High Blood Pressure: The Silent Killer
One in three adults has high blood pressure; half are unaware.
Dr. Marc Dufresne
Cardiologist
In simple terms
Hypertension often causes no symptoms but significantly increases the risk of stroke and heart attack. How to detect and control it.
What you need to remember
- Why it's Dangerous — Persistently high blood pressure silently damages artery walls, promoting:
- Modifiable Risk Factors — Excess salt (> 5 g/day recommended)
- Management — Lifestyle and dietary measures are always the first step:
High blood pressure (HTA) is defined by a systolic pressure greater than or equal to 140 mmHg and/or a diastolic pressure greater than or equal to 90 mmHg, measured in the doctor's office. It is the leading risk factor for mortality worldwide.
Why it's Dangerous
Persistently high blood pressure silently damages artery walls, promoting:
- Atherosclerosis (plaque buildup in arteries)
- Stroke (cerebrovascular accident)
- Myocardial infarction
- Chronic kidney failure
- Heart failure
Modifiable Risk Factors
- Excess salt (> 5 g/day recommended)
- Sedentary lifestyle
- Overweight and abdominal obesity
- Excessive alcohol consumption
- Chronic stress
- Smoking
Management
Lifestyle and dietary measures are always the first step:
- Reduce salt to less than 5 g/day
- Engage in 150 minutes of moderate physical activity per week
- Adopt a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and potassium (DASH diet)
- Limit alcohol to a maximum of 2 drinks/day
If these measures are not sufficient, medication is initiated. The main classes are ACE inhibitors, ARBs, calcium channel blockers, and diuretics.
Have your blood pressure measured at least once a year. It's a simple act that can save lives.
The words explained
Medical terms used above, in everyday language.
- Chronic
- A problem that lasts a long time, usually more than three months, and often comes back.
- Risk factor
- Something that makes an illness more likely, such as smoking or family history.
- Blood pressure
- The force of blood pushing against your artery walls. Too high, over years, damages the heart and vessels.
When should you see a doctor?
- Your symptoms last more than a few weeks or keep coming back.
- They get worse quickly, or stop you doing everyday things.
- You notice sudden pain, breathing trouble, fainting or bleeding — seek urgent care.
- You already take medication and want to change anything about it.
This article explains general health information. It does not replace advice from your own doctor.
Frequently asked questions
- What is High Blood Pressure: The Silent Killer?
- Hypertension often causes no symptoms but significantly increases the risk of stroke and heart attack. How to detect and control it.
- What are the main symptoms or signs of High Blood Pressure: The Silent Killer?
- Common signs vary from person to person. The article above lists the symptoms to watch for, how they progress, and when they need medical attention.
- When should you see a doctor for High Blood Pressure: The Silent Killer?
- See a doctor if symptoms last more than a few weeks, get worse quickly, stop you doing everyday things, or if you notice sudden pain, breathing trouble, fainting or bleeding.
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