Hypertension Explained: The Silent Threat to Your Heart

Many people believe that hypertension only develops when you're constantly stressed or anxious. While stress can contribute, the truth is that hypertension often results from a combination of genetic factors, underlying medical conditions, and unhealthy lifestyle choices.

High blood pressure is a major global health concern, affecting millions of people each year. It's often dubbed the “silent killer” because it can quietly damage vital organs - such as the heart, kidneys, brain, and eyes - without showing any obvious symptoms for years.¹

This blog provides an overview of hypertension, its symptoms, causes, and educates you on the importance of early detection.  

What is Hypertension?

Hypertension occurs when the force of blood against the artery walls is consistently too high. 

Blood pressure readings are divided into two categories of numbers - systolic and diastolic.

• Systolic Pressure (the top number) - it is the pressure in your arteries when the heart beats.
• Diastolic Pressure (the bottom number) - it is the pressure of your blood when the heart rests between beats.

A normal blood pressure is usually around 120/80 mmHg. But when the readings consistently exceed 130/80 mmHg, it may be considered hypertension. Over time, this excessive blood pressure may damage the artery walls and other vital organs, including the heart, brain, eyes and kidneys. ²

There are two main types of hypertension:

• Primary hypertension (essential) - this kind of hypertension develops gradually over the years and has no identifiable cause. It is influenced by lifestyle factors, ageing, or genetic factors.
• Secondary hypertension - this kind of hypertension can be caused due to underlying medical conditions like adrenal gland tumours, hormonal disorders (hyperthyroidism), kidney disease, obstructive sleep apnea, or due to certain medications like decongestants, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), or birth control pills.³

Why is Hypertension Called a Silent Killer? 

Hypertension often goes undetected in its early stages. People can live normally, being asymptomatic for years, until noticeable damage has been done to the cardiovascular system or other vital organs. 

This silent progression is what gives the condition the nickname ‘silent killer’. If left untreated, it can increase the risk of various cardiovascular complications like stroke or heart disease, vision loss or kidney failure. It is very crucial to get regular screenings done, as there might be no warning signs. Early hypertension diagnosis is the key to treating this condition on time before it escalates.⁴ 

Early Signs & Symptoms of Hypertension

Hypertension symptoms often do not occur in the initial stages. However, in some cases, people may experience some vague or subtle signs:

• Dizziness or episodes of blurred vision
• Persistent headaches in the mornings
• Shortness of breath or chest pain during mild exertion
• Fatigue, confusion, or difficulty concentrating
• Frequent nosebleeds
• Irregular heartbeat or pounding of neck, ears, or chest

But these symptoms are observed only when the blood pressure is very high. This highlights the importance of routine screening to rule out any possible cardiovascular risks. ⁵

Risk Factors you Shouldn’t Ignore

Recognising and addressing some common hypertension causes that contribute to the development of this condition can help in timely diagnosis and treatment: 6

• Family History - The number one reason to get yourself routinely screened for hypertension is if your family has a history of such cases. This condition can be inherited.
• Age - The risk of hypertension increases with age, due to the stiffening of blood vessels. People above the age of 60 should get routinely tested.
• Lifestyle Habits - Unhealthy food choices, excessive alcohol consumption, smoking, lack of exercise and tobacco use can elevate the risk of hypertension. 
• Obesity - Individuals who are overweight tend to increase the strain on their heart and circulatory systems, making it crucial for them to get screened.
• Chronic Conditions - Diabetes, kidney disease, high cholesterol or sleep apnea, all may lead to hypertension.
• Stress - Constant psychological stress may also contribute to chronic elevations in blood pressure.
• Pregnancy-Related Complications - Conditions like preeclampsia may also cause hypertension.
• Too much salt - Too much salt, also called sodium, in the diet can cause the blood to retain fluid, leading to an increase in blood pressure. 

How to Detect Hypertension Early

Early detection of hypertension can be done by routine blood pressure checks. You can monitor your blood pressure either at home or during frequent medical visits if you know you are at high risk. 

There are many devices, like the digital blood pressure monitor, which make it easy to get a quick analysis. Keeping a log makes it easy for healthcare professionals to identify patterns and make an accurate diagnosis. 

Apart from regularly monitoring, you should also:

• Have an idea of your baseline readings and keep a tab for even the slightest fluctuations.
• Have annual physical checkups done to rule out any other complications.
• Be aware of any changes in your vision, energy levels or cardiovascular endurance that may hint at underlying hypertension.⁷

Complications of Uncontrolled Hypertension

Uncontrolled hypertension arises when this condition is left untreated. It can lead to serious health concerns affecting multiple vital organs. These serious complications include:⁸

• Heart disease: Constant high blood pressure can lead to thickening of the heart muscles, mainly the left ventricle, increasing the risk of heart failure or irregular heart rhythms. 
• Stroke: Elevated pressure may lead to the rupture or blockage of blood vessels in the brain, causing ischemic (a clot blocking blood flow) or hemorrhagic (due to bleeding from a ruptured vessel) strokes.
• Kidney damage: Hypertension damages the small blood vessels in the kidneys, reducing their filtering ability and potentially leading to chronic kidney disease or failure.
• Vision loss: High pressure can cause retinopathy, optic nerve damage, or fluid buildup under the retina, leading to permanent vision impairment.
• Cognitive decline: Uncontrolled hypertension is associated with an increased risk of dementia, Alzheimer’s disease, and other forms of cognitive dysfunction.

Hypertension Chart

Preventive Measures to Keep Hypertension in Check

The most effective measures to keep hypertension at bay is by adopting a healthy lifestyle. This includes:⁹

• Eat a heart-healthy diet: Focus on the DASH (Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension) diet, which includes plenty of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and
• low-fat dairy: Limit sodium to less than 2,300 mg per day, ideally aiming for 1,500 mg.
• Exercise regularly: Engage in at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic exercise per week (like brisk walking, swimming, or cycling).
• Maintain a healthy weight: Losing even 5–10% of your body weight can significantly lower blood pressure.
• Limit alcohol and avoid tobacco: Alcohol raises BP, and tobacco damages blood vessels, accelerating the risk of cardiovascular disease.
• Manage stress: Practice relaxation techniques like mindfulness, meditation, breathing exercises, yoga, or hobbies that calm the mind.
• Sleep well: Aim for 7–8 hours of quality sleep every night as poor sleep has been linked to high BP. 

Diagnostic Tests for Early Detection

In addition to routine BP checks, doctors may order diagnostic tests to confirm hypertension and assess related organ damage:7

• Ambulatory blood pressure monitoring: A portable device records BP for over 24 hours to assess fluctuations and confirm diagnosis.
• Blood tests: Evaluate kidney function (creatinine, BUN), electrolyte levels, cholesterol, and blood sugar.
• Urinalysis: Detects protein, glucose, and other abnormalities indicating kidney stress or damage.
• Electrocardiogram (ECG): Identifies arrhythmias or signs of heart muscle enlargement.
• Echocardiogram: Assesses the structure and function of the heart to detect damage from long-term hypertension.
• Ophthalmologic examination: Evaluates retinal blood vessels for signs of hypertensive retinopathy. 

How to Reduce Risk & Manage Blood Pressure

Once you are diagnosed with hypertension, your doctor may suggest some changes you need to make to your lifestyle to reduce the risk and manage blood pressure.

These changes include:¹⁰

• Lifestyle changes: As mentioned, these form the foundation of hypertension management.
• Medications: Drugs prescribed depending on individual needs. These include:
• • ACE inhibitors (e.g., enalapril, lisinopril)
  • Angiotensin II receptor blockers (ARBs)
  • Calcium channel blockers
  • Diuretics (e.g., hydrochlorothiazide)
  • Beta-blockers
• Regular follow-ups: Periodic check-ups help adjust medications, monitor side effects, and ensure BP remains within the target range.
• Self-monitoring: Keeping track of readings at home promotes better compliance and early detection of fluctuations. 

When to See a Doctor

You should consult a doctor if you:

• Consistently record readings above 130/80 mmHg, especially on multiple occasions.
• Experience warning signs such as chest pain, severe headaches, shortness of breath, or visual disturbances.
• Have known risk factors like diabetes, obesity, or a family history of hypertension.
• Are pregnant and have developed elevated blood pressure, which could indicate preeclampsia. 

Conclusion

Although hypertension is a serious medical condition, it can be managed if diagnosed and detected on time. It is nicknamed as ‘silent killer’ because it often goes asymptomatic for years until serious damage has been done. 

By understanding the causes of hypertension and symptoms, it is possible to take preventive measures and lead a healthy and longer life. Take control early with preventive tools like Ayushman Heart Care - a comprehensive health screening package by LifeCell that helps detect risk factors for hypertension and other lifestyle diseases before they spiral out of control.

FAQs

Can hypertension be cured?

While hypertension cannot be cured permanently in most cases, it can be effectively managed through medication, lifestyle changes, and stress control. In some secondary cases, treating the underlying cause may reverse high BP. ¹¹

How often should I get my BP checked?

Adults should have their BP checked at least once every two years if it’s within normal range. If elevated or borderline high, checks should be done more frequently, as advised by your doctor.¹²

What is the reason that hypertension is known as the silent killer?

Because it often shows no symptoms until significant damage has occurred to organs like the heart, brain, or kidneys, making early detection through routine checks essential. 

Who is most at risk for hypertension?

Older adults, people with a family history, those who are overweight or obese, individuals with sedentary lifestyles, smokers, heavy drinkers, and people with chronic diseases like diabetes or kidney disorders are at greater risk for developing hypertension.