Hypertension

Hypertension
Key facts
• An estimated 1.28 billion adults aged 30–79 years worldwide have

hypertension, most (two-thirds) living in low- and middle-income countries
• An estimated 46% of adults with hypertension are unaware that they have the
condition.
• Less than half of adults (42%) with hypertension are diagnosed and treated.
• Approximately 1 in 5 adults (21%) with hypertension have it under control.
• Hypertension is a major cause of premature death worldwide.
• One of the global targets for noncommunicable diseases is to reduce the
prevalence of hypertension by 33% between 2010 and 2030.
Overview
Hypertension (high blood pressure) is when the pressure in your blood vessels is
too high (140/90 mmHg or higher). It is common but can be serious if not treated.
People with high blood pressure may not feel symptoms. The only way to know is
to get your blood pressure checked.
Things that increase the risk of having high blood pressure include:
• older age
• genetics
• being overweight or obese
• not being physically active
• high salt diet
• drinking too much alcohol
Lifestyle changes like eating a healthier diet, quitting tobacco and being more
active can help lower blood pressure. Some people may still need to take
medicines.
Blood pressure is written as two numbers. The first (systolic) number
represents the pressure in blood vessels when the heart contracts or beats.
The second (diastolic) number represents the pressure in the vessels when
the heart rests between beats.
Hypertension is diagnosed if, when it is measured on two different days, the

systolic blood pressure readings on both days is ≥140 mmHg and/or the
diastolic blood pressure readings on both days is ≥90 mmHg.
Risk factors
Modifiable risk factors include unhealthy diets (excessive salt

consumption, a diet high in saturated fat and trans fats, low intake of
fruits and vegetables), physical inactivity, consumption of tobacco and
alcohol, and being overweight or obese.
Non-modifiable risk factors include a family history of hypertension, age

over 65 years and co-existing diseases such as diabetes or kidney
disease.
Symptoms
Most people with hypertension don’t feel any symptoms.

Very high blood pressures can cause headaches, blurred
vision, chest pain and other symptoms.
Checking your blood pressure is the best way to know if
you have high blood pressure. If hypertension isn’t
treated, it can cause other health conditions like kidney
disease, heart disease and stroke.
People with very high blood pressure (usually 180/120 or higher) can experience symptoms including:
• severe headaches
• chest pain
• dizziness
• difficulty breathing
• nausea
• vomiting
• blurred vision or other vision changes
• anxiety
• confusion
• buzzing in the ears
• nosebleeds
• abnormal heart rhythm
The only way to detect hypertension is to have a health professional measure blood pressure. Having
blood pressure measured is quick and painless. Although individuals can measure their own blood
pressure using automated devices, an evaluation by a health professional is important for assessment of
risk and associated conditions.
Treatment
Lifestyle changes can help lower high blood

pressure. These include:
• eating a healthy, low-salt diet
• losing weight
• being physically active
• quitting tobacco.
Blood pressure goal is less than 130/80 if you have:
• cardiovascular disease (heart disease or stroke)
• diabetes (high blood sugar)
• chronic kidney disease
• high risk for cardiovascular disease.
For most people, the goal is to have a blood pressure less than 140/90.
There are several common blood pressure medicines:

• ACE inhibitors relax blood vessels and prevent kidney damage. Examples: enalapril, lisinopril
• Angiotensin-2 receptor blockers (ARBs) relax blood vessels and prevent kidney damage.
Examples: losartan and telmisartan
• Calcium channel blockers relax blood vessels. Examples: amlodipine, felodipine
• Diuretics eliminate extra water from the body, lowering blood pressure. Examples:
hydrochlorothiazide, chlorthalidone
Prevention
Lifestyle changes can help lower high blood pressure and can help anyone with hypertension. Many who make these
changes will still need to take medicine.
These lifestyle changes can help prevent and lower high blood pressure.
Do:
• Eat more vegetables and fruits.
• Sit less.
• Be more physically active, which can include walking, running, swimming, dancing or activities that build strength, like
lifting weights
• Get at least 150 minutes per week of moderate-intensity aerobic activity or 75 minutes per week of vigorous aerobic
activity.
• Do strength building exercises 2 or more days each week.
• Lose weight if you’re overweight or obese.
• Take medicines as prescribed by your health care professional.
• Keep appointments with your health care professional.
Don’t:
• eat too much salty food (try to stay under 2 grams per day)
• eat foods high in saturated or trans fats
• smoke or use tobacco
• drink too much alcohol (1 drink daily max for women, 2 for men)
• miss or share medication.
Reducing hypertension prevents heart attack, stroke and kidney damage, as well as other health
problems.
Reduce the risks of hypertension by:
• reducing and managing stress
• regularly checking blood pressure
• treating high blood pressure
• managing other medical conditions.
Complications of uncontrolled hypertension
Among other complications, hypertension can cause serious damage to the heart. Excessive pressure can harden arteries,
decreasing the flow of blood and oxygen to the heart. This elevated pressure and reduced blood flow can cause:
• chest pain, also called angina;
• heart attack, which occurs when the blood supply to the heart is blocked, and heart muscle cells die from lack of
oxygen. The longer the blood flow is blocked, the greater the damage to the heart;
• heart failure, which occurs when the heart cannot pump enough blood and oxygen to other vital body organs; and
• irregular heartbeat which can lead to a sudden death.
• Hypertension can also burst or block arteries that supply blood and oxygen to the brain, causing a stroke.
• In addition, hypertension can cause kidney damage, leading to kidney failure.
Hypertension in low- and middle-income
countries
• The prevalence of hypertension varies across regions and country income groups. The WHO
African Region has the highest prevalence of hypertension (27%) while the WHO Region of
the Americas has the lowest prevalence of hypertension (18%).
• The number of adults with hypertension increased from 594 million in 1975 to 1.13 billion in
2015, with the increase seen largely in low- and middle-income countries. This increase is
due mainly to a rise in hypertension risk factors in those populations.
• Hypertension- causes, symptoms, diagnosis,
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Hypertension

• An estimated 1.28 billion adults aged 30–79 years worldwide have

Hypertension is diagnosed if, when it is measured on two different days, the

Modifiable risk factors include unhealthy diets (excessive salt

Non-modifiable risk factors include a family history of hypertension, age

Most people with hypertension don’t feel any symptoms.

Lifestyle changes can help lower high blood

There are several common blood pressure medicines:

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