HYPERTENSION/HIGH BLOOD PRESSURE (Silent Killer)

Definitions 

Hypertension or high blood pressure is a condition whereby the rate at which the heart is pumping the blood is beyond normal. It can also be defined as a condition in which the force of the blood against the artery wall is high enough to eventually cause heart problems like heart failure, heart attack. In terms of high blood pressure, is a condition whereby there is a repeatedly elevated blood pressure exceeding 140/90mmHg.

Why hypertension/high blood pressure is called silent killer?

It is called silent killer because it is possible to have it without having any symptoms like other diseases.

Blood Pressure Range

Normal: 100/60mmHg - 120/80mmHg

At risk (pre-hypertension): 121/81mmHg - 139/89mmHg

Stage 1 hypertension: 140/90mmHg - 159/99mmHg

Stage 2 hypertension: 160/100mmHg and above

How to diagnose or know one have hypertension/high blood pressure?

The easiest way to know this is using sphygmomanometer. When the blood pressure records revealed elevated blood pressure repeatedly.

Causes of hypertension/high blood pressure

Primary (essential) cause: When there is no identifiable or medical condition. This tends to develop gradually

Secondary cause: When there is an identifiable or medical condition (e.g. kidney problem, thyroid problem etc.)

Contributory/Risk factors of hypertension/high blood pressure

They are things that are tends to bring about hypertension/high blood pressure e.g.

Age

Race

Stress 

Obesity

Lifestyle

Emotional issues

Physical inactivity

Too much salt in diet

Drug and substance abuse

Too little potassium in diet

Too little vitamin D in diet

Drinking too much alcohol

Heredity/Genetic/Family history

Certain chronic medical conditions

Possible signs and symptoms of hypertension/high blood pressure

Hypertension/High blood pressure is rarely accompanied by any symptoms, and its identification is usually through screening or when seeking healthcare for an unrelated problem.  Most people have no signs or symptoms even if blood pressure readings reach dangerously high levels. Although a proportion of people with early hypertension/high blood pressure report;

Headache: (particularly at the back of the head and in the morning)

Light-headedness/Vertigo/Dizziness: (a feeling that you are about to fall

Tinnitus: (ringing, buzzing or hissing in the ears)

Blurred/Altered vision: (lack of sharpness of vision or the inability to see clearly

Fatigue: (loss of strength and energy)

Palpitation: (a rapid and irregular heart beat)

Sleeplessness: (a temporary state in which you are unable to sleep)

Restlessness: (inability to rest, relax or be still)

Nosebleed: (a few more nosebleeds than normal)

Preventive measures

Trust in God

Seek counsel

Physical activity

Genetic modification

Lifestyle modification

Reduce or avoid alcohol

Reduce salt intake in diet

Increase vitamin D in diet

Avoid drug and substance abuse

Increase potassium intake in diet

Use drugs based on prescriptions

Reduce body weight if you are obese

Complications

The excessive pressure on artery walls caused by hypertension/high blood pressure can damage blood vessels as well as organs in the body. The higher your blood pressure and the longer it goes uncontrolled, the greater the damage and can leads to;

Death

Stroke

Kidney 

Diabetes

Aneurysm

Heart attack

Heart failure

Metabolic syndrome

Trouble with memory or understanding

Adeyemi Omoge, founder of 3Ps Health Initiative International, Nigeria, is a Public Health Specialist committed to improving healthcare access and literacy for underserved populations. He has led impactful campaigns on disease prevention, reproductive health, and maternal and child health, benefiting thousands. He holds an MBA in Hospital Administration (JSS Academy, India), an MPH in Epidemiology and Research (University of Nicosia, Cyprus), an MPH in Disaster Management (University of Oviedo, Spain), and an MBA in Project and Human Resources Management (Academy Europe, Germany), alongside a B.Sc. in Public Health (Adeleke University, Nigeria) and other public health certifications. Adeyemi has published over 15 research papers and is an active member of organisations such as the International Society of Substance Use Professionals (UK) and the World Federation Against Drugs (Sweden). He has earned awards like the ALMA Malaria Youth Ambassador Award and scholarships including Erasmus Mundus, Commonwealth, and iLearn. Passionate about mentoring, capacity building, and public health, Adeyemi continues to inspire and contribute globally.

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