What is Hypertension?
Hypertension is also known as high blood pressure. Blood pressure is defined as the pressure exerted against the walls of the arteries by blood as the heart pumps blood around the body.
Blood pressure is measured in both systolic blood pressure and diastolic blood pressure values.
- Systolic blood pressure- the amount of pressure in your arteries when your heart muscle contracts.
- Diastolic blood pressure- your blood pressure when your heart muscle is between beats.
For example, a blood pressure measurement may read 120/70- with the systolic value being 120mmHg and your diastolic value being 70mmHg.
What Should my Blood Pressure be?
The aim is to maintain a blood pressure reading of between 120mmHg systolic and a diastolic blood pressure under 80mmHg.
How Common is Hypertension?
A report on hypertension by the World Health Organisation estimates that 1.3 billion globally take medication for hypertension and that a significant number remain undiagnosed.
Within Australia, data form the Australian Bureau of Statistics National Health Survey, demonstrated about 1 in 3 people aged 18 and over have high blood pressure (approximately 34% of the Australian population).
Men are more likely to have uncontrolled high blood pressure than women. Within the context of men’s health, the results showed 1 in 4 men (25%) had uncontrolled high blood pressure compared with 1 in 5 (20%) women.
Men who live in rural and remote areas have higher levels of blood pressure compared to metropolitan settings.
What are the Risk Factors for Hypertension?
There are several factors (genetics and environment) which combine to affect a person’s blood pressure.
These include –
- Genetics or family history
- Exercise and activity levels.
- Diet
- Caffeine intake
- Alcohol intake
- Obesity or being overweight.
- Smoking
- Sustained levels of high stress
- (Pregnancy in females)
The good news is that many of these risk factors can be modified and reduced.
What are the Symptoms of Hypertension?
Hypertension has been described as the ‘silent killer’ as an individual is usually unaware of higher blood pressure levels until a cardiovascular event such as a heart attack or stroke occurs.
Some people do report symptoms such as –
- Blurred vision
- Bleeding nose (epistaxis)
- Chest pain (angina)
How is Hypertension Diagnosed?
The Royal Australian College of General Practitioners recommends blood pressure measurement to occur every 2 years for all persons over 18 years, and every 6-12 months for persons deemed as moderate risk.
A diagnosis of hypertension is usually based on the average of 2-3 blood pressure readings taken on separate occasions.
How is Hypertension Treated?
The definition and categories of hypertension have been evolving over the years, but there is consensus that persistent blood pressure readings of 140/90 mm Hg or more should undergo treatment with the usual therapeutic target of 130/80mmHg or less.
Treatment for hypertension involves a combination approach which will be initiated by your GP or healthcare specialist. Your doctor will also assess your overall Cardiovascular Risk Score. You can access the Australian CVD Risk Calculator here.
What are the Next Steps if Diagnosed with Hypertension?
Discuss with your GP how frequently they want to see you for blood pressure checks.
Maintain a healthy lifestyle with good nutrition, more exercise and minimalise alcohol and caffeine intake.
The Heart Foundation has an excellent factsheet (here) on hypertension that explains how to accurately measure blood pressure and keep a hypertension diary.
Real Men’s Health Takeaway
Make small but incremental changes to your diet.
Reduce salt and consider the Mediterranean Diet which has excellent effects on physical and mental health.
