Hypertension - The Silent Killer

Hypertension, also known as high blood pressure, is often called "the silent killer," because it is a deadly disease that shows no early symptoms. It is the single most significant risk factor for heart disease, congestive heart failure, stroke and kidney disease.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), almost a third of adults in the United States suffer from various degrees of hypertension. The latest survey lists high blood pressure as the primary or contributing cause of death for 326,000 Americans in 2006 – making it one of today's most widespread life-threatening diseases.

Hypertension affects both genders equally, although men seem to face it at an earlier age than women. Apparently, race and ethnicity also play a role. Proportionately, high blood pressure is more prevalent among African Americans than Caucasians and Hispanics.

Epidemic proportions

In a more recently conducted study, the CDC reports that nine out of ten Americans now consume around 3,500 milligrams (mg) of sodium every day, which is almost double the recommended limit.

This does not mean that Americans are too heavy-handed with the salt shaker. Most sodium comes from commonly eaten foods, like processed grains in breads, cookies, pizza, poultry and luncheon meats. Many of these items don't even taste salty. Experts say that sodium has become so pervasive in our diet that it is difficult to stay within the recommended limits, even for those who try to cut back on their intake.

What is hypertension?

Hypertension is elevated blood pressure that can develop into a chronic condition over time. Blood pressure is the force the heart must exert to circulate blood throughout the body. The more force the heart must apply to fulfill its task, the greater the risk of damage.

There are two types of hypertension – "primary" (also called "essential") hypertension and "secondary" hypertension. There are no known specific causes for "primary" hypertension. Natural factors, like age, gender, race and heredity pre-conditions may all play a role in its occurrence. Secondary hypertension, on the other hand, is caused by certain diseases and deficiencies, including kidney problems and blocked arteries.

The latter are often lifestyle-induced. Stress, anxiety, poor diets and eating habits, weight problems, lack of physical exercise, smoking and excessive alcohol and caffeine intake are all well-known culprits. While there is not much we can do about our age, gender, race and heredity health conditions, we all can make better dietary and lifestyle choices.

How is hypertension measured?

An instrument, called a sphygmomanometer, also known as a blood pressure cuff, measures blood pressure when the heart muscle contracts to push blood out into the arteries, called "systolic" pressure, and again when the heart is at rest between beats, which is called "diastolic" pressure. The test results are measured in millimeters of mercury (mm Hg). An optimal reading for adults is a systolic pressure of 120 or less and a diastolic pressure of 80 or less – or 120/80 mm Hg (systolic/diastolic mm Hg).