What is hypertension?
Hypertension, or high blood pressure, is the condition in which the force of blood against the walls of the arteries is persistently too high. It is measured with two numbers:
- Systolic pressure — the higher value, taken when the heart contracts.
- Diastolic pressure — the lower value, taken when the heart relaxes between beats.
A normal reading sits below 120/80 mmHg. Hypertension is generally diagnosed when readings consistently reach 140/90 mmHg or higher in a clinical setting, or 135/85 mmHg at home.
Why it matters
Hypertension is sometimes called the silent killer because it rarely causes symptoms until damage has already accumulated. Sustained high pressure stiffens and narrows arteries, forcing the heart to work harder. Over years, this raises the risk of:
- Heart attack and heart failure
- Stroke
- Chronic kidney disease
- Vision loss from retinal damage
- Cognitive decline
Worldwide, hypertension is the single leading risk factor for premature death.
Causes and risk factors
Most adults have primary (essential) hypertension — no single cause, but a combination of:
- Genetics and family history
- Age (risk rises after 40)
- Excess sodium and ultra-processed food intake
- Low physical activity
- Excess body weight
- Chronic stress and poor sleep
- Heavy alcohol or tobacco use
A minority have secondary hypertension, caused by an identifiable problem such as kidney disease, hormonal disorders, or certain medications.
What helps
Lifestyle changes are first-line and remarkably effective:
- Move every day — 150 minutes of moderate activity per week
- Adopt a Mediterranean-style diet (vegetables, legumes, olive oil, fish, whole grains)
- Reduce salt to below 5 g per day
- Maintain a healthy weight
- Limit alcohol; stop smoking
- Sleep 7–9 hours
- Manage stress: breathing exercises, social connection, time outdoors
When lifestyle alone is not enough, several classes of medication — ACE inhibitors, ARBs, calcium channel blockers, diuretics — are safe, well-tolerated, and used for life in most cases.
When to seek care
Adults should know their blood pressure. If yours is repeatedly above 130/80 mmHg, or if you experience chest pain, shortness of breath, severe headache, vision changes or weakness, book a consultation with a cardiologist or general practitioner.