires immediate medical attention)

Chronic high blood pressure puts additional strain on your heart and arteries, which can lead to a variety of serious complications.

Causes of High Blood Pressure

High blood pressure doesn’t always have an identifiable cause, but there are several factors that can increase your risk. Let's go over the common causes and risk factors for hypertension.

1. Genetics and Family History

If hypertension runs in your family, you may be more likely to develop high blood pressure yourself. Genetics play a significant role in regulating how your body handles blood pressure.

2. Lifestyle Factors

Certain lifestyle choices can raise your risk of developing high blood pressure:

• Poor diet: A diet high in salt (sodium), unhealthy fats, and low in fruits and vegetables can increase your blood pressure.
• Lack of physical activity: A sedentary lifestyle contributes to weight gain and puts extra strain on your heart.
• Excessive alcohol consumption: Drinking too much alcohol can lead to an increase in blood pressure over time.
• Smoking: Smoking damages blood vessels and raises blood pressure, putting you at greater risk for heart disease.

3. Underlying Health Conditions

Conditions like kidney disease, diabetes, and sleep apnea are strongly linked to high blood pressure. When the kidneys aren’t functioning properly or if blood sugar levels are poorly controlled, blood pressure can rise.

4. Age and Gender

As you age, the risk of developing high blood pressure increases. It’s also worth noting that men are more likely to develop high blood pressure at a younger age, while women’s risk increases after menopause.

5. Stress

Chronic stress can contribute to high blood pressure by causing hormonal changes in the body that temporarily raise blood pressure. Over time, long-term stress can have a more significant impact.

Symptoms of High Blood Pressure: How to Know If You Have It

The tricky part about high blood pressure is that it often doesn’t present noticeable symptoms, which is why regular checkups are crucial. However, there are a few signs to watch out for:

• Frequent headaches: Particularly in the morning or when blood pressure is very high.
• Dizziness or lightheadedness: Feeling faint or unsteady could indicate that blood pressure is rising.
• Shortness of breath: Difficulty breathing, especially during physical activity, may be a symptom.
• Blurred vision: Vision problems like blurriness or seeing double can happen when blood pressure is uncontrolled.
• Chest pain: This could be a sign of a heart problem related to hypertension, and it requires immediate medical attention.

Since many people don’t experience these symptoms, it’s vital to monitor your blood pressure regularly, especially if you have risk factors like family history or lifestyle habits that contribute to hypertension.

How High Blood Pressure Affects Your Health

High blood pressure doesn’t just affect the heart; it can damage nearly every organ in the body over time, leading to severe health problems.

1. Heart Disease

The most common complication of hypertension is heart disease. High blood pressure causes the heart to work harder than usual, which can lead to heart failure, coronary artery disease, or even a heart attack.

2. Stroke

Hypertension is one of the leading risk factors for stroke. When blood pressure is high, it can weaken the blood vessels in the brain, causing them to rupture or become blocked, which results in a stroke.

3. Kidney Damage

Your kidneys are responsible for filtering waste from your blood. High blood pressure can damage the small blood vessels in your kidneys, reducing their ability to do their job. This can eventually lead to kidney failure.

4. Vision Loss

High blood pressure can damage the blood vessels in your eyes, leading to retinopathy, which can cause blurred vision and even blindness if left untreated.

5. Erectile Dysfunction

In men, untreated high blood pressure can affect blood flow to the penis, leading to difficulties with erections.

Diagnosis: How is Hypertension Diagnosed?

Diagnosing high blood pressure typically involves a blood pressure reading using a cuff and monitor. Your doctor will check your blood pressure at least twice, over the course of a few visits, to confirm a diagnosis.

Self-monitoring at home

You can also monitor your blood pressure at home using a digital blood pressure monitor. However, it’s important to follow the correct procedure to ensure accurate readings.

Health Checkup: Schedule a Comprehensive Health Screening

Regular health checkups play a crucial role in detecting high blood pressure and other underlying health issues. 

At Truepal, we offer comprehensive health checkup packages that include blood pressure measurements, screenings for heart health, and other essential tests. These packages are designed to give you a complete picture of your well-being and help you manage potential risks early on. 

Treatment for High Blood Pressure

Managing high blood pressure is a combination of lifestyle changes and, in some cases, medications.

1. Lifestyle Changes

• Dietary adjustments: Reducing sodium intake and focusing on heart-healthy foods like fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats can make a huge difference.
• Exercise: Regular physical activity helps maintain a healthy weight and lowers blood pressure over time.
• Limiting alcohol and quitting smoking: These steps reduce your risk of further complications.
• Stress management: Meditation, deep breathing exercises, and mindfulness can help reduce stress and lower blood pressure.

2. Medications

When lifestyle changes aren’t enough, doctors may prescribe medications to help control blood pressure. These include:

• Diuretics: Help the body remove excess salt and water, which can lower blood pressure.
• ACE inhibitors and Angiotensin II receptor blockers (ARBs): Relax blood vessels, making it easier for the heart to pump blood.
• Beta-blockers: Lower the heart rate and reduce blood pressure.
• Calcium channel blockers: Relax and widen blood vessels to improve blood flow.

3. Regular Monitoring

It's essential to keep track of your blood pressure readings, especially if you’re on medication. Your doctor will recommend how often to monitor it and whether any adjustments to your treatment plan are necessary.

Preventing High Blood Pressure: Tips for Healthy Living

Prevention is always better than treatment. Here are some tips to help you avoid developing high blood pressure:

• Eat a balanced diet: Focus on eating nutrient-rich foods, like leafy greens, berries, and whole grains. Avoid processed foods that are high in salt and unhealthy fats.
• Exercise regularly: Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity activity per week, such as brisk walking or cycling.
• Manage your weight: Maintaining a healthy weight reduces the strain on your heart.
• Avoid excessive alcohol: Stick to recommended guidelines for alcohol consumption (one drink per day for women and two drinks for men).
• Quit smoking: Smoking damages blood vessels and raises blood pressure, so quitting is one of the best things you can do for your health.

When to See a Doctor

If you experience any of the symptoms mentioned earlier, or if you have a family history of hypertension, it’s crucial to schedule a checkup. If you already have high blood pressure and aren’t seeing improvement with lifestyle changes, your doctor may need to adjust your treatment plan.

Additionally, if your health checkup detects any concerns, such as elevated blood pressure readings or signs of other cardiovascular issues, it’s important to follow up with your healthcare provider for further evaluation. Early detection can help prevent complications and ensure that you receive the appropriate treatment or lifestyle recommendations tailored to your needs.

Why Choose Truepal for Your Health Checkup?

Additionally, if your health checkup detects any concerns, such as elevated blood pressure or other cardiovascular issues, it’s important to follow up with your doctor for further evaluation.

At Truepal, we offer comprehensive health checkup packages to help you stay on top of your health. Our screenings include blood pressure checks and heart health assessments, ensuring you get the right care when you need it. Book a health checkup with Truepal today and take proactive steps towards better health.

Truepal also offers valuable resources for managing your health beyond just checkups. You can explore our yoga sessions, healthy lifestyle tips, and expert advice on maintaining a balanced diet by visiting our blogs. Prevention is always better than cure, and by adopting healthier habits, you can significantly reduce your risk of hypertension and other health issues.

Conclusion

High blood pressure is a serious condition that can lead to life-threatening complications, but it’s manageable with the right lifestyle changes and medical interventions. Regular monitoring, a heart-healthy diet, exercise, and stress management are key to preventing and controlling hypertension. If you think you may have high blood pressure, don’t wait for symptoms—make an appointment with your doctor and get checked. Early intervention is your best defense against serious health issues.

FAQs

Q1. How do you bring blood pressure down?

To bring blood pressure down, focus on eating a balanced diet, staying active, reducing stress, and avoiding smoking and excessive alcohol. Truepal’s health checkups and blogs can help track your progress and guide you towards a healthier lifestyle.

Q2. Why is high blood pressure bad?

High blood pressure strains your heart and arteries, increasing the risk of heart disease, stroke, and kidney problems. It’s crucial to keep it in check to avoid long-term health complications.

Q3. What is the danger zone for high blood pressure?

The danger zone starts at 180/120 mmHg. Anything above 140/90 mmHg is considered high and needs attention to prevent serious health risks.

Q4. Is 140/90 the new normal?

No, 140/90 mmHg is considered high blood pressure (Stage 1). The ideal blood pressure is below 120/80 mmHg.

Q5.How to reduce BP naturally?

Exercise regularly, eat a low-salt diet, manage stress, and avoid smoking and excess alcohol. Truepal offers yoga and fitness services to help support these habits.

Q6. What is normal BP by age?

For adults under 40, a normal BP is usually below 120/80 mmHg. It can go up slightly with age, but it should stay below 140/90 mmHg.

Q7. What drink reduces blood pressure?

Beetroot juice, pomegranate juice, and green tea have been shown to help lower blood pressure. Stay hydrated with water as well.

Q8. What BP level is stroke level?

A BP level of 180/120 mmHg or higher is considered stroke-level and requires immediate medical attention.