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Hypertension is another name for high blood pressure. It can lead to severe complications and increase the risk of heart disease, stroke and even death. Primary hypertension, by definition, has no known cause, but medical conditions and lifestyle factors can contribute to the development of secondary hypertension, with high blood pressure being a consequence of a separate health concern typically related to the heart, arteries, kidneys or endocrine system.
One can have high blood pressure, or hypertension, and still feel just fine. That's because high blood pressure often does not cause signs of illness that one can see or feel.
Today, hypertension is a common and major cause of stroke and other cardiovascular diseases. Hypertension is often called "the silent killer" because it rarely causes symptoms. Diabetes also increases the risk of hypertension. This is partially due to the effect of diabetes on kidney function, but people who have diabetes generally develop hypertension before there is a measurable impact on the kidneys.
Anxiety and stress can raise blood pressure. The body releases epinephrine, norepinephrine and cortisol - hormones that cause narrowing of the blood vessels, in response to stress. Frequent narrowing and alterations in the blood vessel diameter can lead to hypertension over time.
Still, some studies have linked mental stress and depression with risk of high blood pressure.
Although many patients may not show symptoms at first, over time, high blood pressure can lead to "wear and tear" on the body.
High blood pressure is very common in older people. As we age, our vascular system changes.
Arteries get stiffer, so the blood pressure goes up. This is true even for people who have heart-healthy habits.
The good news is that blood pressure can be controlled in most people. Exercising is a beneficial lifestyle modification for a wide variety of health conditions.
Hypertension emerges as an extremely important clinical problem because of its prevalence and potentially devastating consequences. Even a person with risk factors like high blood pressure, diabetes or even a smoking habit can gain real benefits from incorporating regular physical activity into their daily life.
Lifestyle changes - including changes in the diet and physical activity - and medications are recommended for treating high blood pressure.
People should exercise at least five days of the week. They could walk, jog, cycle or swim. Let us promote public awareness about hypertension and encourage citizens to prevent and control this silent killer.
A version of this article appears in the print on June 22, 2022, of The Himalayan Times.
