What is Hypertension? What is High Blood Pressure
What is Hypertension? High Blood Pressure
According to the World Health Organization, an estimated 1.4 billion adults aged 30-79 years worldwide had hypertension in 2024; this represents 33% of the population in this age range. Two-thirds of adults aged 30-79 years who have hypertension live in low and middle income countries.
Hypertension, also called high blood pressure, is when the pressure in your blood vessels is too high. Hypertension is the major cause of premature death worldwide.
High blood pressure is also known as the silent killer because people with high blood pressure may not feel symptoms. According to the World Health Organization, an estimated 600 million adults with hypertension (44%) are unaware that they have this condition. The only way to know is to get your blood pressure checked. This is why I encourage everyone to always consult with your physician and get your preventative care screenings.
There are 2 types of hypertension, primary and secondary hypertension. Primary hypertension develops over time and is the most common.
Some factors that may increase the risk of having high blood pressure or primary hypertension may include:
Family History and/or Genetics: If your parents or close relatives have high blood pressure then you have an increased chance of getting it too.
Age: As you get older you are more likely to get high blood pressure, however, children can also develop high blood pressure.
Race and/or Ethnicity: Black and Latino Adults have a higher incidence of high blood pressure due to systemic, cultural, environmental and genetic factors.
Being overweight or obese
Drinking too much alcohol
Smoking and tobacco consumption
Unhealthy diet and high-salt diet intake
Not being physically active
Living with diabetes
High cholesterol
Stress
Secondary hypertension is caused by another medical condition such as certain heart defects and kidney disorders.
Most people with hypertension don’t feel any symptoms however very high blood pressure can cause headaches, blurred vision, chest pain, vomiting, nausea, difficulty breathing and other symptoms.
Untreated high blood pressure damages your arteries and overwork your heart. Over time, it may lead to complications such as AFIB, chronic kidney disease, stroke, heart attack, heart failure, vision loss, sexual dysfunction cognitive issues including dementia, and sudden cardiac death.
High blood pressure is treated with medicine as prescribed by your physician and implement lifestyle changes.
As always, consult with your physician.
Sources:
https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/hypertension