Understanding Hypertension

Causes, Symptoms and Risk Factors

Hypertension, or high blood pressure, is one of the most common chronic health conditions worldwide, yet it remains one of the most misunderstood. Often referred to as the “silent killer,” hypertension usually has no noticeable symptoms until serious complications arise, such as heart attacks, strokes, or kidney failure. This guide delves into what hypertension is, its causes, symptoms, and the factors that put individuals at risk.

What is Hypertension?

Blood pressure measures the force of blood pushing against the walls of your arteries as your heart pumps it. Hypertension occurs when this force is consistently too high. It’s classified into two stages:

  • Stage 1 Hypertension: Systolic pressure between 130-139 mmHg or diastolic pressure between 80-89 mmHg.
  • Stage 2 Hypertension: Systolic pressure at 140 mmHg or higher or diastolic pressure at 90 mmHg or higher.

Left untreated, hypertension puts excessive strain on your blood vessels and organs, leading to severe health complications.

Causes of Hypertension

Hypertension is categorized into two main types: primary (essential) and secondary.

  • Primary Hypertension: This type develops gradually over time and has no identifiable cause. It’s often linked to genetics, age, and lifestyle factors.
  • Secondary Hypertension: This type is caused by an underlying health condition, such as kidney disease, hormonal imbalances, or the use of certain medications (e.g., contraceptives, decongestants).

Symptoms of Hypertension

One of the reasons hypertension is called the “silent killer” is its lack of obvious symptoms. Most individuals with high blood pressure feel perfectly fine. However, in severe cases, symptoms may include:

  • Severe headaches
  • Shortness of breath
  • Nosebleeds
  • Chest pain
  • Dizziness or blurred vision

These symptoms typically occur when hypertension becomes life-threatening and requires immediate medical attention.

Risk Factors for Hypertension

Several factors increase the risk of developing hypertension, including:

  • Age: Blood pressure tends to increase with age as arteries lose elasticity.
  • Genetics: A family history of hypertension raises your likelihood of developing it.
  • Lifestyle Choices: Poor dietary habits, lack of exercise, smoking, and excessive alcohol consumption all contribute to hypertension.
  • Chronic Conditions: Conditions like diabetes, sleep apnea, or high cholesterol levels increase your risk.
  • Stress: Prolonged stress can lead to temporary spikes in blood pressure, and chronic stress may contribute to long-term hypertension.

Understanding hypertension is the first step to taking control of your health. Regular screenings and monitoring can detect high blood pressure early, and lifestyle changes can reduce your risk of complications.

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