Hypertension

Hypertension is a serious problem because people with the condition have a higher risk for heart disease and other medical problems than people with normal blood pressure.  The American Heart Association states that people develop hypertension (also known as high blood pressure) during their lifetime, and many do not even know that they have hypertension.  Left untreated, high blood pressure can damage the eyes, kidneys, heart and brain. High blood pressure is a factor in 68 percent of all first heart attacks and 75 percent of all first strokes.   If high blood pressure is left untreated, it can cause heart attack, stroke, kidney failure, congestive heart failure and reductions in eye sight.

In more than 90 percent of all high blood pressure cases, the exact cause is unknown.  If lifestyle changes aren’t enough, medication is needed to provide adequate control. Antihypertensive medications include diuretics, beta-blockers, ACE inhibitors, angiotensin receptor blockers, calcium channel blockers and alpha-blockers.  Doctors tend to be more aggressive in using medications in people with diabetes, kidney disease or heart problems, because these people are at extra risk of developing problems from high blood pressure.

Hypertension is known as the

silent killer