High blood pressure—known medically as hypertension—affects nearly 1 in 3 adults worldwide, yet many don’t even realize they have it. Dubbed the “silent killer”, hypertension creeps in quietly, often without symptoms, but over time it can wreak havoc on your heart, brain, kidneys, and more.
If you're looking to understand what hypertension is, what causes it, and—most importantly—how to prevent or manage it, you're in the right place.
Hypertension happens when the force of blood pushing against your artery walls is consistently too high. This can cause damage over time, making your heart work harder than it should and increasing your risk of serious health problems.
Blood pressure is measured in two numbers:
A normal reading is usually around 120/80 mmHg.
There are two main types of hypertension:
1. Primary Hypertension
2. Secondary Hypertension
While some causes are out of your control, many risk factors are lifestyle-related:
Hypertension isn’t just a number on a chart—it’s a warning sign. Left untreated, it can lead to heart disease, stroke, kidney failure, and even death. But with awareness, regular monitoring, and healthy habits, you can manage or even prevent it.
The best time to take control of your blood pressure is right now. Whether you're trying to prevent hypertension or bring your numbers down, these steps can make a major difference.
A Dietitian plays a crucial role in helping manage and even prevent hypertension. While medications and exercise are important, diet is one of the most powerful tools in controlling blood pressure.