Hypertension (high blood pressure) occurs when the force of blood against the artery walls is consistently too high. It can lead to serious health issues like heart disease, stroke, and kidney damage. Blood pressure is measured in two numbers: systolic (when the heart beats) and diastolic (when the heart rests). A normal reading is around 120/80 mmHg, and anything above 130/80 mmHg is considered high.
Hypertension is important to manage because it often has no symptoms but can cause severe long-term damage. Left untreated, it significantly raises the risk of heart attack, stroke, and other complications. Regular monitoring and lifestyle changes can help control it.
Several factors affect hypertension, including genetics, age, diet, physical activity, stress, and underlying conditions like diabetes. Unhealthy habits such as a high-salt diet, excessive alcohol, smoking, and lack of exercise can also contribute to high blood pressure.
Common causes include genetics, aging, obesity, a high-salt diet, lack of physical activity, stress, smoking, alcohol, and conditions like diabetes or kidney disease.
Most people have no symptoms, which is why it’s called the "silent killer." In severe cases, symptoms may include headaches, dizziness, or vision problems.
Yes, chronic stress can contribute to high blood pressure. Stress management techniques like deep breathing, meditation, and physical activity can help lower it.
Too much salt causes the body to retain water, which increases blood volume and pressure on artery walls. Reducing sodium intake can significantly lower blood pressure.
Yes. While more common with age, hypertension can also occur in teens and young adults, especially due to obesity, stress, poor diet, or underlying health issues.