Hypertension -

Blood pressure is recorded using two numbers:

With proper control, people with hypertension live as long and as well as those without it. Uncontrolled hypertension reduces life expectancy by ~5–10 years and dramatically raises disability from stroke or heart failure.

The doctor used a simple analogy: imagine a garden hose. If you put your thumb over the end, the pressure inside the hose rises. If that pressure stays high for years, the hose eventually cracks or bursts. In David's body, the "hoses" were his arteries, and the high pressure was straining his heart, kidneys, and brain. 2. The Myths Hypertension

Oral contraceptives and decongestants elevate systemic resistance. ⚠️ Symptoms and Hidden Danger Signs

Drop excess weight to lower pressure significantly. Blood pressure is recorded using two numbers: With

In the landscape of modern medicine, few conditions are as prevalent, dangerous, and widely misunderstood as hypertension. Commonly known as high blood pressure, this condition affects over one billion people worldwide. It is the leading cause of cardiovascular disease and premature death globally, claiming nearly 10 million lives annually according to the World Health Organization (WHO).

This accounts for of all cases. It develops gradually over many years with no identifiable single cause. Instead, it is believed to result from a complex interplay of genetic predisposition, lifestyle factors, and metabolic changes. Common contributing factors include: If you put your thumb over the end,

In men, high blood pressure can damage the lining of the blood vessels in the penis, causing erectile dysfunction. In women, it can lower libido and cause vaginal dryness.

| Category | Systolic (mm Hg) | | Diastolic (mm Hg) | | :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- | | | Less than 120 | and | Less than 80 | | Elevated | 120 – 129 | and | Less than 80 | | High BP (Stage 1) | 130 – 139 | or | 80 – 89 | | High BP (Stage 2) | 140 or higher | or | 90 or higher | | Hypertensive Crisis | Higher than 180 | and/or | Higher than 120 |

Note: Guidelines vary slightly (e.g., ACC/AHA vs. ESC/ISH). This uses the stricter 2017 ACC/AHA standards.

Broken retinal vessels lead to permanent vision loss.