Track 8 : Hypertension

Hypertension, commonly known as high blood pressure, is often referred to as the “silent killer” — and for good reason. It usually develops over time without any obvious symptoms, but it can quietly damage your heart, blood vessels, and other organs if left untreated.

In this blog post, we’ll dive into what hypertension is, why it’s dangerous, how to recognize risk factors, and what you can do to manage or prevent it.

Blood pressure is the force of blood pushing against the walls of your arteries as your heart pumps. When this pressure stays too high for too long, it becomes hypertension.

It’s measured in two numbers:

Systolic
pressure (top number): Pressure during a heartbeat 

Diastolic
pressure (bottom number): Pressure between beats

A normal blood pressure reading is typically around 120/80 mm Hg. Hypertension is diagnosed when readings consistently exceed 130/80 mm Hg.

Even without noticeable symptoms, hypertension can lead to serious health problems, such as: 

Heart disease

Stroke

Kidney
damage

Vision
loss

Aneurysms

Over time, the excessive pressure damages artery walls and makes the heart work harder, increasing the risk of life-threatening events.

Several factors can increase your risk of
developing high blood pressure, including:

·       
Age
(risk increases as you get older)

Family
history

Lack of
physical activity

Obesity or
being overweight

Excessive
salt or alcohol intake

Chronic
stress

Smoking

Certain
medical conditions like diabetes or kidney disease

Hypertension is often asymptomatic, but some
people may experience:

Headaches

Dizziness

Blurred vision

Chest pain  

Shortness of breath

These symptoms typically appear in more severe cases or hypertensive emergencies and should not be ignored.

The good news? Hypertension is manageable and
often preventable with lifestyle changes and medical treatment.

1. Exercise regularly – Aim for at least 30 minutes most days of the week.

2. Eat a healthy diet – Follow the DASH (Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension) diet, rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and low-fat dairy.

3. Reduce salt intake – Keep it under 2,300 mg per day.

4.Maintain a healthy weight – Shedding even a few pounds can lower your blood pressure.

5. Limit alcohol and quit smoking

6  Manage stress – Try yoga, meditation, or mindfulness techniques.

ACE inhibitors

Beta-blockers

Calcium channel blockers

Always follow your healthcare provider’s
advice and take medications as prescribed.