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Understanding the health risks of hypertension
- This "silent killer" is one that's found all over the world, and in the US a staggering 47% of people are affected. It's known as hypertension or high blood pressure and it's nothing to joke around about. There are numerous risk factors and active decisions you must make every day in your life to help prevent this potentially deadly occurrence. In the gallery, you'll find out everything you need to know about what hypertension is and how it happens as well as what to do if you have it or ideally, how to prevent it. Curious if you're at risk? Click through to find out now.
© Getty Images
0 / 30 Fotos
What is hypertension?
- Hypertension, also known as high blood pressure, occurs when the force of your blood pushing against your artery walls is too high.
© Shutterstock
1 / 30 Fotos
Why is it called the “silent killer?"
- With hypertension, there are no symptoms, so it is often referred to as the "silent killer." You may not even be aware something is wrong until it's too late.
© Shutterstock
2 / 30 Fotos
What is blood pressure?
- The measurement of the pressure or force of your blood pushing against the blood vessel walls is known as your blood pressure or BP. There is a top number, the systolic blood pressure, and a bottom number known as the diastolic blood pressure.
© Shutterstock
3 / 30 Fotos
How to know if you have high blood pressure
- It's essential to get your blood pressure checked regularly as it's the only way to know if it's too high. You can find blood pressure machines at places like your local pharmacy or with your medical provider.
© Shutterstock
4 / 30 Fotos
What is considered high blood pressure?
- Ultimately what's considered "high" will depend on where you live. For example, in the US, a top number of 130 mmHg and/or a bottom number of at least 80 mmHg can signal high blood pressure. In Europe on the other hand, a top number of 140 and/ or a bottom number of at least 90 mmHg are concerning.
© Shutterstock
5 / 30 Fotos
How common is high blood pressure?
- It is very common to have high blood pressure. In fact, in the US, 47% of adults are affected. This is around 116 million people.
© Getty Images
6 / 30 Fotos
2020 stats
- In 2020, high blood pressure contributed to over 670,000 deaths in the US alone.
© Shutterstock
7 / 30 Fotos
The World Health Organization
- The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that over 1.2 billion people globally between the ages of 30 and 79 have hypertension. Additionally, about two in three of those individuals reside in a alow or middle-income country.
© Shutterstock
8 / 30 Fotos
Types of high blood pressure
- The more common type of high blood pressure is known as primary hypertension. It's found in about 90% of all adult cases in the US. It includes lifestyle factors like not exercising enough as well as aging.
© Shutterstock
9 / 30 Fotos
Secondary hypertension
- This type of high blood pressure is caused by different medical conditions you may have or medicine you're taking.
© Shutterstock
10 / 30 Fotos
Can the two types of high blood pressure co-exist?
- Yes, primary and secondary high blood pressure can exist simultaneously. You may already have primary high blood pressure that is then exacerbated by a secondary cause.
© Shutterstock
11 / 30 Fotos
What causes hypertension?
- Usually, many factors combine to cause hypertension. Examples include a diet high in sodium, a lack of physical activity, or a high consumption of alcohol.
© Shutterstock
12 / 30 Fotos
Some causes of secondary hypertension
- Common causes of secondary hypertension include certain medications like immunosuppressants, NSAIDs, and oral contraceptives.
© Shutterstock
13 / 30 Fotos
More causes
- Additionally, kidney disease, obstructive sleep apnea, renal vascular diseases, and recreational drug use can cause secondary hypertension.
© Shutterstock
14 / 30 Fotos
Is high blood pressure genetic?
- Researchers believe that if one or more of your close, biological family members has high blood pressure then you are at an increased risk for developing it.
© Shutterstock
15 / 30 Fotos
Risk factors for high blood pressure
- Risk factors for having high blood pressure include being over 55 years old, being Black, and having certain medical conditions like thyroid disease or chronic kidney disease.
© Shutterstock
16 / 30 Fotos
More risk factors
- If you are obese or overweight and not getting enough exercise, you can be at a higher risk for hypertension.
© Shutterstock
17 / 30 Fotos
Complications of high blood pressure
- There are very serious complications that can arise from hypertension including Coronary Artery Disease (CAD), stroke, heart attack, or peripheral artery disease.
© Shutterstock
18 / 30 Fotos
More complications
- Other complications include kidney disease, kidney failure, complications during pregnancy, and vascular dementia.
© Shutterstock
19 / 30 Fotos
How is high blood pressure diagnosed?
- Your doctor or a healthcare provider can diagnose you with high blood pressure by measuring it with an arm cuff.
© Shutterstock
20 / 30 Fotos
Appointments
- If at two appointments, your provider tells you that your blood pressure is high, then you should make sure to really explore hypertension further and make lifestyle and other changes before it gets worse.
© Shutterstock
21 / 30 Fotos
Management and treatment: lifestyle changes
- Maintaining a healthy weight is essential in minimizing high blood pressure. Additionally, it's important to eat a healthy diet such as the DASH diet, which is filled with fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and low-fat dairy.
© Shutterstock
22 / 30 Fotos
Get enough potassium
- Potassium is an important nutrient for keeping your blood pressure in check. Try and consume 3,500 to 5,000 milligrams per day and ideally do so through the foods you eat instead of taking supplements.
© Shutterstock
23 / 30 Fotos
How long does high blood pressure last?
- Unfortunately, if you have primary high blood pressure, you will have to manage it for the rest of your life.
© Shutterstock
24 / 30 Fotos
Medicines
- If you're dealing with secondary high blood pressure then the pressure will likely decrease after you receive treatment for the medical problem that was originally the cause.
© Shutterstock
25 / 30 Fotos
When should I see a doctor?
- You should seek emergency services or dial 911 if you are experiencing shortness of breath alongside a headache, chest pain, blurry vision, or anxiety. When in doubt, call your medical provider immediately.
© Shutterstock
26 / 30 Fotos
What questions should I ask my doctor? - If not in an emergency setting, you can ask your doctor, "What’s my average blood pressure reading," "What’s an ideal blood pressure reading for me," and "Should I use a home blood pressure monitor?"
© Shutterstock
27 / 30 Fotos
More questions
- Other questions you might ask your medical provider in a non-emergency setting can include which types of exercises you should do, if medication is needed, and if yes, which ones and why.
© Shutterstock
28 / 30 Fotos
Should I check my blood pressure at home?
- If your doctor suggests you check your blood pressure regularly then an at-home blood pressure monitor may be in order. Sources: (CNN Health) (Cleveland Clinic) See also: Key foods to avoid if you have high blood pressure
© Shutterstock
29 / 30 Fotos
Understanding the health risks of hypertension
- This "silent killer" is one that's found all over the world, and in the US a staggering 47% of people are affected. It's known as hypertension or high blood pressure and it's nothing to joke around about. There are numerous risk factors and active decisions you must make every day in your life to help prevent this potentially deadly occurrence. In the gallery, you'll find out everything you need to know about what hypertension is and how it happens as well as what to do if you have it or ideally, how to prevent it. Curious if you're at risk? Click through to find out now.
© Getty Images
0 / 30 Fotos
What is hypertension?
- Hypertension, also known as high blood pressure, occurs when the force of your blood pushing against your artery walls is too high.
© Shutterstock
1 / 30 Fotos
Why is it called the “silent killer?"
- With hypertension, there are no symptoms, so it is often referred to as the "silent killer." You may not even be aware something is wrong until it's too late.
© Shutterstock
2 / 30 Fotos
What is blood pressure?
- The measurement of the pressure or force of your blood pushing against the blood vessel walls is known as your blood pressure or BP. There is a top number, the systolic blood pressure, and a bottom number known as the diastolic blood pressure.
© Shutterstock
3 / 30 Fotos
How to know if you have high blood pressure
- It's essential to get your blood pressure checked regularly as it's the only way to know if it's too high. You can find blood pressure machines at places like your local pharmacy or with your medical provider.
© Shutterstock
4 / 30 Fotos
What is considered high blood pressure?
- Ultimately what's considered "high" will depend on where you live. For example, in the US, a top number of 130 mmHg and/or a bottom number of at least 80 mmHg can signal high blood pressure. In Europe on the other hand, a top number of 140 and/ or a bottom number of at least 90 mmHg are concerning.
© Shutterstock
5 / 30 Fotos
How common is high blood pressure?
- It is very common to have high blood pressure. In fact, in the US, 47% of adults are affected. This is around 116 million people.
© Getty Images
6 / 30 Fotos
2020 stats
- In 2020, high blood pressure contributed to over 670,000 deaths in the US alone.
© Shutterstock
7 / 30 Fotos
The World Health Organization
- The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that over 1.2 billion people globally between the ages of 30 and 79 have hypertension. Additionally, about two in three of those individuals reside in a alow or middle-income country.
© Shutterstock
8 / 30 Fotos
Types of high blood pressure
- The more common type of high blood pressure is known as primary hypertension. It's found in about 90% of all adult cases in the US. It includes lifestyle factors like not exercising enough as well as aging.
© Shutterstock
9 / 30 Fotos
Secondary hypertension
- This type of high blood pressure is caused by different medical conditions you may have or medicine you're taking.
© Shutterstock
10 / 30 Fotos
Can the two types of high blood pressure co-exist?
- Yes, primary and secondary high blood pressure can exist simultaneously. You may already have primary high blood pressure that is then exacerbated by a secondary cause.
© Shutterstock
11 / 30 Fotos
What causes hypertension?
- Usually, many factors combine to cause hypertension. Examples include a diet high in sodium, a lack of physical activity, or a high consumption of alcohol.
© Shutterstock
12 / 30 Fotos
Some causes of secondary hypertension
- Common causes of secondary hypertension include certain medications like immunosuppressants, NSAIDs, and oral contraceptives.
© Shutterstock
13 / 30 Fotos
More causes
- Additionally, kidney disease, obstructive sleep apnea, renal vascular diseases, and recreational drug use can cause secondary hypertension.
© Shutterstock
14 / 30 Fotos
Is high blood pressure genetic?
- Researchers believe that if one or more of your close, biological family members has high blood pressure then you are at an increased risk for developing it.
© Shutterstock
15 / 30 Fotos
Risk factors for high blood pressure
- Risk factors for having high blood pressure include being over 55 years old, being Black, and having certain medical conditions like thyroid disease or chronic kidney disease.
© Shutterstock
16 / 30 Fotos
More risk factors
- If you are obese or overweight and not getting enough exercise, you can be at a higher risk for hypertension.
© Shutterstock
17 / 30 Fotos
Complications of high blood pressure
- There are very serious complications that can arise from hypertension including Coronary Artery Disease (CAD), stroke, heart attack, or peripheral artery disease.
© Shutterstock
18 / 30 Fotos
More complications
- Other complications include kidney disease, kidney failure, complications during pregnancy, and vascular dementia.
© Shutterstock
19 / 30 Fotos
How is high blood pressure diagnosed?
- Your doctor or a healthcare provider can diagnose you with high blood pressure by measuring it with an arm cuff.
© Shutterstock
20 / 30 Fotos
Appointments
- If at two appointments, your provider tells you that your blood pressure is high, then you should make sure to really explore hypertension further and make lifestyle and other changes before it gets worse.
© Shutterstock
21 / 30 Fotos
Management and treatment: lifestyle changes
- Maintaining a healthy weight is essential in minimizing high blood pressure. Additionally, it's important to eat a healthy diet such as the DASH diet, which is filled with fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and low-fat dairy.
© Shutterstock
22 / 30 Fotos
Get enough potassium
- Potassium is an important nutrient for keeping your blood pressure in check. Try and consume 3,500 to 5,000 milligrams per day and ideally do so through the foods you eat instead of taking supplements.
© Shutterstock
23 / 30 Fotos
How long does high blood pressure last?
- Unfortunately, if you have primary high blood pressure, you will have to manage it for the rest of your life.
© Shutterstock
24 / 30 Fotos
Medicines
- If you're dealing with secondary high blood pressure then the pressure will likely decrease after you receive treatment for the medical problem that was originally the cause.
© Shutterstock
25 / 30 Fotos
When should I see a doctor?
- You should seek emergency services or dial 911 if you are experiencing shortness of breath alongside a headache, chest pain, blurry vision, or anxiety. When in doubt, call your medical provider immediately.
© Shutterstock
26 / 30 Fotos
What questions should I ask my doctor? - If not in an emergency setting, you can ask your doctor, "What’s my average blood pressure reading," "What’s an ideal blood pressure reading for me," and "Should I use a home blood pressure monitor?"
© Shutterstock
27 / 30 Fotos
More questions
- Other questions you might ask your medical provider in a non-emergency setting can include which types of exercises you should do, if medication is needed, and if yes, which ones and why.
© Shutterstock
28 / 30 Fotos
Should I check my blood pressure at home?
- If your doctor suggests you check your blood pressure regularly then an at-home blood pressure monitor may be in order. Sources: (CNN Health) (Cleveland Clinic) See also: Key foods to avoid if you have high blood pressure
© Shutterstock
29 / 30 Fotos
Understanding the health risks of hypertension
The importance of checking your blood pressure
© Getty Images
Hypertension, or high blood pressure, is a serious but common condition. This "silent killer" is one that's found all over the world, and in the US a staggering 47% of people are affected by it. There are numerous risk factors associated with hypertension, and we must make active decisions in our everyday lives to prevent it.
In the gallery, you'll find out everything you need to know about what hypertension is, how it happens, how to prevent it, and what to do if you have it. Curious if you're at risk? Click through to find out now.
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