About … Hypertension

Hypertension is high blood pressure. Blood pressure is the force of blood as it pushes against the artery walls, which comes from the pressure the heart puts on the blood as it pushes it throughout the body. Hypertension is dangerous because it increases the work of the heart and may cause the development of heart failure. It is estimated that one third of the world's population has hypertension and that one quarter of the U.S. population has prehypertension and another quarter has actual hypertension.

No one knows exactly what causes hypertension. However, there are several things which contribute to the development of high blood pressure. These may include: smoking, obesity, heredity, sedentary lifestyle, too much sodium (salt) in the diet, too much alcohol, age, ethnicity (African Americans are more likely to have hypertension), kidney disease, adrenal and thyroid problems.

Hypertension often causes no symptoms. That is why it is known as the "silent killer." One third of people with hypertension don't know they have it. You should check your blood pressure periodically to see what the reading is. If your blood pressure is extremely high, it may cause chest pain, vision problems, severe headaches, shortness of breath, and irregular heartbeat.

Normal blood pressure is below 120/80. Prehypertension is 120-139/80-89. This condition should be followed very carefully by your health-care provider. Stage 1 hypertension is 140-159/90-99 and stage 2 is greater than160/100. Hypertension is treated by making changes in lifestyle such as smoking cessation, decreased alcohol intake, weight loss, and exercise, under the direction of your health-care provider. Further treatment may include the DASH diet (www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/public/heart/hbp/dash/new_dash.pdf ) and drug therapy. If hypertension is not treated, it can lead to stroke, heart failure, heart attack, kidney failure, and vision problems. You should follow the advice of your health-care provider and seek to maintain a normal blood pressure under his/her guidance.