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Hypertension, often referred to as high blood pressure, is a chronic condition where the force of blood against your artery walls is consistently too high. This silent killer, as it's often called, can damage your blood vessels over time and increase your risk of heart attack, stroke, and kidney disease. We have compiled all the information that you must know regarding hypertension so that you can take necessary precautions and consult a doctor timely in case the symptoms turn severe. Continue reading the blog till the end as we have also added expert tips to manage and prevent hypertension shared by our experienced cardiologist in Gurugram.
Synopsis
Understanding Blood Pressure
Blood pressure is measured in two numbers:
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Systolic pressure: The top number, indicates the pressure when your heart beats.
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Diastolic pressure: The bottom number, represents the pressure when your heart rests between beats.
A blood pressure (BP) reading of 120/80 mmHg or lower is considered normal. Hypertension is diagnosed when your blood pressure consistently measures above 130/80 mmHg.
Causes of Hypertension
While the exact cause of primary hypertension (the most common type) is unknown, several factors contribute to its development: The reason of high blood pressure may include:
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Age: The risk of hypertension increases with age.
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Family history: A family history of high blood pressure can elevate your risk.
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Obesity: Excess weight puts added strain on your heart and blood vessels.
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Lack of physical activity: Regular exercise helps lower blood pressure.
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Diet: High intake of sodium and low potassium intake can contribute to hypertension.
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Smoking: Smoking damages blood vessels and elevates blood pressure.
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Stress: Chronic stress can elevate blood pressure.
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Chronic conditions: Conditions like kidney disease, sleep apnea, and diabetes can increase the risk.
Symptoms of Hypertension
The insidious nature of hypertension is often referred to as the "silent killer" because it often doesn't cause noticeable blood pressure too high symptoms in its early stages. However, some people may experience:
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Headaches
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Why it happens: High blood pressure can increase pressure on the blood vessels in the brain, which may lead to a headache, especially if the BP is extremely high (as in hypertensive crisis).
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Type: Often described as pulsating or pressure-like, and typically felt at the back of the head or in the morning.
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Note: Mild to moderate hypertension usually doesn’t cause headaches. If you have a severe headache + very high BP, seek medical help immediately.
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Dizziness
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Why it happens: High BP can affect the brain’s blood flow, and sudden fluctuations (especially spikes) can make you feel dizzy or lightheaded.
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Caution: Dizziness could also be a side effect of BP medications or indicate another condition, like an inner ear problem or anaemia. Always check your BP during such episodes.
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Why it happens: When hypertension puts strain on the heart, it can lead to heart failure or affect lung circulation, causing breathlessness.
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When it’s serious: If shortness of breath occurs at rest or worsens while lying down, it could indicate cardiac complications. Get evaluated urgently.
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Why it happens: Very high blood pressure can cause tiny vessels in the nose to burst, especially in people with fragile blood vessels or dry nasal passages.
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Not always a sign: Nosebleeds aren’t a common symptom of mild hypertension. But if they’re frequent + BP is >180/120, it's a warning sign.
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Fatigue
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Why it happens: Chronic high blood pressure can reduce oxygen and nutrient delivery to organs, including the brain and muscles, leading to fatigue.
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Other causes: Fatigue may also result from side effects of BP medications (like beta-blockers), stress, or underlying conditions like kidney dysfunction caused by long-term hypertension.
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Consult our cardiologist in Gurugram if you are experiencing the above high blood pressure symptoms.
Complications of Hypertension
Uncontrolled hypertension can lead to serious health issues, including:
Heart attack
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How it happens: Chronic high BP causes damage to the arterial walls, making them thick and narrow due to a buildup of plaque (atherosclerosis).
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Effect: This reduces blood flow to the heart muscle. If a coronary artery becomes completely blocked, the heart muscle doesn't get enough oxygen, resulting in a heart attack.
Stroke
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How it happens: High BP can damage and weaken the arteries in the brain, making them more prone to rupture (hemorrhagic stroke) or clot formation (ischemic stroke).
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Ischemic stroke: Caused by a blocked blood vessel.
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Hemorrhagic stroke: Caused by a ruptured blood vessel.
Heart failure
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How it happens: Over time, high BP makes the heart work harder to pump blood, which leads to thickening of the heart muscles (left ventricular hypertrophy).
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Eventually, the heart becomes stiff or weak, losing its ability to pump blood efficiently — this is heart failure.
Kidney damage
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How it happens: High BP damages the small blood vessels in the kidneys, impairing their ability to filter waste and regulate fluid/salt balance.
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Results in: Protein leakage in urine, gradual loss of kidney function, and in severe cases, kidney failure (may require dialysis).
Vision problems
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How it happens: High BP damages the delicate blood vessels in the retina, the part of the eye that senses light.
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This can lead to retinal bleeding, swelling, or narrowing of arteries.
Expert Tips for Prevention and Management by our Cardiologists in Gurugram
While there's no cure for hypertension, several lifestyle changes and medical interventions can help manage it effectively:
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Healthy diet: Reduce sodium intake, increase potassium-rich foods, and focus on fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins.
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Regular exercise: Set a goal for at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise per week.
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Weight management: Losing even a small amount of weight can significantly lower blood pressure.
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Limit alcohol and caffeine: Excessive consumption can elevate blood pressure.
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Quit smoking: Smoking damages blood vessels and increases blood pressure.
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Manage stress: Practice relaxation techniques such as meditation or yoga.
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Medication: If lifestyle changes aren't enough, your doctor may prescribe blood pressure medication.
Regular blood pressure checks are essential for monitoring and managing hypertension. By adopting healthy habits and working closely with your healthcare provider, you can effectively control your blood pressure and reduce your risk of serious complications.
Consult our cardiology hospital in Gurugram if you need treatment for high blood pressure disease.
Conclusion
Hypertension is a manageable condition. With proper care and lifestyle modifications, you can lead a healthy and fulfilling life. Book a consultation with our cardiologist in Gurugram for diagnosis or personalised treatment. You can also explore our blog page to read the latest blogs on nutrition, lifestyle, diseases and treatment for accurate medical information that will help you make a timely decision.
FAQ's
Avoid adding too much table salt to the food. Avoid fried foods, fast foods, packaged foods and salted snacks
Yes, high blood pressure (hypertension) can be genetic, meaning it can run in families. If your parents or close relatives have high blood pressure, your risk of developing it is significantly higher compared to someone without a family history.
People who do not perform any physical activity, people who are obese, and people who consume a high sodium and potassium diet are at higher risk of developing this medical condition. Consuming too much alcohol may also cause hypertension.
Dangerously high blood pressure is often referred to as a hypertensive crisis — a medical emergency that requires immediate attention. There are two types of Hypertensive Crisis:
1. Hypertensive Urgency
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BP: ≥180/≥120 mm Hg with no symptoms of organ damage.
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Action: Urgent medical evaluation; may be managed with oral medication.
2. Hypertensive Emergency
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BP: ≥180/≥120 mm Hg with signs of organ damage. The symptoms may include:
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Severe headache
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Chest pain
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Shortness of breath
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Vision changes
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Confusion
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Nausea/vomiting
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Seizures
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Weakness or paralysis (stroke symptoms)
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Action: Requires immediate hospitalisation and IV medications to lower BP quickly and safely.
Systolic pressure below 120 and diastolic pressure below 80 is considered normal.
|
Stage |
Systolic BP (mm Hg) |
Diastolic BP (mm Hg) |
What It Means |
|
Normal |
Less than 120 |
and less than 80 |
Healthy BP – no treatment needed, maintain a healthy lifestyle. |
|
Elevated (Prehypertension) |
120–129 |
and less than 80 |
Not yet high BP, but at increased risk – needs lifestyle changes. |
|
Stage 1 Hypertension |
130–139 |
or 80–89 |
Early high BP – may require lifestyle changes and possibly medication. |
|
Stage 2 Hypertension |
140 or higher |
or 90 or higher |
More serious – usually needs medication plus lifestyle changes. |
Lowering blood pressure in just 5 minutes is not always possible to a safe or permanent degree, but there are quick techniques that may help temporarily reduce elevated blood pressure, especially in stress-related spikes.
Deep Breathing
Sit calmly, close your eyes. Inhale slowly through your nose for 4 seconds, hold for 2 seconds, and exhale through your mouth for 6 seconds. Do this for 3–5 minutes. This helps calm the nervous system and reduce stress-induced BP spikes.
Sit in a Relaxed Position
Sit upright with your back supported and feet flat on the floor. Avoid crossing your legs — it can raise BP slightly.
Splash Your Face with Cold Water
Cold water can stimulate the vagus nerve and help reduce heart rate and BP briefly.
Note: These are short-term, temporary strategies that may or may not be effective; hence, it is important to report high BP to a doctor and seek medical help immediately.
No, 140/90 mm Hg is not the new normal — it is still considered high blood pressure (hypertension) by most global health guidelines.
Contact Manipal Hospital to book a consultation with our best and highly experienced cardiologist in Gurugram.
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