Hypertension risk factors, diagnosis, treatment and prevention guidance.
What is hypertension?
- Hypertension, or high blood pressure, occurs when the pressure of blood against the artery walls is consistently high
- Blood pressure has two readings:
- Systolic: Pressure when the heart beats
- Diastolic: Pressure when the heart relaxes
- Types of hypertension include primary, secondary, white coat, masked, sustained, and nocturnal hypertension
What is the current burden of hypertension globally and in India?
- High blood pressure (hypertension) affects about 1.28 billion adults worldwide
- Most people with hypertension live in low- and middle-income countries
- Nearly 1 in 2 people with high blood pressure do not know they have it, because it often causes no symptoms
- In India, about 28 out of every 100 adults have high blood pressure, according to the National Family Health Survey (NFHS-5; 2019-2021)
- Around 58% of people with hypertension in India are undiagnosed, showing the importance of regular blood pressure check-ups and early detection
Why is hypertension important?
- Uncontrolled hypertension can damage blood vessels and the heart
- It may lead to:
- Heart attack
- Stroke
- Heart failure
- Kidney disease
- Vision loss
Who is commonly affected?
- Risk increases with age
- More common in people with a family history of hypertension
- Can affect both adults and children
What are the causes and risk factors?
Underlying causes
- Primary hypertension usually has no single known cause
- Secondary hypertension may occur due to kidney disease, thyroid disease, sleep apnea, medications, or substance use
Risk factors
- Increasing age
- Obesity
- Family history
- Diabetes
- Pregnancy
Lifestyle contributors
- High salt intake
- Physical inactivity
- Smoking
- Excess alcohol intake
- Stress
What are the signs and symptoms of hypertension?
Common symptoms
- Most people with hypertension have no symptoms
Warning signs
Severely high blood pressure may cause:
- Severe headache
- Chest pain
- Dizziness
- Shortness of breath
- Vision changes
- Signs of stroke
What are the diagnostic tests and investigations available?
Clinical evaluation
- Blood pressure is measured using an inflatable cuff around the arm
- Diagnosis is confirmed with high readings on separate visits
Tests
- Blood and urine tests
- ECG/EKG
- Echocardiogram
- Ambulatory blood pressure monitoring
What patients should expect?
- Regular blood pressure checks
- Home blood pressure monitoring may be advised
What are the treatment options?
Medications
Common medicines include:
- Diuretics
- ACE inhibitors
- ARBs
- Calcium channel blockers
- Beta blockers
Lifestyle changes
- Reduce salt intake
- Eat a healthy diet
- Exercise regularly
- Maintain healthy weight
- Quit smoking
- Limit alcohol intake
Non-surgical management
- Regular BP monitoring
- Long-term lifestyle changes
- Taking medicines as prescribed
Myths and facts
High blood pressure always causes symptoms
Hypertension often has no symptoms and is known as a "silent killer"
Only older adults get hypertension
Hypertension can affect younger adults and even children
If blood pressure becomes normal, medicines can be stopped immediately
Blood pressure medicines should only be stopped or changed under medical supervision
Hypertension is caused only by stress
Many factors contribute, including age, family history, obesity, smoking, diet, and lack of exercise
People with hypertension should avoid exercise
Regular physical activity can help lower and control blood pressure
FAQs
What is considered high blood pressure?
High blood pressure is usually diagnosed when the reading is 130/80 mmHg or higher.
Can hypertension occur without symptoms?
Yes. Most people with hypertension do not experience symptoms, which is why regular BP checks are important.
How can I lower my blood pressure naturally?
Lifestyle measures such as reducing salt intake, exercising regularly, maintaining a healthy weight, quitting smoking, and limiting alcohol can help lower blood pressure.
How often should blood pressure be checked?
Adults should get their blood pressure checked regularly during health check-ups, especially if they have risk factors for hypertension.
