High Blood Pressure: The Silent Killer and How to Detect It Before It’s Too Late
High blood pressure, medically known as hypertension, is a chronic condition in which the pressure inside the arteries remains persistently elevated, increasing the risk of serious cardiovascular diseases.
Why Is It Called the Silent Killer?
Blood pressure is measured in millimeters of mercury (mmHg) and consists of:
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Systolic pressure (heart contraction)
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Diastolic pressure (heart relaxation)
A normal reading is below 120/80 mmHg, while hypertension is diagnosed at 130/80 mmHg or higher.
Hypertension is often symptomless in its early stages, allowing it to cause severe damage without warning.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO):
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Over 1.28 billion people worldwide have hypertension
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It contributes to 13% of global deaths annually
Causes and Risk Factors of Hypertension
Hypertension is classified into:
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Primary (essential): 90–95% of cases, with no identifiable cause
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Secondary: Caused by underlying conditions such as kidney or adrenal diseases
Major Risk Factors:
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Genetic predisposition
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Obesity and excessive salt intake
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Physical inactivity
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Smoking and alcohol consumption
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Aging, diabetes, and chronic stress
Symptoms: Why Early Detection Is Difficult
Most people experience no symptoms until blood pressure reaches dangerous levels (180/120 mmHg), which may cause:
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Severe headaches
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Dizziness or blurred vision
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Chest pain or shortness of breath
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Nosebleeds and extreme fatigue
How to Detect High Blood Pressure Early
Regular Blood Pressure Monitoring
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Annual check-ups for healthy adults
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Home blood pressure monitoring
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24-hour ambulatory monitoring if needed
Medical Tests
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Blood and urine tests
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ECG and echocardiography
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Kidney function tests
Prevention and Control Strategies
Healthy Diet
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Follow the DASH diet
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Reduce sodium intake
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Increase potassium-rich foods
Physical Activity
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150 minutes of moderate exercise per week
Stress Management
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Meditation and yoga
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Quit smoking
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Maintain a healthy weight
Medications
Prescribed when lifestyle changes are insufficient, including ACE inhibitors and beta blockers.
Complications of Untreated Hypertension
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Heart disease and heart attacks
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Stroke
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Chronic kidney disease
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Vision loss
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Sexual dysfunction
Final Thoughts
Early detection and lifestyle changes can prevent life-threatening complications of high blood pressure. Regular monitoring is the key to defeating the silent killer.
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