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  5. Fast Facts
  • Definition: Hypertension, also known as high blood pressure, is a chronic medical condition where the blood pressure in the arteries is persistently elevated. It is commonly defined as having a blood pressure reading of 130/80 mmHg or higher.
  • Risk Factors: Several factors increase the risk of developing hypertension, including family history, age, obesity, high dietary sodium intake, sedentary lifestyle, excessive alcohol consumption, and chronic stress.
  • Symptoms: Hypertension is often referred to as the “silent killer” because it typically does not present noticeable symptoms until serious complications arise. Some individuals may experience headaches, or shortness of breath, but such symptoms are not common.
  • Complications: If left untreated, hypertension can lead to severe health complications, including heart disease, stroke, kidney damage, and loss of vision.
  • Diagnosis: Hypertension is diagnosed through repeated blood pressure measurements taken in a medical office environment or at home. A blood pressure measurement device is used to measure both systolic (the pressure when the heart is contracting) and diastolic (the pressure when the heart is at rest) pressures.
  • Management: Lifestyle modifications like a balanced diet (e.g., DASH diet), regular physical activity, weight management, and limiting alcohol can significantly help manage hypertension. Medications may also be prescribed when necessary.
  • Monitoring: Regular monitoring of blood pressure is crucial for individuals with hypertension. Home blood pressure monitors can be used to track measurements and help inform treatment decisions.

References

  1. Sekkarie A, Fang J, Hayes D, Loustalot F. Prevalence of Self-Reported Hypertension and Antihypertensive Medication Use Among Adults — United States, 2017–2021. MMWR Morb Mortal Wkly Rep. 2024;73(9):191-198. doi:10.15585/mmwr.mm7309a1
  2. Whelton PK, Carey RM, Aronow WS, et al. 2017 ACC/AHA/AAPA/ABC/ACPM/AGS/APhA/ASH/ASPC/NMA/PCNA Guideline for the Prevention, Detection, Evaluation, and Management of High Blood Pressure in Adults: A Report of the American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association Task Force on Clinical Practice Guidelines. Circulation. 2018;138(17). doi:10.1161/CIR.0000000000000596
  3. Rosendorff C, Lackland DT, Allison M, et al. Treatment of Hypertension in Patients With Coronary Artery Disease: A Scientific Statement From the American Heart Association, American College of Cardiology, and American Society of Hypertension. Circulation. 2015;131(19). doi:10.1161/CIR.0000000000000207
  4. Rosendorff C, Black HR, Cannon CP, et al. Treatment of Hypertension in the Prevention and Management of Ischemic Heart Disease: A Scientific Statement From the American Heart Association Council for High Blood Pressure Research and the Councils on Clinical Cardiology and Epidemiology and Prevention. Circulation. 2007;115(21):2761-2788. doi:10.1161/CIRCULATIONAHA.107.183885
  5. Mishima E, Funayama Y, Suzuki T, et al. Concurrent analogous organ damage in the brain, eyes, and kidneys in malignant hypertension: reversible encephalopathy, serous retinal detachment, and proteinuria. Hypertens Res. 2021;44(1):88-97. doi:10.1038/s41440-020-0521-2
  6. Arnett DK, Blumenthal RS, Albert MA, et al. 2019 ACC/AHA Guideline on the Primary Prevention of Cardiovascular Disease: Executive Summary. J Am Coll Cardiol. 2019;74(10):1376-1414. doi:10.1016/j.jacc.2019.03.009
  7. Appel LJ, Brands MW, Daniels SR, Karanja N, Elmer PJ, Sacks FM. Dietary Approaches to Prevent and Treat Hypertension: A Scientific Statement From the American Heart Association. Hypertension. 2006;47(2):296-308. doi:10.1161/01.HYP.0000202568.01167.B6
  8. Carey RM, Moran AE, Whelton PK. Treatment of Hypertension: A Review. JAMA. 2022;328(18):1849. doi:10.1001/jama.2022.19590

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