Hypertension (High Blood Pressure)
Hypertension is one of the most prevalent long-term health conditions in the world, yet it often goes undetected for years because it rarely causes noticeable symptoms. It occurs when the force of blood pushing against the walls of the arteries is consistently too high. Blood pressure is recorded as two numbers — the systolic pressure (when the heart beats) over the diastolic pressure (when the heart rests between beats). A reading consistently at or above 140/90 mmHg is generally considered hypertensive, though guidelines vary slightly between countries.
What causes it?
In the vast majority of cases — known as primary or essential hypertension — there is no single identifiable cause. Instead, a combination of factors raises the risk: advancing age, a family history of high blood pressure, being overweight or obese, a diet high in salt and low in potassium, excessive alcohol consumption, physical inactivity, smoking, chronic stress, and poor sleep. A smaller proportion of cases (secondary hypertension) are caused by an underlying condition such as kidney disease, thyroid disorders, or obstructive sleep apnoea.
Why it matters
Left unmanaged, persistently elevated blood pressure quietly damages the arteries and places excessive strain on the heart. Over time, this significantly increases the risk of heart attack, stroke, heart failure, chronic kidney disease, and vision loss. It is often described as a "silent killer" precisely because so many people live with it for years without any awareness.
Diagnosis and monitoring
Diagnosis is straightforward — a blood pressure cuff and a few readings taken on separate occasions are usually sufficient. Because readings can fluctuate, doctors often ask patients to monitor their blood pressure at home or use ambulatory monitoring over 24 hours for a more complete picture.
Treatment
Lifestyle changes form the cornerstone of management: reducing salt intake, eating more fruit and vegetables, losing excess weight, exercising regularly, limiting alcohol, and quitting smoking can all produce meaningful reductions in blood pressure. When these measures are insufficient, medication is prescribed — common options include ACE inhibitors, angiotensin receptor blockers, calcium channel blockers, and thiazide diuretics.
Choosing where to be treated
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