Hypertension, commonly known as high blood pressure, can inflict considerable harm to the body for an extended period of time before symptoms manifest, which is one of the reasons why it is a big health concern. Hypertension can harm essential organs such as the kidneys, heart, and brain if left untreated. It is also lethal and dubbed a "silent killer" because there are frequently no warning signs.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, blood pressure is the force of blood against the artery walls. Arteries transport blood from the heart to the rest of the body. If your blood pressure remains elevated for an extended period of time, it might damage your heart and cause other health issues. In addition, according to the CDC, hypertension increases the risk of heart disease and stroke, which are the top causes of death in the United States. More than 670,000 deaths in the United States will be attributable to hypertension in 2020."
Controlling high blood pressure is vital to your overall health and might literally mean the difference between life and death. However, the majority of hypertensive patients are unaware of their condition. One-third of U.S. individuals with high blood pressure remain undiagnosed and untreated, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The only way to identify if you have the illness is to measure your blood pressure, thus regular doctor visits are always advised. While the statistics are bleak, there are measures that may be taken to prevent the prevalent condition and Eat This, Not That! Doctors describe what they know about high blood pressure and how to avoid developing the illness.
Everyone is at Risk for Hypertension at Any Age.
According to Dr. Bayo Curry-Winchell, Urgent Care Medical Director and Physician at Carbon Health and Saint Mary's Hospital, "Hypertension, often known as high blood pressure, can afflict people of any age. Age, family history, smoking, and a sedentary lifestyle are among the variables that can increase your risk of having the condition. It is vital to note that race is a social construct that does not affect the likelihood of having hypertension.
According to the CDC, high blood pressure is not limited to elderly persons. Nearly one-quarter of adults aged 20 to 44 have hypertension. Stroke is a disorder on the rise among younger people, and high blood pressure is a primary cause. Experts believe that the increased risk of stroke in this age range is a direct result of the rising prevalence of obesity, high blood pressure, and type 2 diabetes, all of which are preventable and treatable illnesses."
According to the CDC, high blood pressure has also been related to dementia. "Recent studies indicate that hypertension is associated with an increased risk for dementia, a loss of cognitive function.Timing seems to be crucial. Evidence suggests that uncontrolled hypertension during midlife (ages 44 to 66) increases the likelihood of developing dementia later in life. What is the takeaway? It is never too early to consider your blood pressure and take efforts to control excessive blood pressure."
Indicators of hypertension
According to Dr. Curry-Winchell, a blood pressure reading of 130/80 mm Hg or greater is considered hypertension by the CDC. Before the disease has progressed, some individuals will not notice warning indications or traditional symptoms like as chest pain and difficulty breathing. I inform my patients that vision problems, headaches, and frequent nosebleeds are also hidden indicators of high blood pressure in my practice.
Dr. Evelyn Huang, a resident physician in emergency care at Northwestern Memorial Hospital, adds, "Often, persons with high blood pressure have no symptoms. However, some individuals may have symptoms. Symptoms include chest pain, breathing problems, and disorientation. These symptoms may indicate an emergency, therefore anyone experiencing them should contact a healthcare physician immediately. I usually urge that a person follow a primary care physician so that their blood pressure is consistently monitored and so that they are closely monitored over time."
Why hypertension is so prevalent
According to Dr. Curry-Winchell, high blood pressure develops gradually and is especially prevalent due to harmful lifestyle choices, such as a poor diet and lack of physical activity. According to the CDC, nearly half of American adults, or 116 million, suffer hypertension-related symptoms. Dr. Huang explains, "Hypertension frequently develops over time and can be caused by an unhealthy lifestyle or heredity." People with medical problems like diabetes and high cholesterol are frequently at risk for developing hypertension. There are more causes of high blood pressure, including pregnancy."
According to the CDC, hypertension often develops over time. It can occur as a result of unhealthful lifestyle choices, such as insufficient frequent physical activity. Certain health disorders, including diabetes and obesity, can also raise the likelihood of developing hypertension. In addition, high blood pressure can occur during pregnancy."
Why High Blood Pressure is so Lethal
According to Dr. Curry-Winchell, hypertension raises the chance of developing heart disease, which can result in problems such as a heart attack, heart failure, or stroke. Over time, increased blood pressure will harm the heart's oxygen- and blood-supplying arteries. If left untreated, arteries can harden, decreasing blood and oxygen flow to the heart and the rest of the body."
According to the Mayo Clinic, high blood pressure makes the heart work harder to pump blood throughout the body. This results in the thickening of the lower left heart chamber (left ventricle). The risk of heart attack, heart failure, and sudden cardiac death is increased by a thickened left ventricle.
According to the CDC, high blood pressure can cause the brain's blood and oxygen-supplying arteries to burst or get blocked, resulting in a stroke. Lack of oxygen results in the death of brain cells during a stroke. A stroke can cause significant impairments in speech, movement, and other fundamental skills. A stroke can potentially be fatal...Adults with diabetes, hypertension, or both are more likely to develop chronic renal disease than those without these illnesses.