Hypertension, which is also known as “High blood pressure,” is a leading cause of heart disease and stroke globally. High blood pressure is a medical condition in which the pressure of blood pumping through our arteries increases, causing damage to the walls of arteries. It is one of the leading causes of heart attack and heart disease. The prevalence of arterial hypertension is approximately 47% in the United States and 55% in Europe (June, 2023).

The blood pressure unit is mm/Hg, and the normal blood pressure value is 120/80 mm/Hg, and this pressure may vary slightly from region to region and race. The upper value indicates systolic pressure, and the bottom value indicates diastolic pressure. Systolic pressure is the blood pressure in arteries when the heart pumps blood, and diastolic pressure is the pressure between beating intervals. 

FACTORS CAUSING HYPERTENSION;

Hypertension is also known as a ‘‘SECRETIVE KILLER’’ because it usually remains undiagnosed unless it turns into chronic cardiovascular disease or stroke. Hypertension prevalence is increasing frequently in North America in today’s population, and many factors are the root cause of hypertension. These factors include the following;

Sedentary lifestyle

Lack of physical inactivity is increasing in North America every day. Busy life routines and bundles of worries make it impossible for people to exercise daily.

Alcohol intake

Frequent alcohol intake can lead to hypertension due to muscle weakening and narrowing of blood vessels.

Food high in salt and saturated fatty acids

Food high in salt can increase Na+ ion concentration, leading to high blood pressure, and food high in saturated fatty acids can narrow blood vessels, leading to emergencies.

Obesity

Obesity is approximately 35% in North America; it is a leading cause of hypertension-related morbidity.

Stress 

 The time people are surviving is a significant factor in causing stress. Continuous stress leads to persistent high blood pressure.

Genetics

Genetic makeup has a very significant role in maintaining health. Genes play a role in hypertension, and certain ethnic groups may have a higher prevalence of the condition.

According to studies and research on hypertension from past decades, it is observed that approximately one out of four is suffering from hypertension.

 In most cases, hypertension remains undiagnosed due to its asymptomatic nature, or people ignore frequent headaches, Shortness of Breath (SOB), uneasy feeling in the chest, and pain in the shoulders and arms.

LIFESTYLE MODIFICATIONS OF HYPERTENSION;

It’s better to discipline yourself to get a tangible result rather than experience difficult moments ahead. Lifestyle modifications, or what we professionally call these interventions, are the most significant aspects to add to our lives to lead a healthy life. Typically, these modifications involve dietary modifications, weight management, stress management, and habit modifications.

Dietary Modifications 

Diet is an essential component of life. What we eat decides how we will respond to our tasks and activities. We need to monitor our salt and fat intake seriously. In addition, we should eat food rich in fiber, proteins, carbohydrates, vitamins, and minerals.

Weight Management

Obesity is linked with hypertension-related morbidity, and many scientific studies concluded obesity is the root cause of many chronic diseases, including hypertension. So, we strictly need to monitor our weight and calorie intake daily.

Stress Management

Stress management is also a crucial component of lifestyle modification. Persistent stress leads to high blood pressure, which weakens heart muscles and causes loss of blood vessel elasticity. Stress management includes the adoption of productive activities, procrastination, yoga, practicing solitude, spending time in nature, and more.

In some cases, medication may also be necessary to control blood pressure levels. Regular monitoring and management of hypertension are crucial for reducing the risk of associated health complications.

These interventions aim to lower blood pressure, reduce the risk of hypertension-related complications (such as heart disease and stroke), and improve overall cardiovascular health. Individuals with hypertension need to work closely with their healthcare providers to develop a personalized treatment plan that meets their specific needs and circumstances.