Understanding Hypertension

Understanding Hypertension

Hypertension is one of the most common chronic health conditions worldwide, yet many people don’t realise they have it until complications show up. It’s often called a “silent” condition because it usually develops quietly over the years, without obvious symptoms. Despite its quiet nature, uncontrolled blood pressure can gradually damage the heart, blood vessels, kidneys, eyes, and brain. The good news: it’s highly manageable with the right habits, treatment, and monitoring.

What Blood Pressure Actually Means

Blood pressure measures the force of blood pushing against artery walls. It’s shown as two numbers:

Systolic (top number): pressure when the heart beats

Diastolic (bottom number): pressure when the heart relaxes between beats

A reading of 120/80 mmHg is considered normal. Hypertension is usually diagnosed when

140/90 mmHg or higher on multiple readings,

or 130/80 mmHg for people with diabetes or kidney disease (because they’re at higher risk).

Why Hypertension Happens

There isn’t one single cause. It often develops from a mix of genetics, lifestyle, and underlying conditions.

Too much salt in the diet

Sedentary lifestyle

Being overweight

High stress

Smoking or alcohol overuse

Aging

Family history of hypertension

Hormonal issues or kidney disease

In many people, it’s a combination rather than one clear trigger.

Types of Hypertension

Primary (Essential) Hypertension

This is the most common form. It develops gradually with age and lifestyle factors.

Secondary Hypertension

This happens due to a specific underlying cause—like kidney issues, thyroid disorders, adrenal tumours, certain medications, or sleep apnea. Secondary hypertension tends to appear suddenly and may be more severe.

How Hypertension Affects the Body

High blood pressure puts extra strain on your arteries. Over time, this can cause structural damage.

Heart disease: includes heart failure, coronary artery narrowing, and heart attacks

Stroke: blocked or burst blood vessels in the brain

Kidney damage: reduced filtration ability

Vision problems: damaged vessels in the eyes

Weakened arteries: leading to aneurysms

These complications develop slowly, which is why consistent management is important even if you feel fine.

Symptoms – or the Lack of Them

Most people have no symptoms. When symptoms do appear, they may include headaches, dizziness, blurred vision, or nosebleeds—but these usually occur in dangerously high readings. So regular monitoring is essential.

A diagnosis usually comes from

Repeated BP readings over days or weeks

Home BP monitoring

Blood tests for kidney and cholesterol levels

ECG or echocardiogram if heart strain is suspected

Urine tests for protein or glucose

Doctors often want a clearer picture over time because BP fluctuates throughout the day.

Managing and Treating Hypertension

The strongest results come from combining lifestyle changes with medication when needed.

Lifestyle Measures

Reduce salt: aim for less than 5g a day (about one teaspoon total from all sources)

Exercise: at least 30 minutes of brisk walking or similar activity most days

Maintain a healthy weight: even a small weight loss can reduce BP

Cut back on alcohol and quit smoking

Manage stress: mindfulness, deep breathing, yoga, or even simple breaks during the day

Eat more whole foods: vegetables, fruits, whole grains, lean protein, and healthy fats

Small, steady changes work better than sudden, extreme plans.

Medications

Doctors may prescribe

Diuretics (help remove excess salt and water)

ACE inhibitors or ARBs (relax blood vessels)

Calcium channel blockers

Beta-blockers

The combination depends on age, health conditions, and the level of pressure. Medications work best when taken consistently—not just when BP spikes.

Prevention and Long-Term Care

Preventing hypertension isn’t complicated; it follows the same rules as general heart health. Staying active, maintaining a healthy diet, sleeping well, and avoiding tobacco create long-lasting protection. Even if hypertension runs in your family, these habits slow down its progression.

For people already diagnosed, staying on top of monitoring helps keep things stable. Tracking readings at home, checking in with a doctor periodically, and monitoring cholesterol and sugar levels all play a role.