Understanding Hypertension

Blood pressure measures the force of your blood pushing against the walls of your arteries as your heart pumps. When this pressure remains consistently high, it places strain on the heart and blood vessels — increasing the risk of serious health problems over time.

According to the National Institutes of Health, nearly one in three adults in the United States are affected by hypertension, commonly known as high blood pressure.

Blood Pressure Measurements

Blood pressure is measured in millimetres of mercury (mmHg) and consists of two numbers: systolic pressure and diastolic pressure. Systolic pressure indicates the force of blood against your artery walls when the heart beats, while diastolic pressure reflects the pressure when the heart rests between beats. The systolic number appears above the diastolic number, for example 120/80 mmHg, which is considered a normal blood pressure reading. A normal blood pressure is below 120 systolic and below 80 diastolic. Stage 1 hypertension is defined by a systolic pressure between 140–159 mmHg or a diastolic pressure between 90–99 mmHg. Stage 2 hypertension is diagnosed when systolic pressure is 160 mmHg or higher, or diastolic pressure is 100 mmHg or higher.

Causes of Hypertension

While the exact causes of high blood pressure remain unclear, several factors are known to increase the risk of developing the condition. These include: Obesity Older age Family history or genetics Poor diet Lack of physical activity

Treating Hypertension

Since obesity is one of the leading causes of hypertension, losing weight is often an effective treatment. Additional lifestyle changes can also help reduce high blood pressure. In particular, the following adjustments may be beneficial: Quitting smoking Engaging in regular exercise, ideally at least 30 minutes per day Adopting a low-fat, low-salt diet, rich in fresh fruits and vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains Avoiding or limiting alcohol consumption If these lifestyle changes are not sufficient to improve blood pressure, medications may be required to help normalise levels. These are typically prescribed by a healthcare professional and tailored to individual needs.

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