Hypertension, commonly known as high blood pressure, is a condition where the force of blood against the walls of your arteries is consistently too high. Over time, this can lead to serious health problems, including heart disease, stroke, and kidney damage. This guide explains the condition, its causes, symptoms, treatments, and how to manage living with it.

What is Hypertension?

Blood pressure measures the force of blood pushing against the walls of your arteries as your heart pumps. It is recorded as two numbers:

• Systolic pressure (the top number): Measures the pressure when your heart beats.
• Diastolic pressure (the bottom number): Measures the pressure when your heart rests between beats.

Normal blood pressure is below 120/80 mmHg. Hypertension is diagnosed when your readings are consistently at or above 140/90 mmHg.

Background on Hypertension

• History: Hypertension has been recognised as a major health concern since the early 20th century and is often referred to as the “silent killer” because it usually has no symptoms until complications occur.
• Global Impact: It is one of the leading preventable causes of premature death worldwide.

Causes, Incidence, and Prevalence

Causes

Hypertension can be classified into two types:

• Primary (essential) hypertension: The most common type, with no identifiable cause but linked to factors like age, genetics, and lifestyle.
• Secondary hypertension: Caused by underlying conditions such as kidney disease, hormonal disorders (e.g., hyperthyroidism), or certain medications like oral contraceptives or decongestants.

Incidence and Prevalence

1. Incidence: Around 10 million new cases are diagnosed annually in the UK alone.
2. Prevalence: Approximately 1 in 3 adults globally has hypertension, making it a significant public health concern.
3. Rates are higher in low- and middle-income countries due to limited access to healthcare and preventive measures.

Who is Affected?

• Age of Onset: Hypertension becomes more common with age, particularly after 40 years old.
• Gender: Men are more likely to develop hypertension before age 55, while women are at higher risk after menopause.
• Ethnicity: People of African or Caribbean descent are at higher risk due to genetic and environmental factors.

Geographic Distribution

Hypertension affects people worldwide but is more prevalent in regions with high rates of obesity, sedentary lifestyles, and unhealthy diets.

How Does Hypertension Impact You?

Symptoms

Hypertension often has no noticeable symptoms until complications arise. In rare cases, people may experience:

• Shortness of breath.

These symptoms typically occur when blood pressure reaches dangerously high levels (hypertensive crisis).

Living With Hypertension

Hypertension can lead to serious complications if untreated, including:

• Heart attack or stroke due to damage to arteries.
• Kidney failure from strain on blood vessels in the kidneys.
• Vision loss caused by damage to blood vessels in the eyes (hypertensive retinopathy).

However, with proper management, many people with hypertension live healthy lives.

Expected Life Expectancy

Hypertension can reduce life expectancy if left untreated but managing it effectively through lifestyle changes and medications can significantly improve outcomes.

Managing and Treating Hypertension

Available Treatments

Treatment for hypertension focuses on lowering blood pressure to reduce the risk of complications:

1. Lifestyle Changes:
   1. Healthy Diet: Follow a diet low in salt (less than 6 g/day), saturated fats, and added sugars while rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins (e.g., the DASH diet).
   2. Regular Exercise: Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate aerobic activity per week (e.g., brisk walking).
   3. Weight Management: Losing even a small amount of weight can lower blood pressure significantly if you are overweight or obese.
   4. Limit Alcohol Intake: No more than 14 units per week for men and women in the UK.
   5. Quit Smoking: Smoking damages blood vessels and worsens hypertension.

2. Medications:
   1. If lifestyle changes are not enough, your doctor may prescribe medications such as:
      1. ACE inhibitors (e.g., ramipril) or ARBs (e.g., losartan) to relax blood vessels.
      2. Calcium channel blockers (e.g., amlodipine) to reduce heart workload.

• Diuretics (e.g., bendroflumethiazide) to help remove excess fluid from your body.

1. Beta-blockers or other drugs may be used depending on individual needs.

3. Regular Monitoring:
   1. Blood pressure should be checked regularly at home or by a healthcare professional to ensure it remains within target levels.

Ongoing Clinical Research

Research into hypertension continues to explore new treatments and prevention strategies:

1. New Medications: Studies are testing drugs that target novel pathways involved in blood pressure regulation.
2. Personalised Medicine: Research aims to tailor treatments based on genetic factors and individual responses.
3. Wearable Technology: Devices that monitor blood pressure continuously are being developed for better management.
For information on clinical trials related to hypertension, visit clinicaltrials.gov.

Support Groups and Resources

If you have been diagnosed with hypertension, connecting with support groups can provide valuable information and emotional support:

1. Blood Pressure UK (org)– Offers resources for managing high blood pressure in the UK.
2. British Heart Foundation (BHF) (org.uk)– Provides education on cardiovascular health.
3. American Heart Association (AHA) (org)– Offers global resources on managing heart health.
4. World Hypertension League (WHL) (org)– Focuses on global awareness campaigns for hypertension prevention.

   Remember:

   This information is intended for general knowledge and educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. It is essential to consult with a qualified healthcare professional for any health concerns or before making any decisions related to your health or treatment.