High blood pressure, also known as hypertension, is a medical condition in which the force of the blood against the walls of the arteries is consistently too high. Arteries are the blood vessels that carry oxygenated blood from the heart to the rest of the body. Blood pressure is measured in millimeters of mercury (mmHg) and is typically expressed as two values: systolic pressure over diastolic pressure (e.g., 120/80 mmHg).
The two values represent:
1. Systolic pressure: This is the higher number and represents the pressure in the arteries when the heart contracts and pumps blood into the arteries.
2. Diastolic pressure: This is the lower number and represents the pressure in the arteries when the heart is at rest between beats.
Blood pressure can vary naturally throughout the day due to factors such as stress, physical activity, and even the time of day. However, when blood pressure remains consistently high over time, it can put strain on the arteries, the heart, and other organs, increasing the risk of serious health problems including:
- Heart Disease: High blood pressure can lead to the development of coronary artery disease, which increases the risk of heart attacks and other heart-related conditions.
- Stroke: The increased pressure can damage blood vessels in the brain, potentially leading to a stroke.
- Kidney Damage: Over time, hypertension can affect the kidneys' ability to filter blood properly, potentially leading to kidney disease or failure.
- Vision Problems: Hypertension can damage blood vessels in the eyes, leading to vision impairment or even blindness.
- Aneurysms: Persistent high blood pressure can weaken blood vessel walls, leading to the formation of aneurysms, which are bulges in blood vessels that can rupture and cause life-threatening internal bleeding.
- Peripheral Artery Disease: High blood pressure can narrow and damage blood vessels in the limbs, leading to reduced blood flow and pain in the legs and feet.
Lifestyle factors that contribute to high blood pressure include:
- Diet: A diet high in sodium (salt), saturated and trans fats, and low in potassium can contribute to hypertension.
- Physical Inactivity: Lack of regular physical activity can increase the risk of high blood pressure.
- Obesity: Being overweight or obese puts extra strain on the heart and blood vessels, increasing the risk of hypertension.
- Smoking: Smoking damages blood vessels and can lead to higher blood pressure.
- Excessive Alcohol Consumption: Heavy alcohol consumption can contribute to high blood pressure.
- Stress: Chronic stress can affect blood pressure levels.
- Genetics: Family history of hypertension can increase the risk.
Managing high blood pressure often involves a combination of lifestyle changes and, in some cases, medication. Lifestyle changes may include adopting a healthy diet (such as the DASH diet), regular exercise, weight management, reducing sodium intake, limiting alcohol consumption, quitting smoking, and managing stress. If lifestyle changes are insufficient to control blood pressure, doctors may prescribe medications to help lower it.
Regular monitoring and management of blood pressure are crucial to prevent complications associated with hypertension. It's important to work closely with a healthcare professional to develop a personalized plan to manage high blood pressure based on individual health status and risk factors.
