Cardiovascular Moderate Severity

Hypertension (High Blood Pressure)

Adults Both Reviewed by Quick Care Medical Team
Overview Symptoms Causes Prevention Treatment

Overview

Hypertension is a long-term condition in which blood pressure stays above normal levels. It is often called a silent condition because many people have no clear symptoms for years.

How it affects the body:

  • Damages artery walls and makes blood vessels less flexible over time.
  • Increases strain on the heart and can lead to heart failure.
  • Raises risk of stroke, kidney disease, and vision problems if untreated.

Symptoms

Many patients have no symptoms, especially in early stages.

When symptoms appear, they are often subtle and easily ignored in routine life.

Possible signs include:

  • Morning headaches
  • Dizziness
  • Blurred vision
  • Shortness of breath
  • Nosebleeds (less common)

Causes

Common risk factors and causes:

Usually, more than one risk factor is present at the same time.

  • Family history and increasing age
  • High salt intake and low physical activity
  • Overweight or obesity
  • Smoking and regular alcohol use
  • Chronic kidney disease and endocrine disorders

Prevention

Daily prevention plan:

Small consistent habits are more effective than short-term strict routines.

  • Check blood pressure regularly and keep a simple log.
  • Limit salt, processed foods, and sugary drinks.
  • Exercise at least 150 minutes per week.
  • Maintain healthy weight and sleep routine.
  • Take prescribed medicines without skipping doses.

Treatment

Treatment usually combines lifestyle measures and medicines such as ACE inhibitors, ARBs, calcium channel blockers, or diuretics, selected by a doctor.

Emergency warning signs include chest pain, severe headache, weakness on one side, or confusion.

Trusted sources: WHO Hypertension Fact Sheet, CDC High Blood Pressure, NIH/NHLBI resources.

Quick Facts
Category Cardiovascular
Severity Moderate
Age Group Adults
Gender Both
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