High blood pressure, also referred to as hypertension, is a medical condition that typically does not exhibit any noticeable symptoms. Nonetheless, this specific health concern may increase the likelihood of developing several other health conditions such as heart disease and stroke. If you are struggling with high blood pressure, it is imperative to focus on both lifestyle modifications and prescribed medication to address the issue effectively.

What is High Blood Pressure?

High blood pressure or hypertension is a common issue that can affect the arteries of the body. 

It is characterized by increased pressure in the blood vessels, which can significantly strain the heart and other organs in the body.  Blood pressure is considered high when it consistently measures 130/80 mmHg or higher. 

If left uncontrolled, high blood pressure can lead to severe health complications. To categorize blood pressure, The American Heart Association and The American Cardiology College have identified four main types.

• Elevated blood pressure- high blood pressure ranges from 120to 129 mm Hg, and the lowest number ranges between 80 and 89 mm Hg
• Normal blood pressure- blood pressure can be 120/80 or lower
• Stage 1 hypertension- the maximum number is 130-139 mm Hg, and the lower number ranges from 80 to 89 mm Hg
• Stage 2 hypertension- The top number can be 140 mm Hg or more.  The bottom number is 90 mm Hg or more.

In the event that an individual's blood pressure surpasses 180/120 mm Hg, it qualifies as a hypertensive emergency or crisis. Seeking immediate medical assistance is crucial in such a scenario to regulate blood levels as neglecting it could lead to various health risks. Without timely treatment, the condition can exacerbate and pose serious threats to one's well-being.

Common Causes of High Blood Pressure

High blood pressure problems may be caused by certain changes that occur in the human body. Hypertension can also be triggered by various diseases, including:

• Amputation 
• Kidney failure 
• Heart attack or failure 
• Stroke 
• Obstructive sleep apnea
• Thyroid issues 
• Adrenal gland tumors 
• Obesity 
• Some chronic problems in the blood vessels of a person 

Reasons that May Enhance the High Blood Pressure Risk

There are multiple risk factors that can lead to hypertension or high blood pressure. These factors include:

Age

Age can significantly increase the risk of hypertension in humans, making it one of the most concerning health risks. As people age, they may face several health-related challenges, including high blood pressure. This is due to the decrease in flexibility that occurs as a person's age increases. Therefore, it is important to be aware of the potential health risks associated with aging and take steps to manage them.

Based on data analysis, it has been observed that males are more prone to hypertension than females until the age of 64. However, women are more susceptible to high blood pressure issues at the age of 65 or above.

Overweight and Obesity 

To lower the risk of hypertension, losing weight is recommended, especially for individuals who are overweight or obese. High blood pressure is more likely to occur in these groups, highlighting the importance of weight management as a preventive measure.

Smoking 

When an individual smokes, their blood pressure rises, and the blood vessels narrow, resulting in various health complications. Additionally, smoking reduces the oxygen content in the blood, causing the heart to pump faster. It is imperative to quit smoking to maintain good health and avoid potential health risks associated with smoking.

Diet 

A diet that is not appropriate for an individual can lead to high blood pressure issues. Consuming foods that are high in unsaturated salt and fat can increase the likelihood of hypertension. Put simply, an imbalanced diet can be a contributing factor to elevated blood pressure levels.

Mental Stress 

When it comes to high blood pressure, stress and depression can have a significant impact. Both psychosocial and socioeconomic factors can contribute to the development of hypertension as a result. It is important to address and manage these mental health concerns to prevent potential health complications.

Pregnancy 

Pregnancy increases the likelihood of hypertension due to hormonal fluctuations in the body. Additionally, high blood pressure is a potential symptom of preeclampsia, a severe placental condition.

Symptoms of Hypertension 

High blood pressure can be a silent killer as it often doesn't show any noticeable symptoms. However, there are several signs and symptoms that may indicate the condition. It's important to be aware of these indicators in order to prevent any potential health risks.

 When a person's blood pressure reaches 180/120 mm Hg, it enters a state known as hypertensive crisis, requiring immediate medical attention. This condition can exhibit several common symptoms, including:

• Nausea 
• Vomiting 
• Dizziness 
• Headache 
• Chest pain 
• Blurred vision 
• Breathlessness 

To ensure whether you have high blood pressure or not, it's essential to have regular blood pressure checkups with a healthcare professional. A healthy blood pressure reading is typically below or around 120/80 mmHg. If your blood pressure readings consistently exceed this level, it's possible you may be diagnosed with hypertension. So, don't ignore your blood pressure and make sure to get it checked regularly by a medical expert.