When the Numbers Really Count (Hypertension is a Global Health Concern)

Hypertension (HPN) or High Blood Pressure (HBP) is a silent killer lurking within you or your loved ones. Arm yourself with proper knowledge to defend against this condition that kills an estimated 9 billion people every year.

The World Health Organization was alarmed on how non-infectious diseases (cardiovascular disease, diabetes and chronic lung diseases) overtaken infectious diseases as the leading cause of mortality (death) all over the world. And the key factor among these deadly diseases is hypertension or high blood pressure.

An estimated 1 billion people worldwide are affected by this condition that leads to more serious complications like strokes and heart attacks. Due to some misconception about this medical condition, people commonly associate HPN with individuals who are hyperactive, nervous or tense. But the truth is that it has nothing to do about your personality or traits. Even relax or calm person still have HPN. Good thing about this medical condition when caught in an earlier stage, it is preventable.

In an effort to address this global concern, WHO developed a Global Plan of Action for the year 2013-2020 to guide each country in preventing and controlling the number of cases and deaths due to non-infectious disease through substantially reducing the number of people with hypertension.

Awareness is the Key

Early detection through awareness and proper knowledge help to reduce the number of deaths and illnesses brought about by this commonly misunderstood medical condition. It is wise to keep informed and involved in making sure you have a healthy range of blood pressure.

Step 1: What is Blood Pressure?

This is the force of the circulating blood pushing against the blood vessel walls as the heart pumps blood to different parts of the body. The higher the pressure within the blood vessel walls, the harder the heart works to pump more blood to supply all the parts of the body. If this kind of state continues over time, high blood pressure occurs that damages several organs causing severe complications like renal failure, stroke, heart attack and even heart failure.

Step 2: How high is High Blood Pressure?

A sphygmomanometer (blood pressure meter) is used to take your blood pressure. It is typically recorded into 2 numbers in a ratio form like 120/80 mm Hg (120 over 80 millimeters of mercury). The numerator is the systolic blood pressure (SBP) that measures the pressure within your blood vessels (arteries) when the heart beats or contracts. The denominator is the diastolic blood pressure (DBP) that measures the pressure within your blood vessels between heartbeats or when the heart muscle is resting and refilling with blood.

The American Heart Association (AHA) has the following recommended health blood pressure table.

Normal Blood Pressure = SBP less than 120 mm Hg and DBP 80 mm Hg

Prehypertension = SBP 120-139 mm Hg or DBP 80-89 mm Hg

Hypertension

High Blood Pressure Stage 1 = SBP 140-159 mm Hg or 90-99 mm Hg

High Blood Pressure Stage 2 = SBP 160 or higher mm Hg or DBP 100 or higher mm Hg

Hypertensive Crisis (Emergency Care is needed) = SBP higher than 180 mm Hg or DBP higher than 110 mm Hg 

Step 3: Consult your healthcare provider

There are several factors that take place causing your blood pressure to rise. Your health care provider would accurately monitor it overtime and may sometimes perform other diagnostic examinations, physical examination and interviews. AHA recommends that at age 20 years old, to have a regular visit once or twice a year given if the blood pressure is less than 120/80 mm Hg.

When a high blood pressure is detected in a single reading, it does not necessary mean you are hypertensive. Take another reading after a couple of minutes and compare. If it is still high especially at a reading of 180/110 mm Hg, immediately seek a health care provider or let someone bring you to the hospital right away especially if you have pre-existing medical conditions to start with.

As we grow older, our blood pressure steadily increases due to different factors of aging like increase blood vessel stiffness, plaque build-up and other health conditions. So for a healthier living, know your numbers. These are the numbers that really counts.

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