Hypertension, commonly known as high blood pressure, is a chronic medical condition where the force of blood against the walls of the arteries is consistently elevated. This condition increases the risk of serious health problems, such as heart disease, stroke, kidney failure, and vision loss. Hypertension is often called the “silent killer” because it typically has no obvious symptoms until significant damage has occurred.
Blood pressure is expressed as two numbers: systolic (pressure when the heart beats) over diastolic (pressure when the heart rests between beats). A normal blood pressure is usually considered less than 120/80 mmHg, while hypertension is diagnosed when readings consistently exceed 130/80 mmHg according to recent guidelines.
Hypertension is classified as primary (essential), which accounts for about 90-95% of cases with no identifiable cause, and secondary, which results from an underlying condition such as kidney disease, endocrine disorders, or certain medications. The pathophysiology of hypertension involves a combination of genetic, environmental, and lifestyle factors leading to increased vascular resistance or cardiac output. Management focuses on lifestyle modifications including diet, exercise, and weight loss, alongside pharmacological treatment tailored to the patient’s risk profile. Regular monitoring and controlling blood pressure help reduce the risk of cardiovascular and renal complications.
