Quick version
Hypertension is a condition in which the pressure in the body's arteries is higher than normal, defined as a blood pressure of 140/90 mmHg or higher on repeated measurements in a doctor's office (the limit for home measurements is 135/85 mmHg). Blood pressure is the force that the blood exerts against the walls of the arteries when the heart pumps. Untreated high blood pressure is one of the main risk factors for serious cardiovascular diseases, such as stroke and heart attack.
Hypertension is often called the "silent killer" because the condition can persist for many years without causing any noticeable symptoms. Despite the lack of warning signs, high blood pressure causes gradual damage to blood vessels and organs. Regular check-ups are therefore the only way to identify and treat the condition early before permanent damage occurs.
Symptoms of hypertension
Most people with high blood pressure do not notice anything. However, at very high levels or during a rapid rise, the following symptoms may occur:
- Headache: Often throbbing, especially in the morning or in the back of the head.
- Fatigue and dizziness: A feeling of imbalance or general lack of energy.
- Shortness of breath: Especially during physical exertion when the heart has to work harder.
- Nosebleeds and palpitations: Can occur with greatly elevated values.
- Visual disturbances: In severe hypertension, small vessels in the eyes can be affected, causing blurred vision.
Causes of hypertension
A distinction is usually made between primary hypertension, which occurs without a single identifiable cause, and secondary hypertension, which is a direct consequence of another underlying disease:
- Lifestyle factors: High intake of salt, liquorice, overweight, stress, smoking and physical inactivity.
- Genetics: Heredity plays a major role in the risk of developing high blood pressure.
- Impaired kidney function: Kidney diseases can cause the body to retain too much fluid and salt, which raises blood pressure.
- Hormonal disorders: For example, Cushing's syndrome or thyroid problems.
- Medications: Some birth control pills, anti-inflammatory medications and nasal sprays can raise blood pressure.
What happens in the body with hypertension?
In hypertension, the heart is forced to work harder to pump blood, which leads to the heart muscle thickening and becoming less elastic. At the same time, the blood vessel walls (endothelium) are damaged, which accelerates atherosclerosis (atherosclerosis). This increases the risk of blood vessels bursting or becoming blocked, which in turn can lead to organ damage, especially in the heart, brain, kidneys and eyes.
Who is affected by hypertension?
The risk increases with age as the vessels naturally become stiffer. People with diabetes, kidney disease or those with a family history of cardiovascular disease are at higher risk. People with high stress levels or those who live with long-term sleep apnea are also particularly vulnerable to it.
Diagnosing hypertension
Because blood pressure varies throughout the day, several measurements are usually required for a diagnosis:
- Blood pressure measurement: It is done at rest with a cuff on the upper arm.
- 24-hour measurement: A portable meter records the pressure over a whole day to see the average values.
- Blood tests: blood fats, blood suger and renal markers are often measured to assess the overall risk picture.
- ECG: Is done to see if the heart has been affected or enlarged by the high pressure.
Treatment of hypertension
The goal of treatment is primarily to lower blood pressure to 120–129/70–79 mmHg for people who are 70 years of age or younger. For people over 70 years of age, the treatment goal is 130–139/70–79 mmHg.
- Lifestyle changes: Weight loss, reduced salt intake and increased exercise are often the first choice for mild hypertension.
- Medications: There are several effective types of medications that lower blood pressure in different ways, for example by dilating blood vessels or helping the heart to work more calmly.
- Stress management: Methods for reducing stress levels can have a direct lowering effect on pressure.
Lifestyle advice to prevent hypertension
- Reduce salt: Salt binds fluid in the body and directly raises pressure.
- Exercise regularly: Even 30 minutes of movement a day makes the vessels more elastic.
- Moderation with alcohol and Tobacco: Nicotine constricts blood vessels immediately, which raises blood pressure. Keep track of your blood pressure: Buy your own blood pressure monitor to monitor your blood pressure at home in peace and quiet.
