Hypertension, or high blood pressure, occurs when the force of blood against artery walls stays elevated over time, making the heart work harder. Though not a heart disease itself, it’s a major risk factor for conditions like heart attacks and stroke. Often called the “silent killer,” hypertension can exist without symptoms yet cause serious damage if left unmanaged.
As a progressive condition, hypertension typically doesn’t show clear symptoms. However, when symptoms appear, they may include headaches, dizziness, chest discomfort, fatigue, blurred vision, or irregular heartbeat. Regular screening is the only reliable way to identify it.
Key risk factors include:
Age, gender, and genetics
Obesity, poor diet, high sodium intake, lack of exercise
Stress, excessive alcohol, smoking
Underlying conditions like kidney disease, diabetes, or sleep apnea
Hypertension is confirmed through accurate blood pressure measurements—whether in a clinical setting or at home:
Normal: <120/80 mmHg
Elevated: 120–129/<80 mmHg
Stage 1 Hypertension: 130–139/80–89 mmHg
Stage 2 Hypertension: ≥140/90 mmHg
Guidelines emphasize out-of-office readings (like ABPM or home BP measurements) for accuracy and transparency—helping diagnose conditions like masked or white-coat hypertension.
Lifestyle changes are the first, and often most powerful, line of defense against hypertension:
Adopt a heart-healthy diet, such as the DASH plan—rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and low-fat dairy; proven to reduce systolic BP up to 11 mmHg.
Increase physical activity: Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate aerobic exercise weekly.
Limit sodium, manage stress, quit smoking, minimize alcohol use, and maintain adequate, quality sleep.
These habits not only lower blood pressure but also enhance the effectiveness of medications when required.
When lifestyle changes alone are insufficient, medications can help bring BP within target:
First-line drugs: Thiazide diuretics, ACE inhibitors, ARBs, calcium channel blockers—chosen based on patient-specific factors.
Other options: Beta blockers, alpha blockers, aldosterone antagonists, or renin inhibitors for resistant cases.
Resistant hypertension may require reviewing adherence, medication combinations, and out-of-office BP trends.
Even a modest 5 mmHg reduction can cut stroke risk by 34% and ischemic heart disease by 21%.
Over 85% of middle-aged individuals with Type 2 diabetes also have hypertension. The two conditions together elevate risks of heart disease, stroke, and kidney complications. Managing both concurrently requires coordinated efforts involving lifestyle, diet, and strategic medication use (like ACE inhibitors for kidney protection).
Hypertension self-monitoring helps make better clinical decisions—but must be done correctly:
Sit with back supported, feet flat on the floor; rest quietly for five minutes before reading
Support the arm at heart level and use the proper cuff size
Take 2–3 readings one minute apart, and record results
Bring your monitor to appointments to validate its accuracy.
Over 22 years of expertise in internal medicine, with a focus on chronic diseases like hypertension and diabetes.
Data-driven, personalized care combining lifestyle therapy, medication management, home BP tracking, and lifestyle coaching.
Accessible clinics in Rajendra Nagar and Tolichowki—with comprehensive follow-up, support, and health education.
Call today: (+91) 99598 05309
Walk-in locations:
Dr. Suhail’s Diabetic Clinic – Rajendra Nagar
LifePrime Clinic – Tolichowki
Let’s control your blood pressure before it controls you.