Hypertension is termed the "silent killer" due to its frequent lack of early symptoms. When present, signs may include:

• Headaches (typically severe and persistent).
• Shortness of breath or chest pain.
• Vision changes or dizziness.
• Nosebleeds (less common).

Note: Many individuals remain asymptomatic. Regular monitoring is crucial, especially with risk factors (Mayo Clinic).

1. Primary Hypertension (90–95% of cases):
   • Linked to aging, genetics, obesity, sedentary lifestyle, high-sodium diet, alcohol, and smoking (Lippincott Review of Pathology).
2. Secondary Hypertension:
   • Underlying conditions: Kidney disease, hyperthyroidism, obstructive sleep apnea, or medications (e.g., NSAIDs, decongestants).

Key Risk Factors: Diabetes, family history, stress, and low potassium intake (WHO).

Adopt these evidence-based lifestyle changes:

• Diet: Follow the DASH diet (rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, low-fat dairy; limit sodium to <2,300 mg/day) (Mayo Clinic).
• Exercise: 150 minutes/week of moderate activity (e.g., brisk walking).
• Weight Management: Aim for BMI 18.5–24.9.
• Limit Alcohol: ≤1 drink/day for women, ≤2 for men.
• Quit Smoking: Reduces vascular damage.

Stress Management: Mindfulness, yoga, or therapy to lower cortisol levels (Lange Textbook of Clinical Pharmacology).

1. Lifestyle Modifications: First-line approach for all patients.
2. Medications(BNF Guidelines):

• Diuretics (e.g., Hydrochlorothiazide): Reduce fluid volume.
• ACE Inhibitors (e.g., Lisinopril): Relax blood vessels.
• ARBs (e.g., Losartan): Alternative to ACE inhibitors.
• Calcium Channel Blockers (e.g., Amlodipine): Improve blood flow.
• Beta-Blockers (e.g., Atenolol): Reduce heart rate.

Combination Therapy: Often required for resistant hypertension.

3. Monitoring: Regular BP checks and renal function tests.

Special Cases: Secondary hypertension may resolve by treating the underlying condition (e.g., adrenal tumor removal).

• Cardiovascular: Heart attack, heart failure, atherosclerosis.
• Neurological: Stroke, dementia.
• Renal: Chronic kidney disease.
• Ocular: Retinopathy, vision loss (WHO).

Hypertension demands proactive management through lifestyle changes, medication adherence, and regular monitoring. Early detection can prevent life-threatening complications. Check your blood pressure annually, or more frequently if at risk.

Empower yourself—knowledge and action are your best defenses