What is hypertension?

Hypertension, commonly known as high blood pressure, is a medical condition in which the force of the blood against the walls of the arteries is consistently too high. Blood pressure is measured in millimeters of mercury (mm Hg) and recorded as two numbers: systolic pressure (pressure when the heart beats) over diastolic pressure (pressure when the heart rests between beats). A typical normal reading is around 120/80 mm Hg, while hypertension is generally diagnosed when readings consistently exceed 130/80 mm Hg. Hypertension is often called the "silent killer" because it may not cause noticeable symptoms but can lead to serious health problems like heart disease, stroke, kidney damage, and vision loss if left unmanaged. Causes of hypertension include genetic factors, unhealthy diet (especially high salt intake), obesity, lack of physical activity, excessive alcohol consumption, chronic stress, and certain medical conditions such as diabetes or kidney disease. Preventing and managing hypertension involves lifestyle changes such as eating a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, reducing salt intake, maintaining a healthy weight, engaging in regular physical activity, limiting alcohol consumption, avoiding tobacco use, and managing stress effectively. In some cases, medication may be necessary to keep blood pressure within a healthy range. Regular monitoring and working closely with a healthcare provider are key to preventing the complications associated with high blood pressure.