High Blood Pressure: The Silent Killer You Must Control

Hypertension in figures

High blood pressure (HTA) affects 1.28 billion adults worldwide, nearly half of whom are unaware of it. It is defined by systolic blood pressure at least 140 mmHg and/or diastolic blood pressure at least 90 mmHg. It is the most common cardiovascular risk factor and the leading cause of stroke and heart failure.

Why is it dangerous?

HTA progressively damages arteries throughout the body: the heart (heart failure, heart attack), the brain (stroke), the kidneys (kidney failure), the eyes (retinopathy), and leg arteries (arteritis). These complications occur after years of untreated hypertension.

Lifestyle and diet

The DASH diet (rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, low in salt and saturated fats) can reduce blood pressure by 8 to 14 mmHg. The goal is not to exceed 5 g of salt per day. Regular physical exercise (30 min/day), moderate alcohol consumption, smoking cessation, and stress management complement lifestyle measures.

Drug treatments

Five classes of antihypertensive drugs are available: ACE inhibitors, ARBs, calcium channel blockers, diuretics, and beta-blockers. Treatment is often a dual therapy from the start. Adherence is crucial: irregularly taken treatment is ineffective. Home blood pressure monitoring is recommended for follow-up.