Hypertension is when the blood pressure is higher than the normal range. Blood pressure is measured whenever the heart contracts or beats (systolic) and relaxes between beats (diastolic). In the case of hypertension, the systolic blood pressure reading is higher than 140 mm Hg, and the diastolic reading is higher than 90 mm Hg.
High blood pressure or hypertension happens when blood is forced or pushed against the artery walls for a long time. While it is normal for blood pressure to rise and fall throughout the day, it can damage the heart if it stays high for long. It is called hypertension. The condition develops over many years, usually without any symptoms.
According to the World Health Organisation: Hypertension is a condition in which the blood vessels have persistently raised pressure. This serious medical condition can significantly increase the risk of brain, heart, kidney and eye diseases.
Although the exact causes of hypertension are not known, the following can increase the risk:
Normal blood pressure by age for men:
| Age | Systolic (mm Hg) | Diastolic (mm Hg)s |
| 20-25 years | 120 | 79 |
| 26-30 years | 120 | 77 |
| 31-35 years | 115 | 76 |
| 36-40 years | 121 | 76 |
| 41-45 years | 116 | 79 |
| 46-50 years | 120 | 80 |
| 51-55 years | 125 | 80 |
| 56-60 years | 130 | 80 |
| 61-65 years | 144 | 77 |
Normal blood pressure by age for women:
| Age | Systolic (mm Hg) | Diastolic (mm Hg)s |
| 20-25 years | 116 | 71 |
| 26-30 years | 114 | 72 |
| 31-35 years | 111 | 73 |
| 36-40 years | 113 | 75 |
| 41-45 years | 117 | 74 |
| 46-50 years | 124 | 79 |
| 51-55 years | 123 | 75 |
| 56-60 years | 133 | 79 |
| 61-65 years | 131 | 78 |
The two main types of hypertensions are primary hypertension and secondary hypertension.
Also known as essential hypertension, it is the most common type. While the exact cause is unclear, experts believe the following factors can lead to the condition.
This type of hypertension is related to an identifiable cause, particularly some underlying health conditions. Secondary hypertension is more common in younger people.
Certain factors that can lead to secondary hypertension are:
Other hormone problems like:
This type can be challenging to control. In this, the blood pressure usually stays above the normal range even after taking different types of medications to lower blood pressure.
It is a rare but most severe type as it can damage organs. This serious medical condition requires quick treatment. In malignant hypertension, systolic blood pressure is above 180 mm Hg, or the diastolic blood pressure is more significant than 120-130 mm Hg.
It is common in older adults. In isolated systolic hypertension, systolic blood pressure is above 140 mm Hg while diastolic blood pressure is below 90 mm Hg. The condition is reportedly caused due to hardening of arteries with age.
In most cases, people may not experience any high blood pressure symptoms. However, some with very high blood pressure may feel sick from time to time and experience one or more of the following symptoms:
Risk factors related to hypertension or high blood pressure are:
Harmful effects and complications of hypertension include:
Hypertension increases the pressure blood flows through the arteries, resulting in narrowed and damaged arteries. It prevents smooth blood flow to the heart muscle and brain and increases the risk of a stroke or heart attack.
With high blood pressure, the heart needs to work harder to pump blood against the increased pressure in the blood vessels. It thickens the walls of the heart’s pumping chamber, forcing the heart to work harder to pump adequate blood to the rest of the body. It causes the heart muscle to become weak or stiff over time, thereby restricting its normal functioning and leading to heart failure.
High blood pressure can also cause an aneurysm or an abnormal balloon-like bulge or swelling in the wall of a blood vessel. If this bulge ruptures, it can be dangerous.
High blood pressure can thicken, tear and damage the tiny blood vessels in the eyes and result in vision loss.
Hypertension weakens and narrows blood vessels in the kidneys and prevents them from functioning normally.
Uncontrolled hypertension can affect brain function as well. It can make understanding, remembering, thinking and learning difficult.
High blood pressure can block the arteries or make them narrow. It can restrict blood flow to the brain and lead to vascular dementia.
Making specific positive lifestyle changes can help keep blood pressure in check. If lifestyle changes are not enough, the doctor may prescribe certain medications.
If an underlying health issue causes hypertension, the doctor will focus on treating that underlying condition to keep blood pressure in check.
The following lifestyle changes can help treat high blood pressure:
Doctors may also prescribe certain medications to keep blood pressure in check. These include:
Simple, essential lifestyle changes can help prevent high blood pressure and promote overall wellbeing.
Managing high blood pressure or hypertension correctly can help alleviate the risk of heart disease, stroke, kidney failure and other conditions and promote your overall wellbeing. Hence, if your blood pressure is higher, follow your doctor’s advice and take the prescribed medicines regularly. It would help if you also made critical changes to your lifestyle to manage hypertension efficiently.
Source: who.int, mayoclinic, my.clevelandclinic, cdc.gov, webmd, medicalnewstoday, verywellhealth
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