Nearly half of the Americans (adults), which is 122.4 million people, are living with high blood pressure (BP), according to the 2025 American Heart Association Statistical Update. This preventable condition is a major risk factor for heart disease, stroke and even premature death. Yet only a quarter take effectors to control BP. This emphasizes why early diagnosis and management are crucial. “Hypertension is called the ‘silent killer’ for a reason, too often it goes unnoticed until serious damage is done, and it accounts for nearly $50 billion in annual health care costs in the U.S.,” Stacey Rosen, M.D., FAHA, volunteer president of the American Heart Association and senior vice president of women’s health and executive director of the Katz Institute for Women’s Health of Northwell Health in New York City said.
What is high blood pressure?
High blood pressure or hypertension is a condition where the blood pressure in the vessels is too high. Consistent high blood pressure damages the arteries, leading to serious complications like a heart attack and stroke. Normal blood pressure is less than 120/80 mm Hg. Blood pressure that is consistently at or above 130/80 mm Hg is considered high blood pressure. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), about 1.28 billion adults (30–79 ) have hypertension globally.What makes this condition especially dangerous is that it is a ‘silent killer’, which means you won’t realize that you may have it until it gets diagnosed. About 46% of adults with hypertension are unaware that they have the condition. This is why regular check-ups are crucial. Catching it early is crucial for preventing the risk of chronic diseases.
Certain factors can increase the risk of hypertension. They include:
- older age
- genetics
- being overweight or obese
- not being physically active
- high-salt diet
- drinking too much alcohol
Symptoms of hypertension
Though most people do not feel any symptoms, some may experience signs such as:
- severe headaches
- chest pain
- dizziness
- difficulty breathing
- nausea
- vomiting
- blurred vision or other vision changes
- anxiety
- confusion
- buzzing in the ears
- nosebleeds
- abnormal heart rhythm
How to naturally lower blood pressure?
Adjusting some lifestyle factors can help you lower blood pressure.
- Eat a well-balanced and nutritious diet.
- Limiting salt intake.
- Regular exercise.
- Quit smoking and alcohol.
- Maintain a healthy weight.
- Reduce the intake of saturated and trans fat.
- Manage stress.
While these lifestyle changes can help you manage and lower blood pressure naturally, it is important to understand that you should continue taking the medicines prescribed by your health care professional.Disclaimer: This article is for informational and educational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. It should not be used to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any medical condition. Always seek the guidance of a qualified health care professional with any questions you may have regarding your health, a medical condition, or before starting any new treatment or lifestyle changes.
