Hypertension: The Silent Killer

Hypertension (also known as high blood pressure) is a very common but deadly disease.

It occurs when your blood pressure is constantly elevated at or above 140/90 mm Hg.

Hypertension is dangerous because it can lead to a number of serious medical conditions such as strokes, heart attacks, vision problems and heart or kidney failure. Luckily, hypertension is both treatable and preventable.

Hypertension affects approximately one out of four adults in the U.S. Although hypertension is found in all cultures, African Americans are twice as likely to develop hypertension than Caucasians. Also, it is estimated than more than 40% of African Americans suffer from this disease.

You may hear people refer to hypertension as the “silent killer.” It is given this name because many people are not aware that they even have this disease. That is why it is necessary to have a routine physical at least once a year. Not only can early detection prevent you from developing other diseases, but it can also save your life.

When you visit your doctor, he or she will check your blood pressure and you will receive a systolic (top) and diastolic (bottom) number. The systolic number measures the pressure in the arteries when the heart beats and contracts blood and the diastolic number measures the pressure in the arteries when the heart rests between the beats. Your blood pressure is considered normal when it is below 120/80. If your blood pressure is between 120/80 and 139/89, then you have pre-hypertension. If your blood pressure is consistently 140/90 or greater, then you have high blood pressure. Only your doctor can confirm whether or mot you have hypertension. Your doctor must constantly check your pressure over a designated period of time before a formal diagnosis can be made.

There are two types of hypertension, which are known as essential and secondary. Essential hypertension means that the doctor was unable to identify a specific reason for your condition. Secondary hypertension means that the high blood pressure occurred because of another reason such as kidney disease or diabetes. Some of the causes for hypertension include the following:

• Being overweight
• Smoking
• Sleep apnea
• Too much sodium (salt) in your diet
• Genetics
• Certain medications (such as motrin, ibuprofen or birth control pills)
• Stress and anxiety
• Older age
• Chronic kidney disease
• Thyroid disorders
• Excessive alcohol consumption

There are some common signs of hypertension and you should immediately visit your doctor if you begin to experience any of the following symptoms:

• Fatigue or confusion
• Chest pain
• Vision problems
• Nose bleeds
• Noise or buzzing in the ears
• Severe headaches
• Irregular heartbeat
• Blood in the urine
• Difficulty breathing

Hypertension can be treated and controlled in a variety of ways and your doctor will determine which treatment option is best for you. Some of the common treatment options include the following:

• Eating healthier
• Losing weight
• Exercising
• Eliminating tobacco and alcohol from you life
• Medications (alpha or beta blockers or calcium channel blockers such as atenol or labetalol)
• Relaxation therapy (such as meditation)
• Reducing sodium in your diet

By following a healthy diet and exercise routine, you can prevent and control hypertension. This disease is serious, but it doesn’t have to be a death sentence for you. Please take care of your body and visit your doctor today.