- What is hypertension? Hypertension, also known as high blood pressure, is a condition where the force of blood against the artery walls is consistently too high. This can lead to serious health issues such as heart disease, stroke, and kidney problems.
- What are the symptoms of hypertension? Hypertension is often called the “silent killer” because it typically has no symptoms. Most people with high blood pressure don’t feel sick or experience any noticeable symptoms. This is why it’s important to have your blood pressure checked regularly.
- What are the causes of hypertension? The exact causes of hypertension are often unknown, but several factors can contribute to its development, including genetics, lifestyle choices (such as diet, physical activity, and smoking), stress, and certain medical conditions.
- How is hypertension diagnosed? Hypertension is diagnosed by measuring blood pressure using a blood pressure cuff. A diagnosis of hypertension is typically made if your blood pressure readings consistently show elevated levels over a period of time.
- What are the complications of hypertension? Untreated hypertension can lead to serious health complications, including heart disease, heart attack, stroke, kidney disease, vision loss, and vascular dementia.
- How is hypertension treated? Treatment for hypertension often involves lifestyle changes such as adopting a healthy diet, increasing physical activity, reducing stress, limiting alcohol consumption, and quitting smoking. In some cases, medication may also be prescribed to help lower blood pressure.
- Can hypertension be prevented? While certain risk factors for hypertension, such as age and family history, cannot be changed, adopting a healthy lifestyle can significantly reduce your risk of developing hypertension. This includes maintaining a healthy weight, eating a balanced diet low in sodium and saturated fats, exercising regularly, managing stress, limiting alcohol intake, and avoiding tobacco use.
- How often should I have my blood pressure checked? It’s recommended to have your blood pressure checked at least once every two years if you’re an adult with normal blood pressure. However, if you have risk factors for hypertension or have been diagnosed with prehypertension or hypertension, your doctor may recommend more frequent monitoring.
