High blood pressure is defined as a repeatedly elevated blood pressure in the arteries exceeding 140/90 mmHg.
The first (systolic) reading correlates to the maximum pressure sustained when the heart contracts, whilst the second (diastolic) reading reflects the minimum pressure when the heart relaxes in between successive beats.
In almost all contemporary societies, blood pressure rises with aging and the risk of becoming hypertensive in later life is considerable. High blood pressure can either be classified as primary, whereby no specific underlying medical cause is found in around 90-95% of cases or as secondary, in the remaining 5-10% of the cases, where it is caused by other pre-existing conditions that affect the kidneys, arteries, heart or the endocrine system.
High blood pressure is rarely accompanied by any symptoms, hence the reason behind the term ‘silent killer’. Its identification is usually through seeking healthcare advice for an unrelated problem. Having said that, certain people with an elevated blood pressure may still report headaches, light-headedness, tinnitus (one experience ringing or other noises in one or both of your ears. When you have tinnitus, the noise is not caused by an external sound, and other people usually can’t hear it), or altered vision as their chief presenting complaints.
In addition, long-standing, uncontrolled high blood pressure has serious health implications as it is a major risk factor for cardiovascular events. Such condition puts a significant amount of strain on the heart, possibly leading to the abnormal thickening of the myocardium (the muscle layer of the heart responsible for the pumping action) and coronary artery disease (when the coronary artery is narrowed or blocked).
This condition is also a major risk factor for stroke, aortic aneurysm (enlargement of the aorta), peripheral arterial disease (arteries are blocked therefore the blood flow reduces), abnormal blood vessel changes in the retina as well as chronic kidney disease. Moreover, high blood pressure may also occur in expecting mothers during pregnancy. Such a sign may be the first to indicate the development of pre-eclampsia.
There is no substitute for the regular monitoring of blood pressure, as well as incorporating a healthy lifestyle as part of our daily routine to prevent the formation of such a condition.
Dietary and lifestyle changes can improve blood pressure control and decrease the risk of health complications. Lifestyle factors that influence blood pressure include aerobic physical activity, weight loss, reduced dietary salt intake, increased consumption of fruits, vegetables and low fat products as well as reduced alcohol and nicotine intake. Anti-hypertensive drug treatments may still be necessary in those individuals for whom such changes are not effective enough.
By Dr. Georgiana Farrugia Bonnici, Specialist in Family Medicine
Disclaimer: This article is provided for general informational and educational purposes only. It is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your doctor or another qualified healthcare professional with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.