Hypertension is an enemy that does not give truce

Hypertension, also known as high blood pressure, is a «silent enemy» that continues to gain ground in the population. It is called this because it is a chronic and virtually asymptomatic disorder that can damage vital organs if not detected and controlled in a timely manner.

It can increase the risk of cardiovascular, cerebral, renal, and other diseases. According to the World Health Organization, «this significant cause of premature death worldwide affects more than one in four men and one in five women, which means more than one billion people.»

This disease refers to the persistent elevation of pressure within the arteries. Blood pressure is measured by identifying the systolic blood pressure, which is the pressure caused when the heart contracts and pushes blood out, and the diastolic blood pressure, which is when the heart relaxes and fills with blood.

The reality is alarming, as according to data from the Pan American Health Organization, «each year, 1.6 million deaths from cardiovascular diseases occur in the Americas region, of which around half a million are people under 70 years old, which is considered premature and preventable death. Hypertension affects between 20-40% of the adult population in the region, meaning that around 250 million people in the Americas have high blood pressure.»

The picture described by the PAHO is alarming because hypertension can be controlled through a series of healthy habits, including reducing salt intake, eating a diet rich in fruits and vegetables, engaging in physical exercise, and maintaining a healthy body weight. In other words, while hypertension may not have a cure, it can be controlled and managed. To achieve this, a regular lifelong treatment plan is necessary to lower and stabilize blood pressure. It should be noted that medication is only one part of this treatment.

Why is it important to be cautious with elevated blood pressure?

Prehypertension (blood pressure slightly higher than normal) can turn into hypertension in cases where no lifestyle changes are made, such as increasing physical activity and consuming healthier foods.

Hypertension increases the risk of heart attacks, strokes, or heart failure. Weight loss, exercise, and other healthy changes can control high blood pressure and lay the foundation for a better life.

The first consequences of hypertension are suffered by the arteries, which become hardened as they continuously withstand high blood pressure, becoming thicker and making it difficult for blood to flow through them.

This damage to the walls of blood vessels promotes the deposition of cholesterol and triglycerides, making hypertension a significant risk factor for the development of atherosclerosis. Similarly, atherosclerosis contributes as a risk factor for hypertension.

In addition to atherosclerosis, other diseases that can cause high blood pressure include:

• Obstructive sleep apnea.
• Kidney disease.
• Cerebrovascular disease.

Certain medications, such as birth control pills, cold remedies, decongestants, over-the-counter pain relievers, and some prescription medications, can temporarily raise blood pressure. Illicit drugs, such as cocaine and amphetamines, have the same effect.

What are the risk factors that could lead to hypertension?

Regarding the risk factors that could lead to high blood pressure, Mayo Clinic experts highlight:

Obesity or overweight:

The frequency of hypertension among the obese, regardless of age, is higher than in individuals with a normal weight. Obesity is associated with other alterations such as cardiac output and peripheral resistance, so any factor that increases either of these will generate hypertension in the patient. Obesity alters the body’s own blood pressure regulators, leading to hypertension. Therefore, weight loss promotes blood pressure control.

Sex:

Men are more predisposed to developing high blood pressure than women.

Age and race:

Age is another factor that influences blood pressure levels, so both systolic and diastolic blood pressure increase with age. As for race, individuals of African descent have a higher likelihood of developing hypertension.

Family history:

If a first-degree relative, such as a parent or sibling, has high blood pressure, it is more likely that other family members will develop it.

Sedentary lifestyle:

Lack of exercise can cause weight gain and increase the risk of high blood pressure.

Diet rich in sodium and low in potassium:

These are two key nutrients in the body’s regulation of blood pressure; however, an excess of sodium or abnormal potassium levels can alter blood pressure.

Smoking:

Smoking cigarettes, chewing tobacco, or being near others who smoke (passive smoking) can increase blood pressure. Excessive alcohol consumption, especially in men, also plays a role.

Can children suffer from hypertension?

Although hypertension is more common in adults, children can also be at risk. In some children, high blood pressure may be due to kidney or heart problems. However, for an increasing number of children, unhealthy lifestyle habits, such as an unhealthy diet, obesity, and lack of exercise, contribute to its development, which was not seen in this age group in previous years.

Children over three years old should have their blood pressure checked by a doctor at least once a year, although they may need more frequent measurements if there are hereditary factors or a congenital predisposition to cardiovascular disease.

How to measure blood pressure?

During consultations, the specialist measures blood pressure. However, the doctor may recommend that the patient do it at home for more accurate readings, as the home environment is more relaxed.

To obtain a correct blood pressure reading, it is essential for the person to be relaxed, with an empty bladder, back resting against the chair back, and both feet firmly on the floor, allowing the arm to remain at heart level. To do this, it is recommended to have a sphygmomanometer or blood pressure monitor at home.

Blood pressure is measured in millimeters of mercury (mm Hg). The American College of Cardiology and the American Heart Association consider normal blood pressure to be 120/80 mm Hg or lower. Blood pressure above 180/120 mm Hg is considered a hypertensive crisis. In this case, immediate medical attention should be sought (go to the emergency room) since this usually presents with severe symptoms, such as chest pain, weakness, or blurred vision.

How to prevent hypertension?

The same healthy lifestyle changes recommended to treat high blood pressure also help prevent hypertension. And it is worth repeating as many times as necessary: eat healthy food, consume less salt, exercise regularly, maintain a healthy weight, drink less alcohol, manage stress, and quit smoking. These healthy habits will inevitably lead to good health.

As hypertension is a chronic disease, it is essential to be consistent with treatments. According to data from the Spanish Society of Hypertension-Spanish League for the Fight against Hypertension, «90% of patients diagnosed with hypertension do not follow the specialists’ recommendations regarding hygiene or diet, and 50% do not follow their prescribed treatments.»

This is because, as it is a condition that lasts for many years, patients tend to relax with the doctor’s instructions. This can have several consequences. The main one is that hypertension will be poorly controlled, which in the long run can lead to myocardial infarction, stroke, kidney function deterioration, or leg circulation problems, among others.

In recent years, the degree of hypertension control has been increasing due to improved treatments and intensification of them, as well as an interest in improving lifestyles. Reinforcement of medications has certainly been crucial in improving control of the so-called «silent enemy.»