08/06/2026
Hypertension, commonly known as high blood pressure, is a condition where the force of blood pushing against the artery walls is consistently too high. Over time, this forces the heart to work harder and can cause serious health issues like heart attacks, stroke, and kidney disease.
High pressure over time strains the arteries + organs. Main risks if uncontrolled,leads to:
Heart attack, stroke, heart failure,Kidney damage/kidney failure ,Vision problems,Memory issues/dementia risk.
According to guidelines from the American Heart Association and the American College of Cardiology, readings are categorized as follows:
Normal: Equal/Less than 120/80 mm Hg.
Elevated: 120–129 / < 80 mm Hg.
Stage 1 Hypertension: 130–139 / 80–89 mm Hg.
Stage 2 Hypertension: 140 or higher / 90 or higher mm Hg.
Hypertensive Crisis: Higher than 180/120 mm Hg (Requires immediate medical attention).
Most people have *no symptoms*. That’s why it’s a silent killer.
When BP gets dangerously high, one might get: severe headache, chest pain, shortness of breath, nosebleeds, blurred vision, dizziness. If that happens, that’s a medical emergency.
Common causes & risk factors:
unhealthy diet (high in sodium and low in fruits/vegetables), lack of physical activity, smoking, alcohol use, and obesity.
*Can’t control*: Age, family history, genetics, ethnicity.
*Can control*:
High salt/sodium diet,Low physical activity
Excess weight, especially around waist,Alcohol + smoking,Chronic stress + poor sleep,Some meds, kidney/thyroid issues.
Nutritional Management:
Lifestyle first, often works well:
Hypertension can be managed effectively,through Lifestyle changes such as reducing salt intake(2300mg-1500mg/Na/day,drinking enough water,quitting tobacco/alcohol,maintaining a healthy weight, exercising regularly( moderately),having a quality rest/sleep(7-8hrs).
Eating healthy this is where*DASH diet*: is applied which comprises of more fruits, veggies, whole grains, nuts and seeds,low-fat dairy.
