Hypertension

About Hypertension

Hypertension, or high blood pressure, affects approximately 1.4 billion adults aged 30 to 79 worldwide, with approximately 44 percent unaware of their condition. Under 2017 American guidelines, blood pressure is classified as elevated 120 to 129 systolic and less than 80 diastolic, Stage 1 130 to 139 or 80 to 89, and Stage 2 140 or higher or 90 or higher; some other guidelines, such as those in the UK and Europe, use different thresholds. Hypertension is called the silent killer because it typically causes no symptoms until target organ damage occurs. Untreated hypertension leads to stroke, heart attack, heart failure, kidney disease, vision loss, and cognitive decline. The vast majority 90 to 95 percent of cases are primary essential hypertension with no identifiable cause. Risk factors include age, family history, obesity, high sodium diet, excessive alcohol, physical inactivity, and stress. Management typically includes lifestyle changes DASH diet, weight loss, exercise, sodium restriction, alcohol moderation. Medications include ACE inhibitors lisinopril, ARBs losartan, calcium channel blockers amlodipine, diuretics hydrochlorothiazide, and beta blockers metoprolol. Many people need more than one medication, with choices individualised by a clinician.