Hypertension: The Silent Killer

Hypertension, commonly known as high blood pressure, is a widespread health condition that affects millions of people worldwide. Often referred to as the "silent killer," hypertension can lead to serious health complications without any obvious preceding symptoms.

Hypertension occurs when the force of blood against the walls of the arteries is consistently too high. Over time, this damages the vessel walls. The damage in the vessel walls makes them more susceptible to the build-up of plaque. The build-up of plaque then leads to an increased risk for coronary artery and other vascular diseases.

There are actually two types of hypertension: essential, or primary, hypertension and secondary hypertension. Essential (primary) hypertension is high blood pressure that occurs with no known cause. In contrast, secondary hypertension is high blood pressure caused by another condition or disease. Conditions that may cause secondary hypertension include kidney disease, adrenal diseases, thyroid and/or parathyroid problems, and obstructive sleep apnea. Regardless of whether the cause is known or unknown, it's very important to recognize if you have high blood pressure and treat or manage it accordingly.

Blood pressure is measured in millimeters of mercury (mmHg) and recorded with two numbers, systolic pressure (the higher number) and diastolic pressure (the lower number). A reading of 120/80 mmHg or lower is considered normal, while a consistent blood pressure reading of 130/80 mmHg or higher is indicative of hypertension. The upper (systolic) number is the pressure in the vessels during a heartbeat or contraction of the heart muscle. The lower (diastolic) number is a measure of pressure in the vessels between heartbeats or during relaxation of the heart muscle.

Several risk factors contribute to the development of hypertension, some of which are modifiable and some of which are not. The following factors are linked to an increased risk for developing hypertension: aging; genetics; obesity; a diet high in sodium, sugar, saturated and trans fats (e.g. highly processed and fast foods); physical inactivity; excessive caffeine; excessive alcohol consumption; tobacco use; and chronic stress.

As mentioned, one of the most concerning aspects of hypertension is that it often presents no symptoms until significant damage has occurred, hence the reason it is called the "silent killer."

Many individuals live with high blood pressure for years without knowing. If left untreated, hypertension can lead to a wide range of serious health complications including the following:

· Heart Disease: High blood pressure can cause the arteries to harden and narrow, leading to heart attacks or heart failure.

· Stroke: Hypertension is a leading cause of strokes. High pressure can cause blood vessels in the brain to burst or become blocked.

· Kidney Damage: The kidneys rely on healthy blood vessels to filter waste from the blood. High blood pressure can damage these vessels, leading to kidney disease or failure.

· Vision Loss: Hypertension can damage the blood vessels in the eyes, potentially causing vision problems or even blindness.

As with heart and other vascular diseases, the common theme for effective management of hypertension involves healthy eating, adequate exercise, weight management, avoiding the use of tobacco, and stress reduction. For many with high blood pressure, a medication or combination of medicines may also be necessary. There are various types of medications used to control blood pressure. Some act to slow the heart rate, others cause vasodilation, while others have a diuretic action which helps the body rid of excess fluid, all of which help to lower blood pressure. It's always a reasonable goal to be able to manage blood pressure without the need for medication, but when medication is necessary, it's absolutely essential to take your BP medicine(s) as prescribed.

Hypertension may be silent, but its impact is anything but! Awareness and proactive management are essential for preventing the severe consequences associated with chronically elevated blood pressure. Checking your blood pressure on a regular basis is a great habit and the first step to recognizing high blood pressure. Just as important, adopting a healthy lifestyle is the best thing you can do for yourself in the effort to prevent or manage your blood pressure.
-Courtesy of: Barbie Kelly, BSN, MSN, CRNA