Hypertension - The Silent Killer
Posted: Feb 27, 2024 | Written By: Boluwatife Koiki (RN)
Worldwide, hypertension is estimated to cause 7.5 million deaths, about 12.8% of the total of all deaths.
What is Hypertension?
Hypertension is a term used to describe a blood pressure that is higher than normal. It can also be called High or Elevated Blood pressure.
To understand this better, let’s try to explain the term ‘blood pressure’. Each time the heart beats, it pumps blood into the blood vessels(the arteries particularly) to be carried to all parts of the body, including the organs. Blood pressure is the force of blood pushed against the wall of the blood vessels as the heart pumps. The higher the pressure, the harder the heart has to pump. Blood pressure tends to rise naturally with age.
Blood pressure readings where the systolic (upper) and diastolic (lower) values are below 120/80 respectively, are considered normal. Readings that indicate hypertension include:
Stage 1- 140/90 - 159/99
Stage 2-160/100 - 179/109
Hypertensive crises - above 180/110
It is therefore worthy to note that hypertension is a serious medical condition that can give rise to complications affecting the heart, brain, kidneys and other vital organs in the body.
Risk Factors
There are factors that can lead to having high blood pressure. These factors can be classified as modifiable and non-modifiable factors.
Modifiable factors are factors that can be changed or controlled, while non-modifiable factors are factors that can not be changed or controlled.
Modifiable factors of hypertension are as follows:
- Obesity
- Unhealthy diet- excessive salt consumption, high saturated fats diet, low intake of vegetables and fruits
- Physical inactivity (Sedentary lifestyle)
- Smoking
- Alcohol consumption
- Age
- Family history of hypertension
- Race (African)
- Co-existing disease conditions- Diabetes Mellitus, Kidney disease
Symptoms of Hypertension
Hypertension is frequently referred to as ‘The Silent Killer’ because many people with hypertension do not notice symptoms and may be unaware of the condition.
Symptoms include:
- Headache (frequent early morning headaches)
- Dizziness
- Vision changes
- Nosebleeds
- Fatigue( Extreme tiredness)
- Chest pain
- Confusion
- Nausea and vomiting
Hypertension is diagnosed after 3 readings of elevated pressure equals to or above 140/90 on different occasions.
- Reducing modifiable risk factors is the best way to prevent hypertension and associated diseases of the heart, brain, kidney and other organs. And this can be achieved by reducing intake of salt and saturated fat, as well as weight loss and exercise.
- Hypertension can be managed by reducing and managing mental stress, regularly checking blood pressure and consulting with health professionals.
- Cessation of tobacco use and the harmful use of alcohol, as well as improvements in diet and exercise, can help reduce symptoms and risk factors from hypertension.
- If lifestyle modifications are insufficient to achieve the target blood pressure, there are several drugs available for the treatment of hypertension. And these drugs can only be prescribed by your doctor. Consulting the doctor is very important in managing Hypertension.
To prevent and manage hypertension:
- Eat Healthy
- Exercise frequently
- If you are obese, make effort to lose weight
- Reduce salt intake
- Reduce oily meal
- Reduce red meat
- Eat more vegetables and fruits
- No smoking and alcohol intake
- Visit the hospital regularly for check up
